Page 50 of Chasing Football Dreams

"I am at the college gridiron,"

"Zoey, what's going on?"

"The results came back," I sniffled, wiping away a stupid tear escaping from my eye.

"I am coming to get you," He didn't hesitate.

I dropped the call, not having to wait too long as he showed up almost instantly. He got out met me on the sidewalk and took me in his arms. Relief washed over me as I was safe and with someone who believed me.

"Come on, let's get you home," he said, taking my bags from me and opening the door for me to get in.

He took my hand in his as he drove us home, rubbing comfortable circles on my hand. No words needed to be exchanged. The silence was strong enough to reassure me.

He let me take a shower in peace while he reheated dinner. I got dressed in one of his shirts and met him downstairs sitting on the porch. There was always something beautiful about his naked back. Maybe it had to do with his hard work keeping lean and bulked.

He glanced over his shoulder when he heard me coming down the stairs. He pushed to his feet, and I had to clamp my lips shut to stop me from moaning at the sight of him. Every day I get reminded of how lucky I am to be given such a talented man who does not have a gorgeous body but who loves me for me.

"My mom made her famous Lasagna," He pulled out a chair for me and placed a plate down in front of me. "And she made me take dessert as well since you like sweet things,"

I rolled my eyes and scoffed. "I think you are referring to yourself,"

He pressed a kiss to my temple as he sheepishly chuckled. "I don't know if it is a good or bad thing that you know me so well,"

I chuckled softly, humming at the first bite of Lasagna I forked into my mouth.

"Are we going to talk about why you were at the gridiron?" Duncan asked when he sat down next to me.

"I felt since I got these memories of us playing ball together, I wanted to experience it in real life," It was fun and experienceable to have spent some quality time together. I always looked up to him as a player who has achieved the unthinkable.

"We were having fun until his friend; Benjamin Forte arrived and accused me of playing games,"

Duncan's hand froze midway as he stared at me unblinking. "The same misogynistic guy who questioned your position on the team?"

I nodded.

He rolled his eyes. "Don't listen to that asshole. He doesn't have a clue of what you went through or who you are. Don't let his dimwitted comments get to you,"

"He grabbed me,"

Duncan's whole demeanor changed from showing gentleness to dark. "Did he hurt you?" He dropped his fork and pushed to his feet.

I shook my head. "I shoved him away from me," I pulled the sleeve back to show him where he grabbed me. There were no traces of where he grabbed me even though I could still feel his fingers piercing into my arm.

Duncan gently took my arm in his hands and rubbed his thumbs over my skin. I frowned when it felt tender.

"If he so much comes near you again, I will hurt him," Duncan growled, exhibiting his protective side.

I was shocked to learn that he could be this vigilant. I didn't feel scared that he cared so deeply for me that he wanted to protect me.

"I know," I rested my hand on his cheek. "I am starting to regret that I've looked into my case. I wish I could undo theselast couple of months. I just want to be the girl you bumped into and spill coffee over. I don't want to be in the spotlight as Shane Martin's daughter,"

"I just want to be me, and have a life I never had,"

Chapter Twenty-Five

"Burger. No fries. And coffee black,"

"Sure thing," I noted with a smile and headed to hand in the order.

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