No Boundaries

“We’ll go after the game. Together.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Really. The whole damn thing. Wreaths, that stupid green stuff.”

“Garland?” She giggled.

“Yeah, whatever the fuck it is. Ornaments. Lights. Anything you and Hunter want.”

She threw her arms around my neck and squealed. “Oh my God, I can’t believe you said yes to all of this.”

“Who doesn’t like Christmas?” I shrugged.

Truth was—I didn’t. If the Sharks played on Christmas Day it meant I could ignore the fact that all around me people were spending time together with their perfect families. Perfect presents. Perfect meals. I focused on football and nothing else.

But this year all that was different.

“He’s going to be so excited,” Julie said.

My hand slid to her ass. “And what about you?”

Her breath hitched. “Very excited.”

“You’re killing me in this jersey. I want to do so many dirty things to you right now.”

“You do?” Her eyes lit with desire.

“Fuck, yes I do. I love seeing my number stamped on your tits. Everyone in that stadium needs to know you are mine, baby.” My hand roamed under the shirt, sliding to her breasts. “But I’ve got to go.”

I couldn’t be late. I had press. Coaches meetings and then I needed to meet with the team.

She nodded sadly. “We’ll have to celebrate after Hunter goes to bed.”

My mouth landed on hers with a hungry kiss. She had no idea how we were going to celebrate. For the first time in my life I had everything I wanted. It was worth an epic, unforgettable celebration.

36

Julie

This game was more nerve-wracking than the last one. My dad was on one side of me, Hunter on the other, and Pops paced behind us. He had the hardest time watching. Every time there was a play he looked up and then started grumbling.

The Sharks were down by a touchdown with only six minutes left in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t looking good.

I had successfully downed two beers, which was two beers more than I ever drank. It still didn’t take the edge off. I was a complete wreck.

Hunter was worried too. There was a look of fear on his face. I tried to reassure him.

“Kane’s got this. Don’t worry.”

But I didn’t know what I was talking about.

“He has great receivers. Nothing to worry about,” my dad piped in.

I tried to smile, but my stomach was in knots. I wasn’t sure I wasn’t going to throw up. What did I do if they lost? How

did I help him through it? Was I built to handle this kind of pressure? I was supposed to be the support system, and yet I was barely keeping it together. Hunter needed me to stay calm and Hawk was going to need me to be his rock when this was over.

“I can’t look,” I whispered.