Page 70 of 5 Golden Flings

Harry just shook her head. “But do you?”

Noah rolled his eyes. Ed leaned into the fray and said, “Harriet, leave the children alone,” as he moved them gracefully away.

Autumn could feel the words rumble through Noah’s chest as he pulled her tight against his body. “One thing, she isn’t, is subtle.”

She couldn’t stop a chuckle. “True.”

“But she also isn’t wrong. We are perfect together. Always have been.”

Tightness constricted Autumn’s throat. Using their joined hands, Noah eased her back so he could peer down at her. His face was solemn and honest. His mouth opened, but before any words could come out the phone in his breast pocket vibrated.

He ignored it, but several seconds later the buzzing started again.

“I’m sorry,” he said, taking a step away to pull it out and glance at the screen. A frown jerked his eyebrows low. With a distracted glance her way, he said, “Apparently, I need to take this,” before spinning on his heel and leaving her standing alone in the middle of the dance floor.

It wasn’t that she cared, not really. But an uneasy feeling slid through her belly. Left her restless.

Noah crossed the quiet lobby, leaving behind the music, noise and satisfaction of having Autumn in his arms.

He had no idea why his agent was calling him – repeatedly – right now. Part of him wanted to ignore Matt. But clearly, the man wasn’t willing to be ignored since he’d already called twice and left a message instructing him to call immediately.

Opening the door to Autumn’s office, he slipped inside, not bothering to flip on the lights. Crossing to the wall of windows, he stared out over the lake as he hit the button to return Matt’s call.

The other man didn’t even bother with a greeting. “Noah, I’m sorry to interrupt, I know the anniversary party is tonight, but this couldn’t wait.”

“What the heck is going on, man?”

“Seattle wants you.”

“Excuse me?” Noah felt like he’d taken a blow to the gut. The room spun. Reaching blindly behind him, he grasped Autumn’s desk chair and spun it so he could plop down.

“Seattle wants you. But they want you starting next week. They know you’re not ready to get back on the field, but part of what they’re interested in is your mentoring skills and reputation as a team captain. You can do that from the sidelines and locker room. New England is willing to release you early to clear the way for you to make the move.”

He had no idea what to say. The idea of being part of a team again… God, he missed that feeling. The camaraderie, the teasing and good times. The shared misery after a rough game or practice. The joy of success.

In his mind, he’d given all of that up. Everything.

But now, it was right back in front of him. Possibilities he’d never expected to have again.

“Seattle? That’s so far away.”

Matt scoffed. “What difference does it make? We both know you’re not the kind to grow roots. You can be just as happy and comfortable there as you are now. Both places have airports.”

A week ago, Noah would have agreed with him. But now…his gaze glanced around Autumn’s office, taking in the line of snow globes high on the shelf. The binders and papers. The scent of her that lingered in the chair.

The Christmas ornament his grandmother had given her days ago sat atop the desk. Noah reached for it, slowly turning it over so he could watch the glitter of snow cascade over the scene.

Seattle was an entire country way from South Carolina.

“I need your answer tonight.”

“What do you mean you need an answer tonight? I need some time to think about this, Matt. Picking up and moving to Seattle is a big deal, especially if they want me there next week.”

“What’s there to think about? This keeps you in the game, man. At least for a few more years. We both know you’ll never play like you used to, but you can still have some time. Time to go out on your terms, not because you’re being forced out.”

“I guess.” Even as the words left his mouth, Noah shook his head. Something about this didn’t feel right.

Something scraped against the floor behind him. Noah jerked around to find Autumn standing in the open doorway. Light from the hallway spilled around her, bathing her in a halo that highlighted her expression.

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