I stepped closer.
The mic lowered instinctively.
“Say something useful,” I told him, voice low and tight, “or shut the hell up.”
That did it.
The sideline crew froze. Camera still rolling, but no one spoke. For a second, it was just the sound of my breathing and the pulse pounding in my ears. I knew I’d just handed them a viral soundbite. Again.
My temper had a way of doing that—especially when it came to bullshit like this. The guy didn’t even look rattled. He was probably thrilled. This was what they wanted. The headlines would write themselves.
I forced myself to step back, eyes scanning the sideline—and there she was.
Daphne.
She stood a few yards off with her press badge hanging around her neck and her laptop hugged to her chest, but she wasn’t typing. Wasn’t working. She was watching me.
And when our eyes met, she didn’t look mad. Or worried. Just…exasperated.
She mouthed something.
Don’t.
I exhaled hard through my nose, took the mic in my hand like I was about to answer a real question, and said, “Storm had an off day. It happens. But we take our hits and we come back stronger. That’s what this team does.”
Then I handed the mic back.
Because if I didn’t, I might’ve said something I actually regretted.
I should’ve walked away.
I gave the guy my soundbite. Clean. Professional. No explosions. No fines. No headlines.
But of course, he couldn’t help himself.
“So just to clarify,” the reporter said, leaning in like we were co-conspirators. “You’re saying the locker room drama has nothing to do with that performance? Are you considering retiring?”
I clenched my jaw so tight it hurt. “What I’m saying is?—”
I cut myself off.
There she was, striding straight through the media scrum like it was part of her job. No hesitation. No nerves. Like the field, the cameras, the chaos—none of it fazed her.
Her eyes locked on mine. And even from five yards out, I felt it. That heat. That pull.
“Daph—”
She didn’t stop.
Didn’t say a word.
Just stepped up, grabbed me by the front of my jersey, and kissed me.
Hard.
The whole stadium vanished.
I froze for a heartbeat, caught completely off guard—but then I was kissing her back like I’d been waiting my whole life for this moment.
