Page 131 of Hard to Score

Two starts in two games leading into postseason.

My eyes are glued to the screen as Drew runs onto the field with the rest of his offense. They huddle together for a moment and just before they break, the camera swings around to Drew’s back.

It’s then that I see it.

Dekker wasn’t telling me Drew was starting.

She was telling me I needed to see this.

She was remembering a conversation way back when just like I do right now.

“Like I’d ever put that shit on my helmet.” He snorts and crosses his arms over his chest in annoyance.

“Not even if you were madly in love?” she asks.

“Nope,” he says and emits an exasperated sigh.

“You’re telling me if it was the only way to profess your undying love for someone that you wouldn’t do it?”

“Dekker.” Her name is a frustrated warning.

“Well?” she asks.

“Sure. Yes. Of course. That’s exactly how I’d profess my undying love for someone. A public statement for everyone to see, because I especially enjoy the guys razzing the shit out of me over it just like I am to the dude on the TV right now.”

“I’m serious,” Dekker adds.

“So am I. Better yet, I think that’s the way I’ll propose to the woman I plan to marry. Nothing like ridiculous fucking gestures to make the whole moment that much sweeter.”

“But you’ve always said you’re never going to get married.”

“Exactly,” he says with a definitive nod and a chuckle as he drops the remote control in mic-drop fashion before striding out.

I gasp out in surprise and then cover my mouth when my seatmate glances my way.

But I can’t help it.

How can I?

Not when I see the ILYBK in big black letters on the back of Drew’s helmet.

Letters he swore he’d never put on a helmet unless it was a woman he wants to marry.

“Oh. My. God.” It’s Dekker’s voice in my ear, but it’s my heart that I’m listening to.

The one that is so full of love for the man I’m madly head over heels for.

The man I’m going to marry.

Wishes do come true after all.

CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE

BREXTON

I CAN’T GET TO MY door fast enough when the knock sounds. I fling it open to see Drew standing there, his grin wide, but his demeanor nonchalant as can be.

“Hi.” I breathe the word out as it takes everything I have not to launch myself at him. “Great game. Congrats on the win.”