Cash planted a kiss on the top of my head and whispered to me. “I love you, baby.”
The way the crowd awed made it clear they’d heard him but thankfully another reporter was ready to move on. Unfortunately, it didn’t appear they were ready to focus on the game just yet.
A beautiful blonde stepped closer and flashed a sweet smile. “What are your thoughts on your father’s divorce with social media star-”
“What Sam Ford does in his life is his own choice. We can’t comment on what he does or what’s currently going on. We’re separating ourselves from that connection and plan to work hard to prove that we’re this good because of who we are and not because of a shared last name.” Hayes tightened his arm around me and grunted. “Any football questions?”
The questions came faster after that.
“Is Cass really your message therapist?”
“Yeah. After some convincing she came back to the staff and everyone’s feeling a lot less tense because of it.”
“Are you really giving up football, Cash?”
“Yep. I’ve loved playing with my brothers but it’s not what I want to do forever. I’ll be on the sidelines with Cassidy from now on, supporting my brothers as they kill it in their pro careers.”
“West, how’s your back?”
I looked up at him and watched him consider how he wanted to answer. Finally, he just shrugged. “I’ll ask my massage therapist for an extra massage tonight and then I’ll be as good as new. Even if I feel fine, it never hurts to position yourself for an extra win.”
The crowd laughed when I rolled my eyes at him. The questions kept coming until eventually Deacon Holmes showed up and ended it. He’d stuck around since the front yard brawl, claiming he needed to keep an eye on us but I had a feeling he was hiding from Kate, his coworker who seemed to hate him.
He managed to wait a while while the guys celebrated on the field with their teammates but when I saw him get fidgety, I slipped away from them and pulled him aside so they could have more time on the field. He sighed at me, still not a big fan of mine, but he let me tug him aside. “I need to talk to them, Cass.”
“You need to let them enjoy this. It’s a big night for them.”
“You’re a pain in the ass.” He put his hands on his hips and looked up at the night sky. “And a walking sign that Kate’s good at her fucking job. We got some data earlier and it’s clear people love you. I even heard that Coach James is having to fight other coaches off who want to snag you for their programs.”
I bounced in place and slapped his shoulder. “That’s amazing! I’m really glad Kate was right. And that you were wrong.”
“Yeah, yeah. You and Sam switched places in the public’s eye.”
I giggled. “I surely hope not.”
He cracked a smile before turning serious again. “The divorce is going to get very ugly. Sam didn’t sign any kind of prenup and that airhead is going for half. They’re already slanderingeach other online and Sam’s fat fingers and typos are making his posts even more embarrassing. He’s going to lose everything.”
I did my best to keep a straight face but I knew a smirk was breaking free so I looked away. “That’s too bad.”
“There’s going to be blowback onto the guys if we don’t handle this the right way.”
“Handle it in whatever way will hurt them the least. They don’t deserve any more trouble from that man.” Knowing it would push his buttons, I went on. “Maybe ask Kate about it.”
He growled and poked me in the forehead. “You’re a brat. Tell the guys I’ll be in contact tomorrow. Don’t do anything stupid tonight.”
I laughed as he stormed off and turned back to see my guys coming towards me. An excited chill went up and down my spine at the looks on their faces. I was in for a very…athletic night.
76
Epilogue Two: West
“It’s only been six months since I stopped drinking, baby. It’s not that big of a deal.” I still smiled when Cassidy dragged me up the stairs to my room. “Not that I’m complaining about getting my hands on you, but I don’t want you rewarding us for shit that should just be expected. You’re worth more than that.”
She paused at the top of the stairs and turned to face me. “It is a big deal. You’re taking care of yourself now and it means so much to me. After things with my dad… I just want to make sure you know just how happy you make me.”
I moved up the last steps, forcing her to move backwards until her back hit my door. “The last six months have been the happiest of my life, Cassidy. That’s been the reward for staying sober.”
Tears filled her eyes and for once she didn’t rush to wipe them away. “I love you so much, West. They’ve been the happiest in my life, too.”
