Page 70 of Calling the Shots

“You know it.” I smile up at him as a tidal wave of happiness washes over me.

I love this man.

He’s strong, yet gentle. Warm, but tough when he needs to be. And he gets me, truly gets me. Because of course I’m picking tacos.

“I love you.” The words slip out of my mouth before I can stop them, a bolt of panic racing through me.

Because what if it’s too soon?

“I love you too, Gracelyn.” Mack snakes his hand around the nape of my neck, bringing his lips down to mine in a soft, slow kiss.

A kiss that means something.

This man is it for me.

Pure, unadulterated joy floods through me, and I’m soaring, my entire body light and airy and bright. I’ve never felt like this before, so free and happy.

“Thanks for an amazing date,” I murmur against his lips.

“You’re welcome. I know it’s nothing fancy, but I wanted to spend time with you. Just the two of us.” He cups my cheek with his large palm and I melt into him.

“Well, the two of us and half of Thunder Creek,” I giggle as one of the kids whizzes by, laughing and screaming.

His laugh rumbles through me, vibrating against my chest. “Figured I needed to let everyone in town know you’re off the market.”

He winks and it’s official—I’ve never been happier in my life.

CHAPTER23

MACK

The next few weeks pass in a haze of Gracelyn, football, and more Gracelyn.

I don’t know what it is about her, but I can’t get enough.

Enough of her laugh, her smile, her fucking amazing body.

I love watching her come undone, chest flushing the prettiest shade of pink, chill bumps rising on her arms. The way she shivers beneath my touch, then begs for more.

Harder, faster, deeper.

But even more than that, I love talking to her, spending time with her. She’s funny and cute and spunky.

Firecracker.

I’ve hardly spent any time with the guys, and they’re starting to give me a hard time about it. Especially Baker.

“Yo, Mack—coming out tonight? We haven’t had a chance to hang in forever.” Baker raises a brow at me from across the coaches office.

“It has been a while.” I huff out a breath, debating my evening plans. I have missed a lot of boys’ nights lately, and this could be one of our last chances before Baker becomes a dad.

Baker holds up his hands. “Lindsey’s feeling good at the moment and I have the green light on Mustang’s. So what do you say—you coming?” He shoots me a hopeful look, and I nod.

“Yeah, I’ll come.”

“Yes!” Baker pumps his fist in the air, a broad grin lighting up his face. “Carter’s meeting us there. He had a dean’s meeting, but he said he’s coming.”

“Okay, I’ll see you over there in a few.”

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