Page 131 of Secret Love

“Look at you, having the moves even when you’re still healing from surgery.”

He tugs me against him and I slide my hands up his chest and around his neck.

“We’ll dance again, I promise,” he says, leaning his forehead against mine. “I don’t know if I’ll get to play football again, but Irefuseto miss out on dancing with you.”

I swallow the lump that rises in my throat. “I want you to have everything you wish for, Henley. Football, no more pain, dancing the night away…everything you dream of, I want that for you.” A tear drips down my face and his thumb swipes it away.

“I do have everything I’ve dreamed of,” he says. “I’ve found a love I never thought I’d have…with you. My girls love me and still put up with me,” he laughs, “and the guys and their kids are still a huge part of my life, which is how I hope to keepit. Everything else feels…well, way down the list in terms of importance.Youare what I dream of.” His voice is gravelly and another tear slides down my cheek. “Damn, tiny dancer, you’re breaking my heart. Do you have any idea how happy you make me?”

I hold my fingers up close together. “A little bit. Because you make me so happy.”

“I’m going through this crazy transition where life is looking different and I’m making my peace with it. I didn’t want to put you through my mess, but…” His smile grows and that mischief in his eyes is back. “Those nights without you were what felt like hell on earth. Once you let me know you’re not going anywhere, I knew I didn’t need another day out on that field to be happy. You and me. Our family and friends. That’s all I need.”

I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his cheeks and the side of his lips on either side.

“I.”

Kiss.

“Love.”

Kiss.

“You.”

Kiss.

“Henley.”

Kiss.

“Ward.”

When I finally kiss him full on the mouth, he’s more than ready for me. He growls into my mouth, deepening the kiss. We kiss and kiss, our bodies suctioned together as close as we can get. I break away, panting, and smile when I see the desire in his expression.

“Take me home, Tru Seymour. I don’t want to stop kissing you.”

“Home.I love that plan.”

EPILOGUE

THE FULL GAMUT

HENLEY

We lost the game yesterday. We’re at Luminary in our private room, the mood somber. The Single Dad Playbook sits in the middle of the table.

“You’re looking good these days, man,” Rhodes tells me.

“Thanks. I’m feeling good,” I tell him.

“Are you really?” Bowie asks. “Your leg’s feeling better?”

I pause. Because the truth of the matter is, my leg is still giving me fits every damn day.

Bowie’s face clouds. “You don’t have to answer that.”

“No, it’s okay. I wanted to talk to you guys about all of this,” I say.

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