Page 23 of My Fair Player

“You?” Adrian laughed and then sobered up, grabbing her arm and staring at her. “Wait… you really did? You married the tall drink of water with the highlights? Mr-Fabio-on-Ice? You married him?”

“I did,” she replied and surprisingly felt proud, saying she was Liam’s wife because he was turning out to be such a nice guy.

He was gentle, never pressed her for anything, and was such a kind person, protecting her in that awful interview and the volume of phone calls that came with it from neighbors and friends who had seen them. He fielded several calls before unplugging the house phone. She had been so touched to see how he interacted with some of his coworkers, spoketo the children at the event, and how, even though he was nervous – he managed to hide his feelings. The man was insecure, and a part of her wondered if it was because of something from his past, making her hesitate as she looked at her phone again.

And now, he'd paid off her credit card.

For her.

She would not get upset at him doing something for her, dismissing his unexpected gift. He had to know that she would find out eventually, and maybe he was waiting for the blowback. He’d been quiet, offering up a simple ‘Be safe out there’comment as she left for work, and tonight, he had his first game.

This was his first official game – and she wasn’t going to be there.

“Excuse me,” she began, looking at Adrian. “Next flight, I’ll give you all the details, but I’ve got to call Liam and catch mine.”

“Go on, you…” he praised, looking thrilled for her. “I cannot wait for all the details, girl. See you soon.”

“Bye,” she whispered weakly – and then looked at her phone again, pressing ‘call’ before she had a chance to second-guess herself. She wasn’t even sure if he would answer, or if he was at practice, but before voicemail picked up… she heard the phone ring, followed by his voice.

“Ashley, what’s wrong?”

And she melted at the concern in Liam’s voice. When had anyone ever treated her so well, made attempts to take care of her without asking, and treated her like she was special? He always made sure to go out of his way, had promised to treat her like a queen, referred to her as such, and was keeping his word.

“I just wanted to hear your voice,” she admitted softly, realizing it was true. “And to tell you to have a great game tonight. I wish I could be there for you…”

“I wish you could be, too,” he said quietly, making her feel guilty. “Maybe the next game? I’d love to see my uniform on you someday, Mrs. Savage.”

“I’d be proud to wear it,” she paused for a moment, feeling emotion clog her throat. “I know about the credit card, Liam… you are the best, and I want you to know that I truly appreciate it.”

“Hey, it was nothing,” he replied, but his voice cracked slightly, and that was telling. “Husbands take care of wives, you know? I’m not paying you rent, so I figured I’d help somehow, even if it’s for just ninety days.”

“You are an amazing temporary husband,” she chuckled emotionally, realizing she hoped that maybe he would stay for a little longer than those ninety days.

“I do my part,temporarywife,” he began playfully and paused. “Be careful coming home tonight – okay? I saw a lot of deer in the yard this morning, and I worry about you on the roads at night.”

“I will – and you, too. Good luck tonight.”

“Thank you. I’m so glad you called.”

“Me too,” she admitted and hesitated. “I’ve got to get to my gate.”

“And I’m sitting in the parking lot in front of the arena,” Liam laughed nervously. “Acton just gave me the finger from the doorway and tapped his watch. I’ve gotta go.”

Ashley smiled, feeling almost like she was there now that she could picture the wild man her husband worked with. “You ought to show him who’s the boss…”

“Maybe someday I will…”

“Bye,” she whispered, emotion coloring her voice. “See you this evening.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Hanging up the phone, she began tugging her rolling bag behind her to her next flight and smiled.

Hours later, Ashley was walking up to the front door, exhausted, but happy for Liam. They had won their first game, and she had downloaded a sports app to her phone so she could track the score, still marveling at the changes just knowing him had brought about – and froze. The front door had opened, and Liam was standing there, holding it for her.

“Congratulations on the game,” she began in greeting and saw his proud smile as he shook his head.

“We could have done things so much better,” he replied easily and nodded. “But a win is a win, no matter what.”

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