Page 39 of Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player

My phone buzzes in my hand. I glance down to see a new message from Jo. I can’t help but grin at her words.

That’s a good start. But maybe tell them what kind of second-half adjustments you made.

I shake my head and clear my throat. “We found a better rhythm in the second half. Our line really showed up with the protection. They gave us more time to push the ball downfield.”

“So they gave you more time in the pocket?”

“It did. And you guys know I need as much time as I can get to make the right read.”

There’s a light chuckle from a couple of the reporters and plenty of whooping from a rookie running back who scored his first touchdown.

My phone buzzes again.

Good. That’s my funny, self-deprecating husband.

Answer two more questions like that, and I’ll give you a reward.

I can only imagine what she might have in mind. Some sexy texting on the flight home. Maybe she’ll meet me at the airport wearing nothing under her coat again.

My dick twitches.

On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t speculate. I’m in front of live cameras wearing nothing but a jockstrap and pads.

I clear my throat again and adjust my stance. And think of the long, cold shower I’ll take once I wrap this up.

Another reporter steps forward.

"Calhoun, there were a lot of questions coming into this season about whether you still had another playoff run in you. Does tonight feel like you answered some of those critics?"

"I don't spend much time thinking about critics." I shrug. "I'm more interested in proving the people who believe in me right."

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a couple of my teammates exchange knowing smiles.

Smartasses.

My phone buzzes again.

I don't look.

Not yet.

One more question.

"One last thing," another reporter says. "You seem... happier this season. Is that fair to say?"

I can't help the smile that erupts across my face. “Yeah. I am.”

“So, it’s safe to say marriage agrees with you?”

I think about the woman waiting for me back home. The wrong number that somehow led me to the right person—the only person—who settles me and makes me better.

“You can definitely say that. I have a pretty incredible wife.”

A chorus of exaggerated “Awws” erupts from somewhere behind the cameras.

Great. More commentary from the team.

I shake my head. “On that note, I’d like to get back home to her as soon as we can. That's all you're getting for today.”