“Cage, I feel it too. It’s insane really. We’re not married. Children? Why would we even consider them at this point? We’re probably the only two people in the world who can understand why me not being pregnant is such a disappointment. It was a bet, or dare, or just some weird standoff that happened that day in your kitchen. I was terrified and exhilarated at the same time. I hadn’t even considered kids yet, all I knew was I wanted you. But after we did it… I realized I wantedthatpart of you too.”
“But I have weak sperm?”
“Incredibly weak.”
“Maybe you just have an inhospitable environment. Probably all the junk food you eat.”
“Watch it, Monaghan. You have a pretty good record with me, but those are some fighting words. If you don’t back it down, then I’d say the chances of you scoring anytime soon are pretty slim.”
“We’re separated by three states. I can’t even see your end zone.”
Lake giggled. “Just as well. It’s really more like a war zone right now.”
“I love you. I need sleep. Long day.”
“You don’t want to discuss my period anymore?”
“I’m sure Penny would be a better fit for that conversation.”
“No. Penny lost her uterus. I don’t think she wants to discuss this with me.”
“Jesus, has she reported it missing? I bet the same asshole who stole your leg has her uterus too. I suspect they’ve bothbeen sold on the black market.”
There it was—her laugh. I’d make crazy shit up all night long for more of her laughter.
“Sweet dreams, my sports star. Don’t forget to lo?—”
“It’s what I do best. Good night, sexy.”
I awoketo a text from the woman who managed to unravel me a little more the farther she traveled away from me. Lake held me together. It was a frightening realization that any one person had such a profound effect on my existence.
Lake:Where will Trzy be when you leave? Check with Mrs. Leonard in 2A, just flash her your dimples. Or ask Jamie. <3 U.
Cage:Flashed Mrs. Leonard my dimples. She fainted. Paramedics came. As the officer took my statement it hit me… you didn’t mean my butt dimples, did you? So embarrassing…
Lake:Funny guy. My tongue loves your butt dimples. Did you get arrested? How cool would it be if we both had a police record? I hope you really did moon her, it will make the confession I have to give you so much easier.
Cage:WTF?
Lake:We’re at the church. I have to go. Keep your ass off the turf Sunday. Tell your tackle guys to protect you. Good luck.
Cage:Linemen. Love you. I’ll stay on my feet if you keep your damn clothes on!
Lake:Really, I have to go… but challenge accepted. I’m going to watch Sunday’s game at a sports bar downtown and every time you land on your ass I’m going to remove a piece of my clothing. xx
I typed ten different responses, then deleted them. She had me by the balls. Stubborn woman.
“Get your ass on the bus, Monaghan. We have a plane to catch.”
I nodded at my coach and slipped my phone into my pocket. Visions of Lake stripping in a sports bar haunted me. It was a joke. It had to be a joke.
Fuck!
What if it wasn’t a joke?
Detroit rackedup three sacks on me. We had the number one defense, they had the number two. Every inch of my body fucking ached—throbbed. I had two seconds to get the ball off. Where the hell were the blocks? Don’t throw an interception. Don’t get sacked. See the whole field. Find my receiver. Stop thinking of Lake stripping.
I stopped for a few questions before making it off the field at the end of the game.
