“They’re fucking intrusive assholes.”
He clasps my shoulder. “Son, I know how you feel. It was one reason why I didn’t want Lilly with you. But it’s her choice. She’s a tough one, and she loves you.”
“She shouldn’t have to be their focus,” I blow out a breath of frustration. “I’m a football player. I know they always want a picture they can sell.”
His phone rings, and he departs.
Stewing in my troubles is not a solution, so I do some breathing exercises to calm down, then head to my car.
There are paparazzi posted in front of our apartment complex. They’re not even trying to hide. I ignore them because there’s nothing else I can do while I call Levi. I refuse to lose my shit in front of them.
“Hi, man,” I say while stabbing them with a hard stare. “I made it through the meeting with the owner relatively unscathed.”
“That’s good. But shouldn’t you be happier?”
“These paparazzi assholes are after Lilly…”
“There’s nothing you can do. Just ignore them.”
Easier said than done.
I want him to be the first one to know, so I blurt out, bursting with joy. “I’m with Lilly.”
“Like together?”
I hear the squeal of my sister. Apparently, I am not the only one with news.
“Wait, what the fuck?”
He chuckles. “Amelie heard you.”
I hear a shuffle of the phone, and my sister says, “I’m so happy for you. Can the four of us go together somewhere? That would be amazing.”
“I’ll talk to Lilly.”
She gives Levi the phone back, and he says, “I’m happy for you, man.”
A huge smile splits my face. “I’m happy for you too.”
We hang up, and I can’t wait to tell Lilly the good news. I don’t find her at our place, but at hers. She’s on the phone, surrounded by partially packed boxes.
Crouching behind her, I kiss her neck.
She giggles and says, “It will have to be after the season ends.” Whatever my sister says, she adds, “A ranch in the mountains. That sounds great.”
For a moment, emotions overwhelm me as I witness my woman talking to my sister, being friends, and making plans.
Life is good, and I will do everything in my power to keep it that way.
I gesture at the boxes, and she nods, fully engrossed in the conversation.
By the time I bring them all to my place, she finishes the call.
She jumps into my arms, holding on to me like a little monkey—my little monkey. “Hi, baby. I missed you.”
I am sure I will never tire of hearing that from her.
She slides off and says, “It’s not all… I mean…”
