Page 83 of Teasing

A flash of heat warms my face as I remember the way he bitmelast night.

So hot.

“Emmy,” he groans, no doubt knowing where my mind just drifted. “Open the bag.”

“Fine,” I pout. “But for argument’s sake, you are one memorable man, Maverick Beneventi.” I kiss the bottom of his jaw and drop his hand just before he grabs my face and presses an absolutely breathtaking kiss against my lips.

“I’m the only man you’re ever going to need to remember. Now open the bag.”

My heart cracks wide open as if to tell my brain yes—yes, he is.

Instead of saying that, I pull the glittery white tissue paper from the bag, then reach in and grab the folded soft material from the bottom and pull it out. “Maverick...”

Emotion laces my voice.

I hold the Kings jersey up between us and literally have no words.

Because it’s not just any Kings jersey. It’shisKings jersey.

The number99sits in big, bold, gold numbers beneathBeneventi.

“I thought maybe you’d want to wear that today, and maybe you could bring Rosie to the game. I’ve already spoken with my parents and the caterers. The suite will be allergy-free and Rosie-friendly. And my mom is excited to see you again.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, and there are so many questions hiding behind those three words.

Are you sure you’re ready for Rosie to be there?

Are you sure you want me in a suite with your family?

Are you sure you want your name on my body?

Are you sure about this? About us? About me?

Mav presses his lips to my forehead, calming my racing mind. “Yeah, baby. I’m sure.”

MAVERICK

I choose violence. From the first down until the clock runs out.

—Maverick’s Secret Thoughts

With the sun beating down and the crowd filing in, I run my hand over the turf like I do before every game. One minute to remind myself how fucking grateful I am to be here, on this field, playing this game.

There’s no better high than taking in Kings Stadium on game day.

Seventy thousand people filling it—screaming for their team.

My team.

This is why I do what I do.

Why I lift year-round.

Why I run when I’m tired.

Why I eat what they tell me to when I’d rather starve than shovel that shit in most days.

Because days like today, I get to be a gladiator, and this is my coliseum.

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