Page 138 of Hitting the Goal Line
There was nothing that would make this a strong enough case.
My lawyer told me that day that they will take this case as long as I will pursue the charges, but that it was going to be a hard one. One that we may lose and may take both a physical and mental toll.
I left that meeting not knowing what to do, hell I told Chloe and I still felt the same way.
It wasn’t until I was with Blake that I finally made my decision.
As much as I hate the idea, I think it would be better to drop the charges.
“My lawyer is right,” I say pushing myself away from Blake just a tiny bit so that I could see his face. “The case isn’t strong enough. And if this goes to any kind of court, I don’t know if I want to handle living in that fear again. I would rather walk away than have to deal with that pain again. This doesn’t have anything to do with Elijah, in any way, or what he is saying to the press. I have no love for him whatsoever. This is about me and doing what’s right for me, and I think dropping the charges is going to be the right thing to do.”
Blake looks at me with so much emotion in his facial expression. There’s compassion and love and a little of everything else floating around that I can’t get a good read on him.
A part of me thinks that he doesn’t like the idea, and I can see why. We’re talking dropping the charges and letting Elijah walk free with no reprimand. He had me in a corner balling my eyes out, sobbing for him to calm down. If wasn’t for Blake, I don’t know what that morning would have turned into. Elijah hurt someone that Blake loves, and if shoes were reversed, I would have wanted to see Elijah pay for everything he did and then some.
After about a minute of looking into my eyes, Blake gives me a nod.
“If that’s what you really want to do, then that’s what we’ll do. I’m going to stand behind you one hundred percent, no matter what the outcome is,” he says, reaching out and sliding a strand of the hair behind my ear.
“You won’t be mad about it?” It’s a stupid question to ask, especially since he just told me that he would be by my side no matter what.
His brows bunch up in confusion. “Why would I be mad about it? You’re doing what you need and want, Soph. That’s not something be mad about.”
“I know, but that morning could have ruined everything for you. Your injury could have been worse, you could have been released or traded. Things could have gone differently. If I were you, I would want me to seek this through.” I start to ramble, stopping myself from going through a whole monologue that would probably not make any sense.
“You’re missing a few things, Soph.” Blake gives me a smile, a sweet one that makes me want to melt right here on the couch. “All of those things could have happened, but they didn’t. If they had, I might have been pissed off, but they didn’t and I’m not. I will never be mad about you making a decision that makes things easier on you, that takes a weight off your shoulders.”
It feels as my heart literally skips a beat as I look at the man in front of me. There have been so many times throughout our friendship where I thought his mind would go in one direction but every time it would go in a different one, it would surprise me. It shouldn’t have, but even after so many years of friendship, there are things about Blake that I don’t know.
But I do know one thing. This man will always be on my side. He will always want what is best for me. He will always be there to hold my hand no matter what. Even if he’s angry, disappointed, or annoyed with me or at me, he will always be there for me. He was there for me at five years old when I wanted my dad at the rink, and he will be there for me now when I make one of the hardest decisions of my life.
He loves me and he would do anything to show that love to me, no matter how little that act may be.
A small smile spreads on my face. “Thank you,” I say, leaning forward and placing a kiss on his lips. It’s small and quick but mighty. “Thank you for being at my side and for loving me.”
“Always. I will always be by your side and I will always love you.”
Now it’s him that is closing the distance between us and giving me a kiss.
“Have you talked to your lawyer?” he asks when he pulls away.
I shake my head. “No, but I was going to call tomorrow morning to set up a meeting for a few days from now.”
“Good.” A kiss lands on my forehead. “If my schedule allows it, I’ll go with you to the meeting.”
“I would really love that.”
Not wanting another chaste kiss, I place my mouth against his, hungrily.
Our mouths move in unison and soon, it feels like I need a lot more than just a few kisses from my man.
Blake apparently is in the same mind set.
“Let’s forget about the fucker Elijah,” he says against my lips before moving his mouth down to my jaw. “Let’s forget about the charges and talking to the lawyer.”
“Okay,” I say, almost breathless. I will forget about everything as long as he’s the one that making me forget.
“Good.” I feel like his teeth press against my exposed skin. “Now if I remember correctly, there was a reason to you wearing this jersey. I think it’s time that I find out what that is, don’t you?”
