“I love you for your sense of compassion and your need to protect the people you care about. I love you for your sense of humor and your desire to always do the right thing. I love the way you challenge me when I’m being stubborn, the way you hold me when we’re watching Riverdale, and the way you always kiss me good night. I love you for being you.”
We stare at each other for a beat. I’m not sure which of us moves first, maybe we move at the same time, but then our lips are crashing together, his mouth moving hungrily over mine as I press my body to his, trying to get closer to the man I love. Behind us, I hear the opening chords of “In Your Eyes” and I have a brief moment of validation—it was no coincidence that Austin held his sign over his head like a boom box after all—before I dismiss it and pour myself into the kiss.
The guys cheer and whistle, but Becca’s voice is loudest of them all as I claim my man, and when we finally break apart, I’m breathless.
Austin pulls me to his side, tucking me under his arm as he turns to the rest of the team. “Who knew you all were such romantics?” I tease.
“You ever need help with a completely over-the-top romantic gesture, Vaughn’s your man,” Parker says, slapping Vaughn on the back.
“Dude, I feel like your extensive knowledge of chick flicks is totally wasted. This shit is gold. It should get you laid every weekend,” Coop says with what I think is a touch of awe. “Even with the beard.”
“What’s wrong with his beard?” Becca asks, which sets off a whole new round of razzing.
Vaughn’s cheeks flush a deep shade of scarlet, and I’m pretty sure it’s only the presence of my mom that keeps him from responding.
“Hey, now. Don’t go giving Vaughn all the credit,” Austin says indignantly. “The signs were my idea.”
“Of course they were.” I grab his hand and pull him toward my mom. Might as well get the introductions out of the way now that she’s been subjected to our big sloppy makeup kiss. Speaking of making up…I am so having dirty, loud makeup sex with the man I love tonight. Just the thought has me squeezing my thighs together in anticipation.
I must be making horny eyes, because Austin lowers his lips to my ear and whispers, “Don’t worry, gorgeous. I promise to make it worth the wait.”
The words remind me of our first night together, and desire coils low in my belly. Which is so not appropriate when I’m about to introduce the man candy to my mom. Fortunately, Austin takes the lead, giving me a moment to get my ovaries under control.
“Mrs. Carter,” he says, extending his hand to my mom and flashing a thousand-watt smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”
“Austin.” She looks him over from head to toe as if assessing him for flaws. Good luck. The man has none that I’ve been able to find. And I’ve explored every inch of his rock-hard body. “I was starting to think you weren’t going to make it.”
“You and me both. The glitter took a little longer to dry than I expected.”
They laugh like old friends, and I look from Austin to my mom. “You knew about this?”
“Of course. Austin called me this morning while you were getting ready.” She reaches over and pats my arm. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I gave him the business for breaking my baby’s heart, but he sounded so contrite, I thought he might deserve one more chance.” She cuts her eyes at him. “But only one. Next time, I won’t be so forgiving.”
Dude, my mom is scary intimidating. Austin must think so too because he just says, “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ll give you two a minute alone,” she says, backing away. “Just meet me at the car when you’re done.”
Mom retreats up the aisle, and I can’t help but wonder if Austin called her before or after I spilled my guts this morning. It doesn’t matter. I’m done holding on to the past. I want to move forward and focus on the future, a future I hope includes a national title, my dream job, and the cocky QB who’s stolen my heart.
It’s a tall order, but I’m a modern woman and you know what? I’m starting to think I really can have it all.
I lace my arms around Austin’s neck and pull him in close, inhaling the spicy scent of his cologne as he slips his arms around my waist. His hands rest just above my ass, and I’m pretty sure he’s teasing me on purpose, but I don’t mind because I know he’ll make good on his promise later. When he lowers his mouth to mine, the kiss is slow, sultry, and anything but chaste. It’s the kind of slow burn that could incinerate my panties—if I were wearing any—and I know without a doubt I’ve met my match. After all, if we can get through senior year, we can get through anything.
EPILOGUE
AUSTIN
It’sdraft day and I’m nervous as hell. All my life I’ve dreamed of hearing my name called and walking up on that stage to shake hands with the commissioner. I’ve imagined a lot of different teams over the years and a lot of different picks, but it doesn’t matter if I go number one or number ten, it’s a huge honor to be here.
Oh, who am I kidding? My ego totally wants to be drafted first overall. My heart wants to go number three.
My leg’s going a mile a minute under the table and it’s all I can do to keep a smile on my face. I’ve seen enough draft days to know there are cameras everywhere. Appearances and all that. My suit is custom-made, but that doesn’t make it any more comfortable. And my tie is so tight I can’t fucking breathe.
That’d be my luck. I’ll pass out before they even call my name.
Kennedy reaches over and takes my hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. She always looks great but today she’s wearing a sexy ivory dress that showcases her gorgeous legs. It looks like heaven against her sun-kissed skin. The damn thing is the definition of temptation. I kind of want to sling her over my shoulder and find an empty closet. Not a bad idea, actually. I’d much rather pass the time worshipping my woman than sitting here like a caged monkey.
“Almost showtime,” my father says, pride shining in his eyes. “I remember my draft day. Man, every minute felt like an hour.”
