Page 124 of The No Try Zone
He laughs as he tucks his pen and pad away. “Probably for the best.”
The locker room is electric when I enter, the guys’ energy through the roof as they shower and dress. It’s not until we’re on the bus and heading to the airport that I step into the aisle and hold my hands up to get the team’s attention.
“First of all, it’s safe to say that the number 20 jersey is never getting worn on this team again.”
The guys erupt in a series of yells and whistles, and even Sam and Neesha can’t hold back exasperated smiles. I wink at Sam.
Once everyone settles back down, I continue. “That game was incredible. I’m proud of each of you. There wasn’t one play that I’d change, one pass I’d re-do. You were focused, you were ruthless, and you played without fear. We keep doing that and we’ll have that championship trophy where it belongs in July: with us.”
More cheers.
“Drinks on Coach!” Carter yells from the middle of the bus.
I point at him. “In the Vegas airport? Not a chance.”
Lennox leans over from his seat in the very back. “I got the first round, boys.”
I tip an imaginary hat at the Scot before turning back in my seat. Across the aisle, Sam smiles at me, then looks down to tap on her phone.
Too bad we’re heading to the airport…
??
You’re a snack over there, all flushed and cute from winning.
You think I’m cute?
Sam snorts and looks over at me as I flash her a cheesy grin.
I think you’re flawless.
After landing, we take a rideshare back to my house, Sam beside me, relaxed and gorgeous in her game-day gear. I grab her hand and bring it to my lips, and she graces me with a smile.
“You’re different,” she observes.
I rub my jaw, considering. “Different how?”
She hums. “Content. And not because you won, or what we did back at the hotel.”
I lean into her, nuzzling her neck and growling softly. “You sure? Because I’m never happier than when I’m deep inside you.”
A vibrant crimson stains her cheeks as she shoves at me. “That isnotwhat I mean. Your entire aura is…I don’t know.”
I resist the urge to tease her about my aura, because she’s right. I’ve never been this happy, despite not knowing how Monday will go with Scott. “Because I’m not scared.”
She studies me, her ice-blue eyes roving over my face, down my polo and khakis and back up again. “You were scared?”
I laugh. “Absolutely. And I’m still kind of scared, if I’m being honest.”
“About what?”
“You, Sunshine.”
Her brow furrows.
“Loving you is terrifying. It’s like jumping out of a plane when no one’s checked the parachute. But I’ve already flung myself into the air, Sam. And all I can do is trust that the parachute is going to work. That you’re going to keep loving me back. Because the alternative is losing you. And I’d risk everything I am, everything I have, to not do that again. Once was more than enough.”
She reaches for my face, cupping it and stroking my beard with her thumb. “I’m not going anywhere.”
