Page 31 of Falling for the Quarterback
“I hate when they get like that,” he eventually says after we’ve driven off and he’s had a few minutes to catch his breath.
My heart’s still beating fast. I think I could use a milkshake from the adrenaline rush and the soon-to-be crash. However, I know my hormones will hate me for it in the long run if I cave and have him stop to order one.
“I’m sorry you have to deal with the crazy reporters. I can only imagine how stressful it all must be.”
Heshrugs. “Honestly, I’ve been doing this so long, their presence is something I’ve come to expect. It’s only extra tense right now because of the stories surrounding us at the moment. Otherwise, they’re generally not that pushy. You’re this big secret to them, and they’re basically vultures over getting the first interview with you.”
I nod, glancing out my window and noticing we’re headed north. “Uh, where are we going?”
“Well, I really want you to meet my mom. I’d love to be able to take you there right now, but I guess that will have to wait.”
“Is she not home right now?”
He shakes his head, “She’s home, but I have an evening practice today. I have to get back to Dallas. I was planning on leaving earlier, but then I had to see you again, and I may’ve lost track of time.” He shoots me a sheepish expression, and my mouth drops open.
“It’s the NFL! You can’t be late for practice.”
His cheeks turn a little pink, shooting me an amused grin. “It was completely worth it.”
Then, I’m the one blushing with his words. “It was,” I easily agree, but then everything clicks. “Wait, I can’t go to Dallas. I don’t have my car, and Jingle Bells are with us.”
He chuckles. “I still think those are the best names ever. I wish you could’ve named mine. As for where they can stay, they’ll be fine at my house.”
“Wait, you haven’t told me your dog’s name yet. I’m assuming he’s a boy dog?”
He nods. “Yeah, about that. I thought I’d keep it simple.”
“Okay…”
“His name is Dude.”
“Dude?”
He nods. “I named him when my buddy, Dawson, and I had one too many adult beverages, and we thought it was great how I could say,Dude, where’s my dog?Like the movie that says,Dude, where’s my car?The poor fellow has been stuck with it ever since.”
“Hold up, you know that makes absolutely no sense. Right?”
He sighs. “Trust me, I know.”
I laugh harder because it’s ridiculous, and even he knows it. “Whoa, back up a second. Dawson, as intheDawsonStealRiggs? The one who is about to break an NFL offensive record with his yards? And is well-known for stealing balls whenever he gets the off chance of playing defense?”
He huffs. “Of course, you’d know who he is and not me. Why am I not surprised?”
My heart squeezes as I stare at him. I know he’s muttering teasingly, but the man is an open book with me. I swear I can see that the reality of his statement truly bothers him, and it makes me feel special that he cares as much as he does about me. “Hey…”
He meets my stare, the laughter gone from his eyes. He’s all seriousness right now, and to have that look pinned on me makes me seriously think I could combust from how damn gorgeous he is. The man is lick your lips hot, like a Sports Illustrated player of the year type of hot.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret: I don’t think he’s cute. At all. I know he’s supposed to be like this, babe in football, but I don’t see it. Not like when I look at you.”
His lips tip up at the corners, the confidence back in his gaze. “Dawson will be crushed when he hears you know his stats but don’t think his face is pretty. He’s so vain.”
“Oh, Lord.Why am I not surprised to hear that? You football players are too much when you look good and can play like a beast.”
He laughs. “He’s not vain in a bad way to keep it in your face or anything. He’s just that type of guy who never misses a mirror.”
I can’t help but giggle, picturing it. I peer into the backseat, checking on my pups. They’ve lain down and gotten comfortable, as we’ve been cruising on the highway.
“Thank you for being so careful driving with Jingle and Bells. I hate it when someone is reckless and the dogs go flying everywhere. It’s not like they have full hands, so they can hold on or brace themselves.”
