Page 42 of Hot Route
“Mmhmm,” is all she can get out as she turns, snuggling into my arms.
“You did so good, baby. I’m so fucking proud of you,” I praise. “I’ll be right back.” As hard as it is to leave the warmth of her body, that was a pretty intense scene, and she needs to hydrate. I grab a bottle of water and bring it to her, making her drink as I pad over to the bathroom. I clean myself up then hold another cloth under the warm tap. Returning to the foot of the bed, I gently grab her ankle, pulling her legs apart so I can clean her.
“Blaze, I can?—”
“I know you can. But let me take care of you,” I interrupt with a soft smile. Fuck, I want to open the balcony door and scream that I love her loud enough for the whole world to hear. It’s getting harder and harder to stop myself with every moment we spend together, but I’m afraid she still isn’t ready to hear it. I was stupid that first night for saying it out loud, even if she was fast asleep. But Idolove her. So much that it scares me. But if she’s not there yet, I don’t want her to pull away. So, I’ll keep it to myself as long as I can.
I help her to the bathroom on shaking legs so she can pee before I lead her back to the bed. As we snuggle under the blankets, our bodies melted together so closely that I don’t know where I end and she begins, I realize just how perfect Mads is for me. She’s my whole fucking world and I’ll do whatever it takes to give her everything she deserves.
THIRTY-THREE
MADS
Dia: I saw you on tv. You looked like a girl who was definitely about to get railed within an inch of her life. I want details.
We got homefrom Tampa yesterday morning. I made it to Tailgate with only minutes to spare before I had to clock in. The day flew by, as it always does on Monday with all the games we didn’t cover over the weekend. By the time I got home last night, I was dead on my feet as I poured myself into bed next to Blaze.
I woke up early today, finding a message from Janine that a pipe burst in our building and to do my assignments from home for the next couple of days. I got so much done, cuddled up next to Blaze on the couch with my laptop while he watched game tape on the TV.
It’s officially the Blizzard’s bye week, so Blaze, Dalton, and I are having a movie marathon tonight. None of us have to be up early tomorrow, which is really rare. They’re on a snack run right now and I’m finally taking the time to reply to Dia’s text message from yesterday.
I told her, very briefly, that Blaze and I had sex the morning after she saved me from my bad date. Ever since then, she’s beenhounding me for details. Apparently, the television cameras broadcast me making googly eyes at Blaze after his touchdown the other night for the entire country to see. Luckily, I’m able to operate under the rouse that I’m his assistant and nothing else. I’m sure it’ll get back to someone at Tailgate, but I’m not breaking any rules, so I’m not worried about it.
Dia, however, won’t leave me alone.
Mads: Don’t be ridiculous. It was like, TWO inches. He went easy on me.
Dia: I hate you. I’m so jealous that you get to fuck that God of a man whenever you want. Is he meeting all your needs, my delicate little flower?
Mads: If this is your way of asking if his kinks match up with mine, then yes.
Dia: *raises hands to the heavens* HALLELUJAH!
Mads: As much as I’d love to give you the play-by-play of Football Boy taking me to pound town, I’m afraid I have a date. With two hot guys. At once.
Dia: Excuse me. WHAT?
Mads: Ok, love you. Byeeeeeeeeeee.
I get out of bed and wiggle my feet into my slippers just as I hear the garage door opening. I can’t help but feel a little sad that I’m not sharing these moments with my best friend. Backin Chicago, we did movie nights every weekend. We’d do full makeovers and gossip like teenagers, even after we’d grown up.
I miss her so much. We knew it would be hard being separated like this, but it’s nights like this, where I’m about to curl up and watch a movie, that I feel a missing Dia-shaped puzzle piece in my life.
I head downstairs to see the guys unloading several bags of junk food. I guess they abandon all their normal habits during bye week. Otherwise, Blaze would never put stuff like that in his body. Well, other than the occasional large fry from Mister Burgers.
“Hey, Shorty,” Dalton says as I enter the kitchen, taking a seat on one of the barstools at the island they’re currently covering in snacks.
“Hey,” I say, quietly, resting my chin in my palm.
“What’s wrong, baby?” Blaze asks, concern in his eyes. “You look sad.”
I huff a defeated breath. “I’ll be okay. I’m just missing Dia a little bit. We always used to have movie nights where we’d eat junk and do makeovers. I just feel kind of…incomplete.” As tears begin to gather in my eyes, Blaze rounds the island, wrapping me in a tight hug. The gesture makes me break, tears running down my cheeks as I softly sob into his chest. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m crying.”
He pulls back just enough to look at me, using his thumbs to wipe away my tears. “You’re crying because you packed up your entire life to come here by yourself, leaving behind the one person who has always been your safe space. It’s okay to be sad about that.” He kisses my forehead and pulls me back into a tight embrace.
As hard as this move has been, I couldn’t have done it without Blaze. He’s kind, gentle, protective, and I’m falling more in love with him every day. It’s scary because we really haven’ttalked about labeling whatever we are, but I’m still taking things one day at a time with him. Maybe he’ll break my heart in the end. But, right now? I’m grateful for these moments.
I’m broken from my thoughts when Dalton speaks. Honestly, I forgot he was here for a second. That’s no easy feat since he’s usually the loudest, most obnoxious person in every room.
