“Do you think you’ll travel to Minnesota for the game?” Mia’s question catches me off guard.
“I hadn’t even thought about it, but honestly I don’t think so. School starts back up soon since Christmas break is over.” She nods her head and links my arm with hers as we walk to the exit.
When we get there, Liam and Chase are walking out almost at the same time that Mia and I arrive.
“Great game!” I say to both of them, holding my hand out to high five Liam while Chase walks up to me and gives me a quick hug.
Okay, another normal interaction, we’re making progress.
Ford’s tall body exits the doors and I’m bouncing on my toes, so excited to see him for the first time since Christmas. He scoops me up in a big hug and fuses his mouth with mine. It’s the first time we’re able to show this kind of public display of affection and I’m soaking it all up.
“Can’t wait to get you out of these clothes later,” Ford whispers in my ear as he drapes an arm over my shoulder and turns to walk me out.
“Actually.” He pulls at the jersey bearing his name and number. “You’re going to keep my jersey on tonight while I make you fucking scream.” Heat fills my body and there’s an ache between my thighs at his words.
Can’t wait.
“Oh my gosh, come on!” Mia yells at the TV and paces the living room. There are only two minutes left in the game and this has been a close one. Right now, Tampa is up by three but Minnesota has the ball and is trying to make their way down the field.
“Can’t your brother just use all of the aggression he’s feeling towards Ford and power it into their quarterback, cause a fumble and allow one of our guys to land on it? Is that seriously too much to ask?”
I love how into the games Mia gets, she always makes me laugh with her commentary on the refs and the plays. We both stand in front of the TV holding our breath as the clock continues to tick down. It feels like I’m already watching the Super Bowl with how nervous I am, I don’t know how I’ll survive watching if they actually go.
“Sack! Sack! We got a sack!” Mia's small body jumps up and down and her fists pump into the air.
We both cheer as Minnesota rushes to the line but they don’t have enough time for more than one play and it’s an unsuccessful hail Mary. We both jump up and down, hugging and acting like we’re the ones who just won a football game.
“Ford’s going to be in a good mood when he gets home tomorrow.” She winks as she cleans up some of the mess we made on the table.
“Oh, I’m looking forward to it,” I fire back.
Once Mia and I finish cleaning up and she leaves, I send Ford a goodnight text. I’m exhausted and I know that we have a busy week coming up. The new and improved art room is officially opening at the Rec Center this week and I told Dolly I’d help after school.
As I’m about to close my eyes, my phone dings.
Ford
Night Princess. I can’t wait to see you when I get home. I love you.
Will I ever stop getting butterflies when he calls me Princess?
Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” streams through the speakers as I make my way into the lobby of the Rec Center and my hips throw a little wiggle in at the beat. Ford catches my eye as I’m hugging Dolly and gives me a handsome smirk before I make my way over to him.
“Well hi, handsome.” His arms wrap around me and pull me close to his chest. His masculine scent surrounds me and I feel like I could get a high off of inhaling him.
“Everything looks great, how’d it go today officially opening it?” My eyes search his and there’s so much pride beaming from him.
“Couldn’t have gone better, actually.” He turns his head, smiling, looking into the glass where at least twenty kids are doing some form of artwork.
“Your girl came. She’s over there.” Ford points to the back of the room, near the painting easels and I see Harper talking to a little girl next to her, smiling with a paint brush in her hand and I swear I could cry. I wasn’t sure if her mom would be able to get her here, but it looks like they found a way.
Once she sees me, she motions for me to come over to where she’s standing.
“Hi, Harper. Wow, what’s this?” I lean over to get a better look at the painting she’s doing. It’s beautiful, there’s so much color and different stroke patterns.
Putting her paintbrush down and wiping her hands on her smock, she reaches over and hugs me. “My mom said I can come here every day after school if I want to. Thank you for telling her about it.” Her green little eyes look up at mine and she gives me the biggest smile I think I’ve ever gotten from her.
“He said I’m allowed to use whatever I want here. He’s really nice, Ms. Hunt. If he’s your boyfriend, does that mean you’re going to marry him?” I turn around to look back at Ford who is still standing outside of the room, staring in. He smiles at me as our eyes meet and I bring my attention back to Harper.
