“Hi,” she finally says, a lovesick, happy grin plastered on her face. My gaze drops like the traitors they are, zoning in on her soft, full lips. I’m so fucking tempted to lean in for one more quick taste, but I force myself to stay strong.
Making out in front of a crowd full of fans probably isn’t the best career move.
“Hi,” I echo, dragging my eyes back to hers, silently praying I don’t find even a hint of regret or hesitation there.
“Thanks for winning for me.” Her fingers thread into the sweaty, damp hair at the base of my neck.
“Thanks for giving me a reason to.”
I’ve always been a competitive person by nature, but playing for the Honky Tonks has helped take some of the edge off. It’s no longer the end of the world if my team loses, but tonight was different. It wasn’t about the stats, my teammates or even the crowd. It was all about her.
The best part is, she’s smiling up at me like I just handed her the whole damn world. Hell, if winning is all it takes to keep herlooking at me like this, then I’ll happily dedicate every win and every game to her from here on out.
“So,” a deep voice cuts in, bursting our once private, happy bubble.
I unfortunately know that voice.
I’m not one who gets intimidated easily, but right now, that sound is absolutely terrifying. Not only does it belong to my boss, but the father of the woman I’m so incredibly in love with.
“Exactly how long has this been going on?” he presses, his tone stern.
As much as I want to keep her in my arms forever, this man deserves my respect. I loosen my grip beneath Hollis’s thighs as she slides down my body until her Converse covered feet hit the grass.
“Not long,” Hollis says at the exact moment I say,
“A while.”
We exchange quick glances as his presence somehow grows even more intimidating, his strong arms folding across his sculpted chest.
“Okay, maybe it’s been going on for a little bit,” Hollis says, taking a step toward her father, “but it’s not like you think.”
“Honestly,” I cut in, done with the hiding and the sneaking around. It’s not like I’ve ever been particularly good at it anyway. Plus, he’s my boss—he deserves to know the truth. “I’m not sure what you’re thinking Mr. Clemmins, but I’m crazy about your daughter.” I sneak a quick glance at Hollis before looking back at him. “I looked into it and while there’s no current no-fraternization policy, I want you to know that I’ve never had anything but the best of intentions for Hollis.” I reach for her hand, threading my fingers through hers and give it a firm squeeze. “In fact,” I say, turning to face her. “I’m in love with her.”
Her lips part in surprise before curving into a wide, radiant grin.
“I’m so in love with you Hollis, and whether I’m allowed to stay and play for this team or not, I need you to know, I’m all in. It doesn’t matter what happens next or what team I play for. All that matters is that you’re by my side wherever I end up.”
“I love you, too, Mason!” She drops my hand and wraps her arms around my waist, and I do the same. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to make this work. It doesn’t matter where you go. I’m in. You’re it for me..”
“Hold up now,” Jared cuts in, uncrossing his arms as he holds them up. “What’s all this talk about you playing somewhere else?”
I wasn’t planning on bringing this up just yet, but I suppose now feels like as good of a time as any. I unwrap my arms from around Hollis before pulling her into my side.
“It turns out a few Major League teams have shown some interest in getting me to sign with them once my Honky Tonks contract us up,” I say, a wave of relief washing over me at finally having it all out in the open. “But I want you to know I’m not interested. As long as you’ll have me, this is the only team I want to play for.”
A smile breaks through Jared’s serious demeanor. “That’s absolutely amazing, son,” he says, his tone carrying the same fatherly kindness he shows all of us players in the league. “That really is something. But I also want you to know that whether you’re playing for the Honky Tonks or somewhere else, you’ll always have my full support.” He steps forward and gives my shoulder a pat. “And most importantly, you’re always going to be wanted here—even if you’re dating my daughter.”
“Although,” he adds, his voice sharpening just a notch, “if you treat her wrong, it won’t be your boss you’ll have to deal with.It’ll be her father. And I can assure you, he’s one tough son of a bitch when it comes to his daughter.”
I don’t doubt him for even a single second.
“You have nothing to worry about, sir,” I promise, glancing down at the beautiful brunette as she smiles up at me. “I can assure you, nobody will treat your daughter better than I will.”
“I trust you.” He nods, leaning down to give his daughter a hug and one final congratulations before excusing himself to make an appearance at the after-party held just outside the stadium.
Normally, I’m one of the first ones out there and would be going with him, but it’s probably not a surprise to anyone that Hollis and I are still lingering on the field.
There are a few staff members cleaning up the field and getting it ready for tomorrow’s practice. But thankfully, we’re finally given a mostly private moment to ourselves.
