Page 46 of My First and Only Crush

The crowd roars.

I push at Trick. “Go. I’ll stay here and keep your baby safe.”

It’s only been three days. I have no idea if I’m pregnant or not, but I like the growly way he grabs me when I say things like that.

He yanks me against him, and I wish we had time for me to climb this oak tree of a man, but not right now. “Later,” I say breathlessly. “Go.”

He leaves, pressing his hand to his cock, and I grin and turn my attention to the crowd below.

Two minutes later, the master of ceremonies says, “We sent these men to Texas, and they came back with some really incredible trophies.”

Another roar.

“I know how long some of you have been waiting a long time to hear me introduceyourWorld Champions, so let’s not wait any longer. This is your team, and they are your champions.”

The crowd breaks out into a roar. From my perch where Trick put me, I have the perfect vantage point to see them all spill onto the stage. The cheering continues as they each take a turn holding the trophy aloft. Some of the players pull out their phones and record the crowd. Others wave and blow kisses, grinning from ear to ear.

Trick looks up at me and touches his hand to his chest.

I love you, I mouth.

He smiles and says it right back.

The team owner speaks, and then it’s my dad’s turn.

“Now let’s hear from The Arm himself, Mr. MVP, Trick Lowry!”

The crowd chantsMVP, MVP, MVP,as Trick’s teammates push him to the front of the stage.

Trick grips the microphone tightly. He glances back at his team, who all mime chugging champagne.

He grins and looks up at me. I blow him another kiss.

And then he turns to the crowd and says, “A lot of people talk about that last game. How it came down to the last out, and the last pitch. But I think about every game that came before it. For me, that’s twenty years of games that you have turned out for, and cheered this team on. Cheered me on. That kind of dedication is incredible. The real MVPs are you all. Thank you for coming out today! Thank you for all the support.”

There are two more speakers, and then confetti rains down on them, silver glittery wisps of paper.

Trick stands there for a minute, his last minute like this in the spotlight. He looks bashful, and happy, and I press my hands to my chest, wanting to never forget this for him.

Then he takes his hat off, shakes off the confetti, and makes a beeline for me.

I meet him at the doorway. He’s slightly out of breath. I think he ran up the stairs this time.

He sweeps me into his arms. “And now I get to take you home.”

* * *

CHAPTER19

TRICK

We take a private plane to Wyoming that night. I’ve kept my return top-secret for now. There will be opportunities later to celebrate the win with my extended family, and the people of both Wildflower Hollow and Climax Springs, the closest towns to my ranch an hour outside of Laramie.

But tonight, I want to be alone with my bride-to-be.

My ranch manager, Raul, is waiting for us at the airfield. He tips his hat to Sinclaire when I introduce them, then hands over the keys to my truck. He’ll return to the ranch with one of the hands who followed him to the airport.

I help Sinclaire into the passenger seat, making sure she’s buckled in.

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