Page 36 of Falling for the Quarterback
“Mom, meet the love of my life, Kinsley.” He introduces, and my cheeks heat. I’m sure I’m not what she’s expecting, as I’m older than he is, and it’s easy to see the age difference.
“Hi, it’s so nice to meet you,” I greet the woman approaching us, as my stomach twists with a new round of anxiety. They have the same eye color and teasing smirk. I’m guessing he gets most of his features from his dad, although I haven’t heard him mention him even once.
She hugs JJ and then turns to me. Her smile is wide and welcoming as she tugs me into a tight hug. “Finally. I’ve heard so much about you, my son has hidden you away for long enough.” She pins her stare back on my gorgeous man. “Good luck, we’ll be cheering for you.”
He nods. “Love you both.” Then he kisses me quickly on my forehead and takes off, waving as others in the room call out greetings.
Her hand winds around my arm, “Come on, my dear, I’ve saved us seats in the front. You’re the quarterback’s woman, so you get first pick. Everyone else will follow your lead,” she whispers, making me feel even warmer.
I wave my hand in front of my face, fanning myself even though the air conditioner is blasting away. “Is it hot in here?”
“No, it’s cold. But that’s your nerves, understandably, since it’s your first time here. Back by the elevator is the bathroom, and the other door is where the food is kept. If you want anything special, you let one of the attendants know, and they’ll run down to get you what you want.”
“Wow,” I reply, the word on a breath, but she still hears me.
“Did I tell you how excited I am to meet you yet? My son has been going on and on about you since the first time he saw you in the hardware store. I knew you had to be different, because he’s never been that way with anyone.”
Warmth fills me inside for a new reason. JJ truly does love me, and it seems like his mom is just as caring as he is. I understand now where he gets it from. As I take my seat in the front row of the box, many others move to sit around us, introducing themselves, telling me how excited and happy they are for me, JJ, and our relationship.
I was freaking out coming here, but now I feel more like I’ve gained a room full of friends and support I didn’t have before. And at the end of the day, it’s another reason making me want to stay.
Chapter Seventeen
JJ
Thegamegoesbyin a blur, and before I know it, we’re lining up for the last play of the night. The time clock shows nineteen seconds, which gives me enough time to make one, maybe two plays if we call a timeout immediately.
“Here he is. Thinks he has the biggest dick on the field,” One of the defensive linemen on the opposing team taunts me, and after a grueling game, my patience has worn thin for any nonsense.
I typically don’t respond to the shit talking my teammates partake in, but I find myself replying, “How about you open your mouth and we’ll find out?” I say it loud enough, half the line is laughing, including a few of his teammates.
“You-” he begins to respond, but I give him no time, taking advantage of his distraction to give the signal to my team.
“Forty-Two-Drop!” I yell suddenly, and the ball is instantly hiked, as the o-line clashes with the other team to keep them out of my pocket. My body shifts, one step, two, three, four, five, as I scan the field and watch as the play is in motion. I find each of my receivers drowning in coverage, and with every breath I take, I know I’m losing precious time to make something happen.
I release a sigh of relief the moment I notice our tight end, Colby Johnson, open. He’s a beast of a player, and I don’t hesitate to lock in on him and send the ball spiraling in his direction. Once it’s out of my hands, all I can do is step out of the way and watch how it allplays out. My fists clench as I move to the right to get a better look. The teams are fighting against one another tonight with a brutality that everyone off the field is sure to notice.
My throw’s a little high, but it’s on purpose, so it doesn’t get picked off en route. Colby jumps, catches the ball one-handed, and takes off, tearing down the field. I jerk my arm in triumph for no pass interference and an open slot for him to pivot through. It’s exactly what we need at this point in the game.
Dawson breaks free from his coverage and takes off toward Colby. His speed puts him beside our teammate in seconds, and then he’s acting as guard. He stiff-arms the closest guy coming for them, then goes to the ground as he takes a tackle in Colby’s place. It’s all in the name of getting more yards on the field and one step closer to the endzone.
I’m holding my breath, watching each step Colby takes, knowing the fans are right there with me, doing the same. The silence in the stadium is palpable as we all silently pray he makes it down the field. He’s too far away for me to tell, but when the ref holds both hands straight up, signaling a touchdown, the stadium goes wild.
Thank God I don’t have to try and throw in this; it’s so loud right now I can barely think.
I laugh to myself, and then I’m surrounded as we jump around, hugging and celebrating. We won by three points. The fact that it’s in front of Kinsley makes it all the sweeter. Next week, we may not be so lucky, as we're going up against the Nashville Fire. They have the leading defense in the league right now, and I’ll most likely take some serious hits. I’m not looking forward to that part of the game, but it’s my job, and all I can do is try to prepare between now and then.
“Hey, bro. Great job tonight,” I tell Rob Smith, the opposing quarterback, as soon as he’s close enough on the field to hear me.
“Thanks, man, you too, seriously,” he replies, and we shake hands, then I’m hurrying to our tunnel. I usually take a bit longer out on the field, but not today, not when I have my gorgeous woman here who will be waiting on me.
The locker room is loud with my teammates celebrating, and since it’s a win, Coach lets us enjoy the moment without a lecture. I hurry to the showers, knowing I have to speak to the press, and I don’t want my woman thinking I’m gross. I manage to catch a few of them on my way out, congratulating and thanking them on a job well done.
Colby gets one of the game balls tonight, and I’m glad; it’s well deserved. I tell him as much on my way out of the locker room door, only to find Kinsley propped against the hall, head tilted down as she scans her phone.
“Hey, baby,” I greet, and when her head lifts, a bright smile tilts her lips.She’s stunning.I’m surprised she got all dolled up for my game, but I’m also honored she felt it was important enough for her to do so. “So gorgeous, damn, woman,” I mutter, bending and pressing my lips to hers the moment I’m close enough. Once we part, I’m lifting her in my arms, making her giggle and squeal for me to put her down. I’m too excited, though, and do a little spin before finally giving in.
“Great job, today! I’m so proud of you!” She’s staring at me like I hung the moon, and I want to do whatever it takes to keep the look there.
