And the look Grandpa gave Grandma.
I know this look well because, in my mind, I’m retuning it to him.
“I love you, Nick,” slips out of my mouth before I can stop it.
His eyes start to shine a crystal blue, and he nips gently on my lips once more. “You stole my line.”
“I did?”
“You did. So I need to steal it back. I don’t only love you; I’m in love with you. You are my world. If someone asked me who my soulmate is, I’d describe you down to the fucking pink polish on your toes. Every single thing that makes Grace Rae Monroe is what I was put on this earth to love. When I was fourteen and fighting for my life, there were some really hard times. But I’d gladly go through them again and again, knowing that I’d be here with you in my arms eleven years later.”
My heart starts to ache, and the damn burst, tears flowing freely down my face. He kisses them away, pressing close.
“Now, we’re going to go home and find a bed, so I can show you how I feel. And I can promise you it’ll take a lot longer than three minutes.”
“Charmer.” I smile through my tears.
“Only for you, Sweet Peach. Only for you.”
Chapter 21
Nick
Losing sucks.
Losing to Buffalo on the road, then facing the week of scrutiny before another road game fucking sucks.
Coaches, trainers, reporters, and league personnel—all of them want some kind of answers. And they expect me to give them. I’ve had a week of playing the ‘woulda, coulda, shouda’ game. Coaches may pretend to shake off a loss with the standard statement, “We’re looking forward, not backward,” which is a lie.
Because if that were true, I’d be with my family right now in a nice hotel, instead of sitting in this room. Better yet, I’d be with Grace.
“Anything you can add, Bennett?” our defensive coordinator asks.
“Nothing more than I’ve already told you. Reed Matthews had already graduated when I started on the team. He’s quick and has chemistry with the quarterback. Defense needs to be ready.”
Eddie and Gade both give me fist bumps, knowing we have the same chemistry on the field. It’s also a show of support.
Reed Matthews also played football at FSU, training and learning from the same coaches who taught me. So, naturally, the team has questioned me about his techniques. Since Jacksonville isn’t a conference game, this is the first time we’re meeting on the field since I was drafted.
Coach finally calls the meeting, reminding us we’re under curfew and lockdown tonight.
I press send on a text message I’ve been waiting to send for the last thirty minutes.
We’re done. Meet me at my hotel.
SP- On our way! Love you
We all shuffle out, going to our respective rooms to do God knows what until we leave for the stadium tomorrow. An eight p.m. curfew leaves a lot of downtime tonight. Luckily, I’ll have my family to help pass the time. Shaw, Bizzy, Mathis, Claire, and Grace all flew in this morning and checked into a different hotel.
Fucking Shaw. This is where the line between brother and agent is drawn. He knew we were going on lockdown and made sure Grace couldn’t be a distraction. I was pissed. I wanted her at least in the same hotel, but she agreed with him, promising me a full night of celebration once we got home. I had no choice but to accept the decision.
On the way to the elevator, a group of us pass the restaurant, which is packed with traveling fans. Heads turn, recognizing us, and the shouts start.
“You got this!”
“Get out there and show ‘em how it’s done!”
“Gunslinger!”