Tim didn’t know anything about the dissolution of a marriage. The legalities could be complicated, for sure. He recalled a couple of his former NFL teammates lamenting about their marital choices and the financial consequences their divorces entailed. “You were awarded full custody of your girls—end of story. You might want to make an appointment with your lawyer or file a restraining order if things continue.” Jessica nodded while they sat in silence. “By the way, where are the girls?”
“They’re with my parents till after supper. On top of all this Stephen nonsense, I’m helping Elizabeth with the upcoming gala at the club. There’s so much to do! I needed some time to clear my head and focus on the biggest fundraiser we do every summer.” She peered at him from under her long lashes. “I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. It’s been kind of stressful, and I didn’t want to drag you into it.”
Tim sighed with relief. They were finally getting somewhere, and he was still in the picture. “Iwantto be dragged into it. Iwantto be there for you, and your children. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since I last saw you.”
A blush of color spotted her cheeks. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you either.”
Tim finally allowed himself to smile for the first time in two days. “Why didn’t you say so?” He pushed his hand through the side of her hair and held her head. “I missed you,” he whispered.
“I missed you too.”
His lips tingled, and he moved forward, pressing them against hers. She moaned into his mouth, causing his adrenaline to spike. He was desperate to claim her, desperate to connect with her intimately. He meant what he said, that he would defend her and protect her. The thought of anyone hurting his Southern belle rocked him to his core.
Their kiss became passionate, the two of them firmly entwined. Her lips and tongue explored his mouth, licking and nipping as she switched positions and boldly straddled him on the couch. He started to pull her shirt up and over her head before she stopped him, covering her chest with crossed arms. She panted and stared at him with wide, blue eyes.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” she whispered, seemingly embarrassed.
Tim tilted his head and reassured her. “We don’t have to if you’re not ready. But with the girls out of the house, it’d be so easy.” He didn’t want her doing anything she wasn’t ready for, but alone time with Jessica was a gift, pure and simple.
“It’s just that…”
“What?” He ran his index finger down her bare arm and licked his lips. Oh, to be inside her.
“I looked you up online.”
Tim stopped caressing her skin. He had been so caught up in his desire for Jessica that he totally forgot about how she might be feeling after her research. “Do you have any questions? Do you want to talk about it?”
She shook her head. “Watching those interviews after the worst moment in your life was very telling in the kind of person you are, Tim.”
“Oh?” His teeth clenched, the past rearing its ugly, antagonizing head.
“I can’t imagine what that must have been like. To have to get up the next morning and continue with your life, knowing there would always be someone pointing at you and reminding you of your worst moment.”
Tim could feel his heart sink as the memories came rushing in, slapping him hard across the face. He tried to avoid her eyes, but Jessica firmly grabbed him by the chin, forcing him to look at her.
“Tim, to fail is human. You didn’t purposefully drop that ball. Anyone could see that. It was a fluke. It wasn’t meant to be. You can’t let one moment in time define who you are. I read the stories about your charity work—you’ve helped so many people. You’re such a good person. Look how you’ve helped me.”
She hesitated, lightly touching the skin above his beard with her fingertips. “You were an incredible football player. A first draft pick out of college? I mean, come on! You can’t forget the years and years you hadbeforethat Super Bowl. You’ve shown great character before and after that game. Sometimes things just don’t work out. And you know what? That’s okay. I mean, look at me. You think I expected to be divorced with four little girls to raise on my own? Things didn’t work out. But life still has meaning and purpose and fine moments.”
As if trying to keep her emotions in check, Jessica exhaled slowly and leaned her forehead against his. “I want to share some more fine moments with you.”
Chapter Eleven
Jessica waited for Tim to reply, his warm breath skating over her lips. She couldn’t help but jump when his hand fisted in her hair and he held her head firmly against his while his voice rumbled in her ear.
“I watched the film several times after that game. I wanted to deal with it appropriately. It was horrible that day. But as I worked through it over several months, I started to feel better. It’s something I’ll never forget. The fans won’t either.”
Jessica pulled back from him, in awe that he was so transparent with her. “But people move on, Tim. Don’t live in the shadows forever because of a few fanatical fans.”
Tim smiled and pushed her hair over her shoulder. “I know that. But it’s been nice living a quiet life for a change. It’s not something I ever had while I was in the NFL. I wish I could stay ‘Tim McGill’ and live my life in peace forever.”
They let the moment breathe for a few seconds.
“You said you weren’t sure if you could this, and then you said you wanted to experience ‘fine moments’ with me. Which one are you leaning toward?”
Jessica pressed her lips together and struggled with her uncomfortable inner dialogue. She owed it to Tim to be entirely truthful, even if it was embarrassing to talk about.
“What?” His expression pleaded.
