“At least you know it,” Jake joked.
Oh boy, didn’t I. I knew it the moment we ran into each other on the sidewalk outside of Alessandro’s. But like all Boones, I was stubborn as hell and went after what I wanted.
“I’ll see you guys later.” I bumped my knuckles against theirs before I grabbed my bag and hooked it over my shoulder, making my way out of the locker room.
I walked to the little area where most wives or girlfriends waited. I wasn’t sure if Emmie would be there or if she left, but I was hoping she would be. My stomach knotted as I walked the corridor, the cement walls seeming to echo every step.
If she wasn’t there, that was okay. Maybe she didn’t want to wait around in case her father came by, or maybe she had something else to do. It would feel like a blow to the stomach, but I’d understand.
Soft voices met my ears as I turned the corner. I spotted the wives of a few teammates, each looking up at me and expecting to see their husbands instead. I gave them all a smile as my eyes roamed the space. A few random girls eyed me up and down, licking their lips, but I paid them no attention. They were either new girlfriends, hookups, or jersey chasers. None of which I wanted anything to do with.
A few times, I thought I caught sight of her, but none of them had red hair. Trying not to feel dejected, I stepped backto leave. I was just about to go when a small figure appeared between two other women.
Green eyes, freckles, and a timid smile filled my vision.
She stayed.
My body moved forward before I could think.
I stopped inches from her, my hands clenched at my sides and fighting the urge to pull her against me. I didn’t know if she’d want it, so I forced myself to have self-control. It turned out to be pointless. She grabbed my shirt, dragged me down to her, and stretched onto her toes as her lips crashed into mine.
I kissed her back with the same ferocity, hands now clenched on her waist to keep her pressed against me. Everyone else in the room faded as my lips moved with hers in a perfect dance. What I would give to stand here and kiss her all day.
Emmie pulled away a moment later, resting back on her feet, hands still fisted in my shirt. Her lips were a shade pinker than before. The urge to bruise and make them swollen came over me.
“Hi,” Emmie whispered to me.
“Hi,” I whispered back.
“Good game.”
“Even though I didn’t really play?” I asked.
“You would have handed the other team their ass if you played longer,” Emmie said.
A wide smile broke out on my face. “Yes, I would have.” I couldn’t wait for her to see me play in an actual game.
Finally remembering where we were, I squeezed her sides. “Want to get out of here?”
“I would love to.” Emmie’s beauty took my breath away when she smiled sweetly at me. She was stunning. “I took an Uber here.”
I let my hands fall from her and stepped back. Her handsdropped from my shirt and fell to her sides. Unable to spend another second without touching her, I extended my hand back out, hoping she’d take it.
16
EMMIE
Inever thought I’d be attracted to a football player. I always associated them with my father, so they became off-limits. The last thing I wanted was to be with someone who came from the same sport that took all of my dad’s time.
Yet, here I was, seated with a man who not only played football but playedformy dad. A man who’s ass looked incredible in his football uniform, something I didn’t even know was a thing until tonight.
Seeing Mateo on the field, even if it was just for a quarter, started a fire in my belly. He looked so damn good in his jersey, bare muscular arms flexing as he threw the ball. And don’t even get me started on the way his sweaty hair stuck to his forehead when he took his helmet off. Again, didn’t know I would find something so fucking hot.
I had debated going to the game when my dad offered a ticket, but boy, was I glad I did. Seeing Mateo in his element was better than I thought it would be.
“You sure you don’t want to go out and celebrate with your teammates?” I asked, feeling a bit guilty he was here with me after his game.
“I’m exactly where I want to be.” Mateo’s words settled deep in my chest.
