Scored(70)

*

When I arrive at the stadium, Finley is waiting to usher me inside the private box where the owners sit… where I’ll hide out until the end of the game. What happens after that, I have no idea because I haven’t spoken to Finley for more than ten seconds today and that was just to confirm my arrival time.

Thankfully, she and Momma worked everything out ahead of time.

“Let’s go,” she says, all businesslike.

“Are you disappointed in me?” I can’t help but ask.

“That you didn’t tell me before now so I didn’t have to call in every favor owed to me to get you on the field? In a word, yes.”

“What?”

She pushes me along to a lobby of private elevators, pressing the up button and swiping a plastic key across the bottom of it. “All right, so you’re not the responsible one for this PR dream, Dallas is, but I’m slightly aggravated.”

“But you’re not mad because we’re dating, right?”

My sister gives me an odd look. “No. I’m aggravated at calling in favors for your soon-to-be knucklehead of a fiancé. Well, he’s always been a knucklehead, but if he’s willing to go live on Facebook and social media to let everyone know exactly who he loves, I can’t be anything but happy for you.”

The doors open with a soft swoosh. “Oh my gosh. I can’t… who are you?”

“A woman who has found happiness and thinks that grudges shouldn’t be carried forever.”

“Please tell me you and Aiden haven’t—”

“Oh, ugh. Paige. McHugh and I have been done for years. The guy I’m dating doesn’t play football, or any sport… unless you count kickball.”

“Oh?”

Finley’s cheeks turn pink. “He’s a schoolteacher—first grade—and you would know this if we actually took the time to talk. I want you to meet Will. Momma and Bond, too. I know we’re not big on holidays, but I’d really like to spend Christmas with y’all.”

“Not Thanksgiving?”

“Don’t push it.” She grins. “Will asked me to fly back with him to Pennsylvania to meet his parents.”

“That’s so awesome!” I give her an impulsive hug. “This is the best day I’ve ever had.”

“When the game is over, you’re going to have the best night.”

“Dallas doesn’t know I’m here.”

“And that’s going to make it even better when I delay his play for you, just for a bit.” The door opens, and we get out. “Now, listen carefully, because this is how it’s going to go down…”





CHAPTER 30




Dallas


The last play of the game went on for hours. Arizona’s offense held on to the ball longer than they should have been allowed, but with a fumble by their wide receiver, they gave us possession and we used to score… and win the game.

In my head and in my heart, I knew if we didn’t win, I wouldn’t win with Paige, either. Yeah, I know she’s not the type, but I had to keep myself pumped up.

Except the game has been over, the post interviews are done, and basically the entire stadium is sitting there, holding their collective breaths while sweat pours down my face.

I’ve got the ring. I’m set for sound with a mic hooked to the top of my jersey. My teammates are ready with girly shit like flowers and champagne—with strict orders that the champagne is not to be dumped on Paige’s head, nor is she to be sprayed with it.

Basically, the only guy allowed to put anything on her body is me.

Possessive. Fuck yes.

Will that change? Fuck no.

I scan each end of the field and the middle, too, hoping for a glimpse of honey-colored hair under the Renegade Stadium lights, but there’s nothing except a sea of navy blue, white, and gold.

“Don’t let me down, bright eyes. C’mon. Be brave for me,” I say under my breath and away from the mic. For once, I don’t give a damn about my ego. I only care about my fucking heart being broken.

Shredded.

Stomped on and set on fire.

Useless for anything but pumping blood.

Catherine and Mikey wave and yell at me from the sidelines.

I wave back, but I don’t feel like celebrating, not even with our win. My dad and mom stand nearby, and I can tell by their expressions that even they don’t think Paige is going to show.

Maybe Paige needs some encouragement.

Or maybe she doesn’t like grand gestures that are being broadcast all over the free world.

“I just wanted to…” The sound of my voice echoes, startling everyone, including me. “Okay, not so loud this time. Thank you for coming out and supporting the Renegades tonight. I know you’re probably still hanging out because you want to see if she is going to show up. I hope she does, but even if she doesn’t, I’m not going to stop loving her. And if I have to stand here every night until she believes me, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Finley throws her clipboard down and starts shouting at me, making hand gestures that can only be described as violent. I’m about one-hundred-percent sure she should have been a coach instead of a publicist.

“Dallas Drake.” It’s a woman voice, raised into a shout. I turn around, watching as my girl runs to me from the wrong end of the field. She is in Arizona’s end zone, but I don’t give a damn.