“You know what you did wrong.”
We all nod, and he continues, “Don’t let them gain one damn yard. Deacon, slip through their defense. Stop thinking and react sooner. I know it’s a lot of pressure on you, but you must learn to overcome that.”
We all encourage Deacon. He might not be Levi, but a lot rests on his shoulders.
We storm the field, and I stare each opponent down.
The ball and I are one. While they’re busy going after Deacon, I change my pass, and we secure the first touchdown. For the rest of the second half, we don’t let them gain one damn yard.
The game ends, and I rip my helmet off, throwing my head back—overcome by relief. Roman and my other teammates crash into me, lifting me up. The celebratory shouts roar in the air, adding to the ruckus that ensues from our fans. The chants might be heard from outer space.
After the Lombardi Trophy ceremony, I give a few interviews while still on the field, my mind drifting to Lilly as I answer the questions, wanting time to pass faster so I can get to her.
In the locker room, we throw our arms in the air, dancing, goofing around, and taking pics—drunk on the win.
After celebrating with my teammates, I slip away from the party to call Lilly. When she picks up, I can barely make out her words.
“Hi, oh my god. You were amazing,” she says, voice hoarse and crackling. So, she cheered me on, just like she promised.
“Where are you?”
“At the airport. My flight home leaves in an hour.”
“Can’t wait to see you when I get back tomorrow. Be packed and ready to go when I get there,” I tell her.
“I’ll be waiting.”
Just like me, flower girl. Just like me…
SEVENTEEN
LILLY
The momenthe walks inside my apartment, I jump into his arms, pressing my mouth to his soft, full lips. Everything inside me lights up—a firework of sensations erupts, painting my insides in sparkles.
Backing me into the wall by the door, he cups my face, his tongue tracing over my lips. Parting my mouth, he groans low in his throat, our tongues coming together in a dance of passion. I’m dizzy, feverish, high on all the things he elicits in me.
Closing my eyes, I lose myself in the delicious feeling of his mouth devouring mine. Frenzy ensues. All I wish is for the kiss to never end. I’d be willing to spend my life in his arms while his skilled mouth carries me straight to euphoria.
Our moans and heavy breathing are the only sounds breaking the silence, ringing of pure greed. Every nibble and lick intensifies the pleasure unfolding in my stomach that flutters like crazy.
I am forever trapped by this man who appears out of this world beautiful, strong, talented while I’m his willing captive. He kisses me as if he has been starved for me with raw eagerness and undiluted desperation, matching my own.
This madness we’ve tried to keep locked breaks free. It overflows between us in a river of forbidden lust and carnal desire.
When the kiss ends, I am breathless, still clutching his lapels to hold on and not slip into a dreamlike state I’d never resurface from. I open my eyes to find his hooded with desire. I bite my swollen lip. Feeling him hard against me stirs the ache in my core.
Last night was a wild rollercoaster of highs and lows. I longed to climb down the stairs and run toward him on the field. Claim him as my man, but I knew I couldn’t. Sadness pierced my heart as I stared into the distance for long minutes before Kat and Theo dragged me away so we could catch our flight.
When Ian finally called, I was hurt that I couldn’t be there to celebrate in person with him. I acted on pure impulse as soon as I saw him standing in my doorway.
The fog dissipates in the wake of reason, leaving me unnerved.What did I do?
“Lilly—”
“Don’t,” I whisper, embracing myself.
His throat rumbles with a groan. “If you say that was a mistake, I’ll lose my shit.”
