Page 37 of Falling for the Quarterback
Parker comes strolling into the hall, interrupting, “JJ, the press is waiting on you. Coach is already in there.”
I nod, “This is Kinsley.” I introduce and watch as her eyes light up for an entirely different reason.
“Kinsley, it’s nice to finally meet the woman behind all the stories. I’d really like to get you on our side over here, making statements through us. It’d help JJ and the team out.”
I roll my eyes, mentioning, “This is Parker, she’s the team’s PR manager.”
Kinsley offers her a kind smile, “Nice to meet you, Parker. I’m good with whatever you need, I’d love to help JJ, however I can.”
“You would?” Parker and I ask at the same time. I’m stunned she’d be willing to go public when I’d just hidden her from the media days before.
She nods, squeezing my hand. It’s sort of become our thing, our way of silently communicating and showing each other support. “Of course, what do you want me to do?”
Parker interrupts, “JJ is about to go in with the press. If he could introduce you and make a public statement that you two are together, it would place a great light on him. The fact that you’re wearing our team gear also helps. If anyone asks where you got it, maybe mention our pro shop?”
Kinsley laughs, nodding, “No problem, and I’d be cool with him introducing me as his…”
“Girlfriend,” I supply, ecstatic over her being okay with us putting a label on things to the public. I want the entire world to know she’s all mine. “And make sure she gets her own promo code so she gets the royalties that go along with plugging the pro shop. My woman is a famous author, Parker, so she’ll have her fans supporting her as well as the team’s.”
Parker's brows shoot up, “An author? So cool. I’ll text the shop tech lady and get her promo link added to the website ASAP. You two, this way,” she bosses, leading the way to our press room.
“Dwayne,” I nod to the same security guy who works the door after every home game.
“Great game, QB, and who’s this?” he gestures to the woman tucked under my arm.
“Thanks, man. My woman, Kinsley Bradford. Kinsley, this big guy is Dwayne, he’ll be here every time I do press, just in case you need something.”
She smiles, offering him a small wave, and says hello. He opens the door for the three of us, and Parker follows me and Kinsley inside. I keep my arm firmly wrapped around my woman until she’s in the spot off to the side where Parker wants her to wait. We have everyone’s attention, or I should say, Kinsley has their attention, so Coach wraps his spiel up immediately. He nods my way as I take the podium.
I can read the anxiety in Kinsley’s eyes as she waits for me to bring her up right away, and I hate that she feels nervous about any of this. I’m used to it, so it’s merely another day at work for me. “How about that win?” I ask the room and am met with various congratulations from the reporters. Hands shoot up, and I pick the closest one, “Brad.”
He momentarily glances in Kinsley’s direction before saying, “Brad Willmington with the New York Bulletin newspaper, JJ, any special reason why you feel you played so well tonight? You only had two incompletes for the entire game. Do you feel you’re now in your prime?”
Before, it was all about whether I was retiring and if I was saving women in my off time. It’s crazy how quickly the tune changes when we win a football game. “I’d say I had a little extra motivation tonight to want to do well. Am I in my prime? It certainly feels like it right now, as for the completion rate, I owe the credit to my receivers for breaking away and finding a way to follow through on our plays.”
I glance around the room, picking up on the female near the back in another power suit. I swear the woman has a better tailor than I do. “Joanna?” “
“Yes, Joanna McKnight for Sports Media BS. We noticed you had a special person in the box tonight, cheering you on. Care to elaborate?”
“My mom is a special lady, Joanna. You’re correct,” I reply with a grin. Everyone in the room speaks at once, eager to dig and get me to admit who else was in that box, sitting beside my mother. I find a new face in the mix and call on her, “Ma’am?”
“Thanks, QB. I’m Melissa Frantz with FBX. How’s it feel to win your season opener on primetime? Should we be expecting this level of competitiveness from you for the rest of the season? Also, our camera crew picked up a comment on the field with you telling a player to open his mouth and-”
I hold up my hand, cutting her off. The public doesn’t need to know I basically told a member of the opposing team to suck my dick; it’d seriously piss Parker off, and she’d be able to rope me into countless media tasks because of it. “FBX, huh? Congratulations on taking Mike’s place.”
She must be one hell of a reporter to get his spot for our broadcasting service. FBX is big time, and she’s in the box, Mike nowhere to be seen, so he must’ve messed up big time. I continue, “I’m pleased with the win. Yes, you can expect us to play with a similar level of intensity this season like never before. We’re motivated to win.”
I turn my attention to Kinsley, knowing this is as good a time as any to introduce her. Then we’ll be able to cut out of here and go home. I’m exhausted and want to cuddle my woman. “Now, I’d like to introduce you all to someone very important in my life. We decided tonight would be a good surprise rather than a separate media announcement.” I wave Kinsley forward, “Kinsley?”
Wearing a nervous smile, she walks next to Parker to the edge of the podium, and then I’m holding my hand out to her. She places her fingers in mine and allows me to help her up. “Everyone, meet my girlfriend, Kinsley Bradford. I’m honored she was here today to watch and help cheer the team on.”
Kinsley steps forward as someone calls out, asking what she thought of the game. She leans toward the mic, but she doesn’t need to be as close, so I tug her back a step. I don’t want her voice to come out too loud and scare her. “Hi everyone, thanks for the welcome. I loved the game, getting to watch JJ do what he does best, well, it was beyond words.” She flashes me a tender look, making my heart beat double time for her.
Joanna speaks up again, “Should we call her your good luck charm, since you played like your arm was on fire and won the season opener? Is she the same woman you rescued from the store?”
Kinsley speaks before I have a chance, “Yes, he helped me at the lumber store. He is truly a great guy on and off the field. As for good luck, that was all his talent and the team’s hard work. I’m honored you’d lump me in with them, but it’s these men working hard to hone their craft.”
Parker’s mouth is hanging open, and I can’t blame her. I think we’re both stunned that my woman appears to need no media training and is answering these questions like a pro. If my teammates watch this, they’re going to love her even more, same with Coach.
