Page 38 of Falling for the Quarterback
“Are you two planning on getting married?” is thrown out next, and it’s my turn to speak up.
“I would love to marry Kinsley someday if she’ll do me the honor. However, right now we’re focusing on taking things day by day, without any pressure beyond me making sure she’s happy every day she’s with me. I will say this, though: she’s the love of my life and my forever. This QB is officially off the market, and I couldn’t be happier to have such a brilliant, beautiful woman by my side. Thanks everyone, that’s all for now, have a good night.”
We’re walking away before Kinsley jumps back in front of the microphone, saying, “Oh! By the way, I love him too, and don’t forget to check out the team’s pro shop, where you can get your teammerch. JJ got me the shirt and hat from there, and I love them. Expect to see me in several of their pieces in the future.”
Parker is positively beaming, flashing us with two thumbs up. I can’t help but chuckle as I pass her, hurrying my woman out of the room so we can go home. “I think you just became Parker’s favorite person.”
She beams, “As long as I’m your favorite person, too.”
“Abso-fucking-lutely,” I press a kiss on her lips and toss her over my shoulder, running for my truck.
She laughs and yells, slapping my butt. My teammates cheer as we pass them, and so help me, I’m happy to the point it feels like I’m floating.
I love this woman with every beat of my heart.
Chapter Eighteen
Kinsley
IpullintoJJ’sdriveway,dogs in tow. They seem to ride better in JJ’s truck, but that wasn’t an option this time around, so my backseat is full of fluffy blankets for their comfort. I don’t mind driving us back and forth, and besides, I want to see my boyfriend, so I’m here.
I’d stayed the night after last week’s game, but then JJ brought me home the next day. It was his ‘day to relax’ as he put it, even though he had game tape to review and a meeting he had to attend. His schedule is intense, I’m learning, and it’s understandable why he’d want me at his place. I know he said he doesn’t mind driving down to see me every chance he gets, but I literally work from home. I can come and go, where he’ll be exhausted making the drive back and forth.
Anyway, it’s been a week since I’ve seen him. I’m not going to lie; the time felt more like a month away from each other. Sure, we’ve talked on the phone and I spent the majority of my days working on my business or talking with his PR manager, Parker, but I still thought about him twenty-four-seven. The man leaves one heck of a lasting impression, and I can’t wait to be wrapped in his arms again.
His mom even texted me, which I wasn’t expecting. We got along so well at the game that it was difficult to feel uncomfortable around her. She was warm and welcoming, and reminded me so much of JJ’s calm presence. I understand why he wanted me to meet her, and now I’m excited to see her the next time. She’s already asking me about Thanksgiving, and while I think it’s a bit soon, I appreciate howshe’s already planning for me to be a part of their plans. By that time, however, I’m going to have to get my boys up here so they can meet JJ.
I let myself in with the code he gave me, and Jingle and Bells take off running through the house looking for Dude. A beat later, a few excited barks ring out, then Dude is rushing for me, tongue hanging. I swear these three dogs look like they’re smiling, and it’s adorable as they play together and run around.
“Hey, buddy! Were you a good boy this week for your dog sitter?” JJ told me how he has someone watch him when he has to go out of town, the same way he has someone help manage his garden since it’s so large and he has to train a lot. I love all over Dude, hugging and giving him gentle scratches in case he didn’t get many from his sitter. He eventually runs off with the other two to lounge in the living area.
I wash my hands and then duck back into the enormous garage to collect my things. I can’t help but stare longingly at the Lambo, whispering how beautiful she is to myself. Someday I’m going to work up the nerve to drive it.
I place my overnight bag in JJ’s room and the dog’s tub of food in the fridge. Yes, I’m one of those crazy people who makes her own dog food. The processed kibble you can readily buy is not nearly as good as homemade, in my opinion. My eyes go wide as I take in all the food filling the fridge. JJ has his meals prepped in advance, so all the stuff filling the shelves is a shock compared to the last time I was here.
There’s Dr. Pepper, sweet tea, a fresh Margarita pizza ready to be baked, salad, and everything else I like. I bet the pantry is the same way, too. He’s been paying close attention, I realize as I take in each item. No one has ever done this for me before, and I get a little choked up at the realization.
“This man,” I whisper to myself in awe. He thinks of everything.
JJ:Almost there.I’ve missed you.
I can tell, and it makes me feel ridiculously special. I quickly preheat the oven, because I know he’ll eat one slice and then salad. He’ll be starving most likely. While he was gone, we talked about his traveling and what all went into it. I was shocked to learn they aren’t allowed to even step foot into the hotel bar or any other bar around, and they aren’t allowed to order any room service. They have a traveling chef whose job is to specifically work with whatever hotel they’re at and prepare a specific nutrient-dense diet. I get it, their bodies need to be in top shape, but what if they get hungry in the middle of the night and want a parfait or something?
JJ thought it was funny I was suddenly worried about his teammates and told him they need to pack snacks with their luggage, but can you blame me? I’ve been a mom for a long time, and snacks were part of my job description. Plus, it’s just weird to tell a grown man he’s not allowed to eat.
I root around the kitchen a bit, checking various cabinets until I find a stainless-steel pizza sheet. I’m carefully placing the pizza on it when I hear the door leading to the garage chime, indicating he’s home.
Home?
I haven’t been here long enough to think that way, but I already feel comfortable here. JJ rounds the corner, looking exhausted but every bit as gorgeous as well. The moment our eyes meet, a wide smile lights up his face. “Baby,” the endearment leaves him on a breath, making me feel like I’m the most important person in the world to him. How does he always manage to do that?
“Hey, handsome. I missed you too,” I admit, then he’s moving for me. His arms wrap tightly around me, his lips meeting mine, then he’s lifting me off my feet to spin me. A laugh escapes as I tilt my head back to meet his gaze, and he sets me down, popping a gentle kiss on my forehead.
He’s the sweetest man ever.
“I’m starving,” he says, his stomach growling as he does. We both laugh, and I move for the fridge, pulling out the salad.
“This all looks amazing. You had groceries delivered?”
