Page 89 of Winning the Nightcap

“Tonya, what are you doing here? How did all this happen?” I ask.

She beams at me. “It’s incredible, right? A few weeks ago, the team’s community outreach liaison called me saying they were looking for a local shelter to partner with for today’s game. We made some commitments, and we’re setting up a contract to be community partners for the remainder of the season. If things go well, it might extend to next season too. Can you believe that?”

I shake my head, speechless. Because I absolutely can’t believe it.

“I can’t tell you how relieved I am. I was worried for a while we’d have to start cutting staff and limit the number of animals we brought in. This popped up right in time.” There are tears in her eyes as she speaks. My gut twists knowing how much heart Tonya puts into her work at New Hope and how stressed she must have been facing this alone.

“I didn’t realize things were hitting that point. Tonya, you could have told us, you didn’t have to carry this alone,” I say.

“Of course I did. It’s my job. I didn’t want to alarm anyone until we knew for sure what needed to happen. But no matter, it’s behind us now. I’m not going to let yesterday’s struggle dull the shine of today’s opportunity.”

That’s the thing about Tonya, nothing ever stops her. A nonprofit like hers is fueled by crappy coffee and the pure determination of her and the team. My heart swells knowing all the good she’s going to do with this type of financial stability for her organization.

“Well, I better be off. I’ll see you next week.” After a quick hug, I watch her prance away to meet with more of the event staff.

“Excuse me, I don’t normally do this, but you might be the hottest fan I’ve ever seen in this stadium. Wanna come home with me later so I can peel these shorts off this perfect ass?” The rumble of Aiden’s voice in my ear sends shivers up my spine as he steps behind me and grabs my hips.

I turn to face him and don’t bother to correct Hop’s behavior when he jumps all over Aiden out of excitement. Aiden laughs and kneels to give Hopper attention. “Always the cock block,” Aiden jokes quietly.

“Aiden, did you do this?” I ask, ignoring his playful greeting.

I need to know.

He stands and hugs me close with his hand at the base of my neck. “Do you always look this beautiful when you’re surprised? I gotta admit, I like seeing you a little flustered.”

“How?”

He shrugs casually. “The team is always looking for local programs to support. All it took was a meeting with our community liaison. It wasn’t much, I promise. The guys who came with me to the adoption event vouched for the organization too. It was an easy call for them to make.”

“Wh-why?” I managed to whisper.

His smile fades and it takes him a minute to find the words he’s looking for.

“You’re important to me. New Hope is important to you. I’m in a position to help. Why wouldn’t I do this?”

“That simple?”

“That simple,” he says.

When he leans down to kiss me, it almost makes me believe him. Maybe it really is that simple. Two people caring for one another, supporting each other. I help take care of Hopper when he’s gone. He helps the shelter I adore get the donations it needs.

But maybe it’s more.

Maybe I want it to be more.

Does he feel this too? Is he craving my touch like I’m craving his? Is his day starting to revolve around the time we have together like mine is? Is he overthinking every gesture wondering if whatever we have between us is what people spend their lifetime searching for?

“I’m almost scared to ask based on your reaction to the first surprise,” he says against my lips when he pulls away from our kiss. “But will you come out on the field with Hopper and me?”

“Oh, isn’t that just for families?”

He looks almost hurt for a moment, before he recovers with that easy smile of his.

“Do me a favor and don’t overthink it. I want you with us.”

“Still that simple?” I tease.

“That simple,” he says with a smirk.

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