Page 139 of Breaking Rules

“I’ll tell you when it’s just us.” She brings her mouth to mine and slips her tongue between my lips.

Fuck. Controlling myself around my girl has proven to be impossible.

“Hey, lovebirds.” Carter’s booming voice brings us back to reality. “It’s time for pictures, and we need our star quarterback.”

I bring Bella’s hands to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “Will you be okay?”

“Of course.” She grins. “See you later.”

“We’re headed to Audrey’s, I guess. She planned a small get-together.”

“Oh.” Bella worries her lip, brows pinched. “Okay, I’ll find Ben and Tom and say bye.”

“Why don’t they come with us?”

“Ben made a reservation at some fancy restaurant he’s been dying to try.” She takes a step back. “Go. I’ll figure everything out. Don’t worry.”

“Love you,” I murmur.

Her lips stretch into a gorgeous smile. “Love you too.”

* * *

The next hourpasses in a blur. Picture after picture. Interview after interview. At the end of it all, I’m stumbling around in a daze, so much so that I genuinely wonder why the field isn’t green. Good thing I keep my question to myself, because once I blink away my dizziness, I realize it’s confetti.

“You know what I’m the most excited about?” Garcia asks as I pass him on my way out of the stadium. He has his arm wrapped around Meg. “Super Bowl rings!”

I snort, though I’m excited for that too.

“I can get behind that,” I say as we fist-bump. “See you guys.”

The moment Bella comes into view—sitting in the car we rented—all my tiredness disappears. She’s here, waiting for me. My girl… The concentrated look on her face is my addiction.

“Hey, you.” I climb into the car, catching sight of the book in her hands. It’s filled with colorful tabs, as if she’s found something interesting on every page. “Sorry you had to wait so long. Hope you weren’t too bored.”

“Nah, I had my book boyfriend to keep me entertained.” She twists at the waist and sets the book in the backseat. “Ready?”

“Book boyfriend?” I eye her, fighting the urge to pick up the book and flip through it.

“Jealous?” She waggles her brows. “Actually, I was reading about the history of American interior design.” She pulls her seat belt across her torso and clicks it into place. “Thank you for picking this car instead of the fancy one your agent insisted on.”

“Your love for simple things amazes me. You could have it all, yet you’re always so content with the understated. It’s one of my favorite things about you.”

“I hope so. For a second, I thought you were judging me,” she remarks.

“Never.” I put my palm on her thigh. “You’re remarkable.”

* * *

During the hourlongdrive to Audrey’s place, Bella asked a million questions about what it was like on the field.

“Were Tom and Ben okay without us?” I ask as we walk hand in hand to Audrey’s front door.

“I’m pretty sure they were grateful to have a break from us.”

“Ouch. I thought they loved me.” I bring a hand to my heart and wince.

Bella smacks my forearm. “They do, but they don’t love all the attention you attract.”

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