Page 104 of It's Always Us

Chapter 30

MARK

Who in the hell invited Carlos?

We were teammates, but we’re not friends. He’s a partier, can be a hothead on the field, and overall, I don’t care for his wiseass face. He’s a showboat with the attitude of a peacock—loud and egotistical.

Right now, he needs to quit eyeing Lex like he’s TMZ’s newest employee. The ugly smirk that tugs at his lips has my hand curling into a ball, and I want to punch it off his face.

“What’s up, Carlos?” I ask, not answering his question and getting his attention off Lex. Rochelle doesn’t flinch, keeping her dark dagger eyes aimed straight at her.

“Ahhh. I think I should be asking you. Heard you left the team. Just walked away. That was a ballsy move.” He sucks his teeth. “How’s the shoulder?”

I let my head fall to the side. This dick is trying to get a rise out of me. “Ah, now, Carlos, I appreciate your concern, but none is needed. I know what I’m doing.”

He laughs, scratching his nose.

“I don’t know. Seems to me you left some pretty great things behind in New York,” Rochelle says, her eyes moving from me to Lex. “It’s a shame. You can’t fix that kind of mistake.”

I can tell she thinks she’s included, and I want to laugh, but I’ve burned enough bridges recently. I can’t help the small sliver of dread, sinking like a rock in my gut. It’s possible I walked away from the gamealtogether that day in New York. That it was the end, and I didn’t even know it.

I pull Lex in front of me and surround her because I have no doubt she’ll try to shrink away under their intense scrutiny. It’s not happening on my watch. Plus, I need her close to remind me why I’m doing this and what’s most important.

“I did leave some really great things behind in New York. Lots of good memories, a great team, and an organization that supported me.” I kiss the top of Lex’s head, needing her to hear this. “But it was time to move on. My life isn’t there anymore.”My whole world is right here, tucked between my arms.

Rochelle smiles, but it’s one of those fake, taunting smiles to inform me that I’m an idiot. “We’ll see how long it lasts this time.” She gives Lex another unimpressed once over, and I’m done here. “Unfortunately, it’ll be too late.”

I want to respond, but for the first time in my life nothing comes out. The fear of it being the end growing too fast for my cover to keep up with.

Maybe Lex senses it because she shifts in my arms. “When Mark wants something, he gives it his all, nothing less.” She runs a hand over her round stomach. I’m not sure if it’s subconsciously or if my girl has grown a pair in the last eight years, but I freaking love it. “He knows what he’s doing.” She tips her chin up and kisses the corner of my mouth, making me smile. “I have to find the bathroom.”

“You good?” I ask in her ear.

She nods, and I watch this amazing woman weave through the crowd. Her faith in me has never changed. It’s never faltered, and it’s everything I need.

The Lex I said goodbye to years ago was quiet and shy. The woman she’s grown into is still reserved, but there’s a humble tenacity that’s new, and it’s breathtaking.

“I like her.” Macgowen bumps my arm, stepping in front of Carlos and blocking him out. “I’m happy for you, man. It was time for you to settle down. Hang in there. Teams will show up. You’ve got too much left to give.”

I hope he’s right, but things are pretty bleak at the moment. Carlos and Rochelle sniff around for a bit before they head off to find anothergroup to piss on. I talk with Macgowen and the guys about the Pro Bowl, wondering if this will all be the last of it for me.

The band moves from one song to another, and my eyes roam the area, searching for Lex. When the song finishes, and she hasn’t returned, a prickle of panic rolls through me.Was this all too much for her? Did Carlos and Rochelle make her second-guess things? Did she leave?Shit.

I check my phone. Nothing. My stomach hits the concrete, and I set my glass on the bar. “Sorry, guys, I’ve got to—”

“Hey, man.” Frank rejoins the group. “Your wife is outside,” he laughs, shoving his phone in his pocket. “I was making a call, and a bus broke down. It’s holding up all the traffic. Cars are backing up, and drivers are pissed. One lane and no way around. She was heading over to check it out.”

My lungs expand with relief, washing the fear away. “I’m going to see if she needs help.”

“You,help . . . with a bus?” Macgowen chuckles. “All right, man. I like this look on you. Find me at the game.”

I slap his hand, unable to help the shit-eating grin on my face. I push my way through people who call my name like they know me. I don’t stop for photos or autographs, wanting to find out exactly what Lex is getting her hands into.

When I step past security, I see her. She’s standing on the driver’s side tire, her long blonde hair pulled over her shoulder, peering into the popped hood of the black, luxury party bus. Her tight dress, hugging every glorious curve, and her growing belly clearly getting in the way.

I snap a quick pic. The sight of her working does crazy things to me, and I will never ever get enough of it. Seeing her at work with my babies in tow brings it to a whole new level.

A horn blares and I’m pulled from checking out my wife. Drivers of backed-up cars sit waiting, phones in hand or pressed to their ears, while Lex inspects the bus.

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