The Pickup (Imperfect Love 1)

“I don’t give a fuck about the money. I meant it when I said we’re in this together. I’m not going anywhere without you.” His lips meet mine for a kiss, but before it can go any further, his cell phone rings. “Speak of the villain.” He answers the phone. I try to move off him, but his fingers grip my hips, silently telling me not to go anywhere.

“Dad, I’m assuming you’re calling to tell me you fixed the mix-up.” He pauses for a long moment while he listens to whatever his dad is saying. “That’s good for you, since you’re going to need to keep your license to make more money to get yourself out of the hole you created. All the money Mom stole from me, you two will be repaying.”

I don’t hear what his dad says on the other line, but Nick shakes his head. “You know, Dad, you spent so much time chasing all the wrong things in life: money, respect, success. And while you were so busy chasing those things, you didn’t even realize you were leaving your son behind. I kept chasing you, trying to catch up, but you never once stopped for me. So, now you have not only lost all of your money, but you’ve lost me, and let’s be real, you barely even have mom now that you’re broke. I hope it was all worth it. The one thing I’ve learned is all of those things you were chasing aren’t worth a damn if you don’t have anyone to share them with. Good luck in life, Dad.”

He ends the phone call and drops it onto the couch cushion, his head falling against my chest. My fingers run through his hair while I wait for him to gather himself together. I can’t even imagine what’s going through his head right now. He’s disowned both of his parents in a matter of minutes.

“He got me out of the contract. I’m a free agent. LA said the offer is still on the table, though, if I want it. I have twenty-four hours to decide what I want to do, but there are a few other teams who have made offers as well.”

“And what is it you want to do?”

“I need to know something…before we go any further.” He moves me off his lap and sets me on the sofa next to him. Then he pulls something out of his pocket…a box…a ring box! He kneels in front of me on the floor, his bright green eyes sparkling as he smiles nervously up at me. “If I have to move, whether it’s to California or Texas or…I don’t know…Florida. Will you go with me? Will you continue writing this book with me as my wife? Because Liv, I’m not ready for our story to end yet. Olivia Harper, will you marry me and keep our story going no matter where it takes us?”

He opens the box, which holds a beautiful diamond ring, and his eyes lock with mine as he waits for my answer. My brain tries to think logically—rationally—weighing the pros and cons to determine the right decision. But my heart speaks louder, winning over. The fact is I would follow this man anywhere he goes because I love him. He’s buried himself deep into the valves of my heart, and it can’t beat without him. He makes me want to fight.

“My happily-ever-after is wherever you are. If it means we move then Reed and I will be right there beside you. Yes, I’ll marry you.” I throw myself into his arms, and he kisses me hard.

Then he pulls back and puts the ring on my finger. “Good because we’re moving to Montana.”

“Montana?” I question. “They don’t even have a football team.”

Nick’s shoulders shake with laughter. “I’m glad you know your football. I’m just kidding. We’re staying right here in New York. But I should warn you…money is going to be a bit tight. New York could only do a five year, eighty-million-dollar contract.”

I sigh. “However will we live off that? It’s a good thing your soon-to-be wife is loaded. Don’t worry, baby, I’ll be your sugar mama.” I give him an over exaggerated wink, and he throws his head back in laughter.

“I’ve never had a sugar mama before. What do I have to do in return?” Nick pulls me down onto the floor with him, my legs straddling his lap.

“In return?”

“You know…in exchange for you taking care of me. What do you want?” His lips move to my neck, and I tilt my head slightly to give him access.

“Hmm…sex. Whenever I want.”

“Mmm…I like the sound of that.” He continues kissing upward, landing on the sensitive flesh behind my ear. “What else?”

“I want a house. A big one with at least five bedrooms.”

“Oh, really? Do we get to fill this bigger house with more babies?”