Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

He sees me and rushes over, lifting me in the air and pumping his own fist. He and Mathis give multiple high fives as I beat on his helmet in celebration. The crowd is insane, which fuels our excitement. It seems to go on forever, but in actuality, it’s only about ten seconds.

But in that ten seconds, I forget everything.

I forget my jersey reads ‘C. Bennett’.

I forget I’m wearing an engagement ring the size of Texas.

I forget the cameras and live television coverage.

I also forget who is watching and how much she hates me.

Chapter 31

Shaw

“Man, I’m sorry. It slipped out. The energy was fucking unreal. It was unlike anything that I’ve ever experienced.”

“Nick, you solidified your place as the number one quarterback in the league yesterday. My phone started going crazy the second we got home last night. You’re about to be big time, brother, so get ready.”

“No shit?”

“No shit. I’ll have my PR team get started on fielding the offers, and we’ll sit down at the end of the week. Until then, push anyone who contacts you to my office. We need to space this out and make sure your popularity grows through the playoffs. If we go to the Super Bowl, this will be a huge chance at marketing.”

“There is no ‘if’, it’s when we go to the Super Bowl.”

“Keep that attitude, kick ass, and ride the high. I’ll handle the rest.”

“Seriously, I’m sorry about announcing to the whole world you’re engaged. Like I said, it slipped out.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not a secret.”

“Yeah, but Bizzy probably wants to kill me.”

I chuckle and pick up the sports section lying on the seat beside me. The stories all reference Nick’s turnaround performance yesterday. “No, she doesn’t want to kill you. She may be a little embarrassed, since the video of you two is being spotlighted on every local news station and on the recurring replay on SportCenter. She’s not used to seeing herself on TV. Not to mention the headlines in today’s paper.”

“I haven’t even picked up a paper today. What’s it say?”

I scan the stories and choose my favorite. “I quote ‘During a critical fourth quarter play, Nick Bennett looked around for a receiver, and when he saw an opening, he ran for it. His team held back the defense as he sailed into the end zone, effectively giving Miami the game-winning touchdown. But it was what happened after the play that left the nation with the burning question. Who is the woman he ran to?

There was no denying the

love between them and speculation flew as they celebrated. With his name on her back and an enormous sparkling diamond, we were left to wonder if the bachelor quarterback was off the market.

When asked about this mystery woman, Nick responded with this remark:

That is my best friend and my inspiration. She’s been my rock for so long and overcome so many obstacles, especially recently. I can’t exactly explain it. I had the play in my head, but before the ball snapped, I looked over and saw her smiling at me, and I knew I had to make the touchdown. When it was done, I went to her. The best part of it all is she’s agreed to marry my brother so, in a way, this was for both of them.’ End quote.”

“Damn, I’m smooth.”

“You’re lucky is what you are. I should kill you. Brother or not, I’m still a jealous fucker. Fortunately, she made it up to me.”

“Fuck! You’ve got to stop that shit. I’ve accepted this, but I don’t need visuals.”

“Learn to keep your hands to yourself.”

“Where is Bizzy this morning?”

“I just left her at her apartment after we met with the packers. I had a driver come get me and bring me into the office, so she could have my car.”