Page 77 of Fumbled Love

We made our way deeper into the building, and I kept my head down, ignoring the curious stares and glances from people as they passed us by.

My fingers tightened on JP’s elbow. “I thought you said this place was going to be deserted.”

“Did I?” He scratched the side of his cheek.

I stopped walking, forcing him to pause his steps. “I will murder you in your sleep if you set me up.”

He barked out a laugh. “Relax, most of the guys have already cleared out their lockers and left for the season.”

I glanced in every direction and wondered if I should believe him or not. A few people were milling around the hallways. Some were carrying trash bags; others were carrying large black duffel bags. JP wasn’t kidding when he said they cleaned house at the end of the season.

I smoothed a hand down my front and pressed it against my stomach. My heart pounded in my chest the second we stepped into the weight room.

It was nothing like I pictured. It looked more like a rec center than a weight room. The white walls spilled into the beige carpet. There were free weights, benches, every machine known to mankind, and a squat station with yoga mats. What really got my attention was the projector screen hanging in the middle of the room in place of flat screens.

Did they watch movies while working out or review film? My guess was the latter.

I spotted him immediately. He was hunched over, nodding to whatever the guy on the rowing machine was saying. JP cleared his throat loud enough to get his attention.

“Kinley?” Maverick’s eyes lit up in surprise. The booming laughter and chatter that greeted us when we first walked in stopped. No one moved, but I could feel every single eye in the room on me. I licked my dry lips, trying to keep my expression even, despite being a nervous wreck inside.

“I didn’t think there would be an audience here.” I grimaced, and I looked at the small crowd in front of me. So much for doing this privately.

“Rhett?” JP whistled, and Rhett came jogging over. “The instructions were to bring him to the weight room, not the entire team.”

Rhett cracked a smile. “He was getting suspicious, so the guys thought it would be better if we all kept him busy.”

He looked proud of himself until JP smacked him upside the head. “You’re an idiot.”

A few of the guys snickered. I practiced my speech the entire plane ride here. Now, it felt like someone tangled my tongue up in a knot.

Maverick stood and walked toward me. “What are you doing here?”

His dark hair was thick and wild, needing a trim, and his smile was so big it lit up his entire face. He was dressed in a simple white T-shirt and black track pants. And when he came to stand in front of me and pulled me into his arms, I knew I had made the right decision by coming here.

“I told you when the season was over that I was coming for you,” I said, running my hands up along his chest.

He lifted an eyebrow. “I’m confused. Didn’t we already go over this?”

“Yes.” I hesitated and reminded myself to breathe. I couldn’t believe I was doing this in front of all these people. “I came here to surprise you.” I pulled back but reached for his hand. “You asked me a question last time we were together, and I told you I would think about it. Do you remember what it was?”

“I do,” he answered slowly. “Have you come to a decision?”

“I have.” Maverick eyed me skeptically, while eagerly waiting for me to continue. “I regret not doing this sooner, but I allowed my fear and insecurities to get in the way.” I smiled, even though my nerves were on edge. “I allowed outside influences to impact my decision-making, because I didn’t believe in myself enough and didn’t trust my gut.” Maverick’s eyes softened, and as much as I wanted to melt into his embrace, I forced my gaze away so I could get this off my chest. “You see,” I said to his teammates. “I’ve been in love with this man since I was fourteen. But it wasn’t until recently that he finally noticed me.” A few boos rang out, and I laughed. “The truth is, we’ve been secretly dating since Christmas, and it was foolish of me to think that keeping our relationship private would help control the outcome. And if I learned anything over the past two weeks, it’s that some things can’t be controlled. So, just to set the record straight, Maverick and I are expecting a baby together, and I decided that it would be best if I moved back to Georgia so we can raise our family here together.”

“Seriously?” Maverick gasped.

“Get it, Mad-Dog,” someone shouted. It sounded like Rhett.

“Yes.” I turned completely in his arms. “I spoke to my employer and they are allowing me to work remotely. There is no reason for me to stay in New York. My life is here with you.”

He picked me up off the floor and kissed me hard. I wrapped my legs around his waist and folded my arms along his neck. Kissing him had never felt so good, and I’d be content to do this all night long, not caring that the entire football team was watching. The guys started chanting and whistling, causing Maverick to laugh against my mouth. Our little celebration came to a screeching halt when the door swung open behind us. I didn’t even need to turn my head to know who it was. The silence in the room gave it away. Maverick slid me down slowly until my feet touched the ground. He kept a firm grip on my side and trained his gaze over my shoulder.

“My invitation to this little party must have gotten lost in the mail.” That snarky voice I would know anywhere got closer, and my entire body tensed.

The temperature in the room dropped so quickly you would have thought snow was about to start falling from the ceiling.

“Do you need something, Della?” JP stepped in front of her, but she brushed past him. The guys all straightened their shoulders, preparing for whatever destruction she was about to cause. I finally understood the meaning of your team having your back.

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