When I release her, her lips are swollen and her pupils are blown wide. “I think we have an audience.”
“Let them look.” I’ve always avoided PDA, mostly because of my father’s rules and the fear of his wrath, but I’m done playing it safe. I’m ready to live my life to the fullest.
No more holding back.
No more worrying about what the media might say or how my actions might impact my father’s career.
“Let me rephrase,” Quinn says, voice husky. “I think we should go somewhere more private to finish this conversation.”
My cock twitches in agreement.“Your place or mine?”
“Mine’s closer.” She slides out of the booth and slings her bag over her shoulder, making a beeline for the door.
I grab Starlight Twinkle and follow Quinn out into the blustery morning. It’s freezing and the smell of snow hangs heavy in the air as I tuck her under my arm, fitting her body to mine. “I’ve missed this.”
“Me too,” she says, breath forming a small white cloud before her lips. “My bed is so much warmer when you’re in it.”
I lean down and kiss the top of her head. “Happy to be of service.”
I could live a thousand lifetimes and I’d never get enough of this woman. I’ll never tire of her kisses or her sweet laughter or the way she challenges me at every turn. I could live a thousand lifetimes and I’d want to spend every single one of them catching Quinn.
EPILOGUE
12 MONTHS LATER…
QUINN
It’sSunday night and I’m curled up in bed with my laptop, working on my romance novel. It’s been slow going, trying to squeeze in writing time around classes and real life, but I’m almost finished with my first draft.
With any luck, I’ll writeThe Endbefore the holidays, which would be amazing since I’m spending winter break at Cooper’s place in Nashville. The Titans drafted him in the first round and though he always said he wanted to play ball on the west coast, Tennessee suits him.
It suits me too, since it’s only a ninety-minute flight.
We see each other as often as we can, but the last few months have been tough. The team works six days a week during the season and maintains a rigid schedule for practices, training, and game prep.
Cooper’s thriving though, and that’s what matters.
My phone vibrates and I grab it off the bed, heart sinking when I see it’s a voice call.
We were supposed to Facetime tonight, but something must’ve come up.
I swipe accept and lift the phone to my ear. “Hey, babe.”
“Hey, gorgeous. What are you up to?”
“Working on my manuscript. I think I’m going to have a first draft by the end of the year.”
“Outstanding.”
I laugh. “No, outstanding is how well you played today. You looked great out there.”
Cooper’s having a breakout year. He’s been killing it on the field and the Nashville fans love him. When I visit, we can’t eat in a restaurant without fans swarming the table for autographs, which inevitably leads to Cooper’s ears turning red as they heap on the praise. It’s so freaking adorable.
“Thanks,” he says, voice echoing through the line. “Coach told me I better stay healthy, so I told him he should give me more time off.”
If only.
As much as I love watching Cooper play, I can’t wait until the season is over so we can spend more time together.
