Dev’s hand covered mine. “I’d love to spend the off-season with you.”
Joy leaped through me. “Awesome.”
“But right now…” That wicked grin appeared that never failed to get my blood burning and heart pumping. He reached for me, and I met his kiss in a greedy clash of lips and teeth.
**
One month later, I waited at the airport for Dev’s plane. When I saw him striding out, chatting with fans and stopping to take pictures, my chest swelled with pride. About to go meet him, I felt a tug on my T-shirt and looked down to see a little boy staring up at me.
“Are you Blink Martin?”
“Jimmy, I told you not to bother the man.” His apologetic mother gave me a quick, nervous smile. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” I crouched to meet him eye-to-eye. “Yeah, I’m Blink. And your name’s Jimmy? How old are you?”
“I’m five.”
“No way. I thought at least seven or eight.” I winked at his mother. “You a football fan, Jimmy?”
“Uh-huh. Me and my daddy. He’s coming home from the war, and he promised we’d go to a game this year. I wish it could be the Lonestars. You’re my favorite.”
“That’s cool.” I spotted Dev, and a few yards behind him, a man in uniform in a wheelchair. Dev waved to me, but my focus was on the soldier.
“Daddy, Daddy.” Little Jimmy sprinted to his father, and his mother hung back a moment.
“Troy was hurt by an IED. We’re lucky all he lost was a leg. Others didn’t get to come home. It’s been hard workin’ and takin’ care of Jimmy alone and worryin’ about Troy.” She brushed away a tear. “I’m sorry to be babblin’ on.”
“Not to worry. I’m sure you’re glad he’s home.”
“We’ve been prayin’ for this day. I’m Amber, by the way. We’re all huge fans of yours. Troy and I watched all your games. Blue Waves forever.”
“Hey, Blink. Thanks for picking me up.” Dev waited at my side, picking up the signals that something other than a meet and greet was happening. With Jimmy hanging on, the man wheeling Troy pushed the chair over to us, and Amber left me to hug and kiss her husband. Jimmy pulled at his father’s arm.
“Daddy, look. It’s Blink Martin.” Troy’s eyes bugged out when Dev waved at him.
“Hey, Troy. Thank you for your service. I’m sure you know my friend Devlin Summers.”
Troy’s jaw dropped. “Holy shi-moly.” He caught himself, and we all laughed. “I never expected such a welcome home. My favorite player and Devil Summers, one of the Super Bowl quarterbacks? Amber, honey, how’d you manage this?”
Before she had a chance to answer, I stepped in. “We can’t give away all our secrets, Sergeant. But, since Jimmy here told me you’re such huge Lonestars fans, I’m gonna fly you and your family to see our opening game, all expenses paid, including the best suite at the hotel, and all your meals. Plus, you’ll sit in my box and get to meet the players.”
“Oh, my God,” Jimmy yelled, jumping up and down while Amber and Troy gasped.
“Th-that’s so generous, Mr. Martin.”
“Blink, please. And it’s the least I can do for someone who gave so much for our country. Give me your address and phone number, and I’ll make all the arrangements.”
Amber dug a pen from her purse. “I can’t believe this. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to us.”
“Here, let me sign your shirt too.”
Dev took the pen and signed Jimmy’s T-shirt, then handed me the pen. Jimmy couldn’t stop staring at his shirt.
Troy held out a hand. “Thank you. I hardly know what to say. Jimmy and I are such huge fans. We saved up to make the trip to your Orange Bowl championship game, and that was a night we’ll never forget.”
Dev and I shared a smile. “Us neither.”
After we took a ton of pictures with not only Troy, Amber, and Jimmy, but all the other people in the airport who recognized us, we retrieved Dev’s bag and went on our way.
