Page 86 of Lavender and Linebackers

Judging by the reaction on her face, Camden’s not wrong about the flavor. She savors the cup while we sit together on the couch and watch the news.

Tampa has pockets where we all know what will happen during one of these storms. We know which roads will flood, where the storm surge will hit hardest, and which neighborhoods are most likely to be without power. I’m certain the organization has a plan. It’s probably one they execute every time.

“I’m going to tell Sully. I can’t keep it from him. He’s such a stickler for the rules. He’d probably sniff this out anyway, but he might be able to help us. He might know of a loophole.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to get you in trouble. I don’t mind keeping this between us until the season is over, and then we can figure it out.” She’s wearing one of my T-shirts. It’s distracting.

“Is that what you want?”

Felix hops up between us and makes his way over to her. He’s awestruck by her, and I don’t blame him. We’ve been two dudes for a while now, and she is lovely. She runs her fingers through his fur, and he flops down next to her.

“No. It is what it is. I love being on the sidelines and cheering for you, but if my options are to get you every day, all day with no worries, I can cheer for you in the stands, too.”

She says this, but I know her dream was to be a professional cheerleader, too. I hate the idea of taking away one of her dreams, and that’s what will happen, but this is ultimately her decision to make.

“Al, I want to host Thanksgiving with you. I want my mom and your parents to come over, and we all spend it together. I want to go pick out our first Christmas tree together. I want to kiss you at midnight on New Year’s Eve, and the moment the season is over, I want to whisk you away on a dream vacation. While I know we can keep us on the down-low, I really don’t want to. But this is up to you, and I’ll support whatever you want.”

She brings the cup to her mouth and takes another sip as she watches me over the rim. Oh, to be in that beautiful head of hers. She lowers the cup.

“So we agree then. You tell Sully. Let’s start there.”

* * *

I thought I would be nervous to tell him, but I’m not. I know the Tarpons have this rule in place to keep everyone in check, but I don’t feel like we’ve done anything wrong. We aren’t together for scandal, drama, a quick hookup, or a power play. We’re together because we love each other, and I’m more excited to tell everyone than afraid of backlash. Isn’t that the feeling you’re supposed to have when you finally land your dream girl?

“Sully, can we talk for a second?” I grab him the moment I see him at headquarters. Everyone is gathering on the practice field. I don’t know how they will split us up today, and I need to do this sooner rather than later.

“Of course. What’s up?”

I walk us away from the group, so it’s just him and me. He follows, looking at me curiously. My hands bracket my hips, and I look down at the ground. It’s now or never. This conversation needs to be had, and he’s the first one.

Looking back up at him, I hold my head high like a man and own this. Even if he does have fifty pounds on me.

“Alice,” I tell him, and his eyes automatically clear with understanding. He knows what I’m about to tell him. “There’s no stopping it, even if I wanted to, which, for the record, I don’t.”

His face is neutral as he studies me, and then he lets out a deep sigh.

“I know.”

I frown. “Wait. How do you know?”

“Well, I’m not an idiot. I’ve seen the way you look at her, and when you’re not watching, I’ve seen the way she looks at you, too. It’s obvious to everyone. The heart wants what the heart wants.”

I know I should be focusing on the part where he says it’s obvious to everyone, but I’m stuck on the feel-good part, and I can’t hold back my satisfaction. “How does she look at me?”

He groans and shakes his head.

“I can’t give away all her secrets. You’ll have to figure that out on your own.”

“Are we going to get in trouble?”

He shifts his weight. “Believe it or not, I’ve had your back since the beginning. Gretchen, Danica, Coach Williams, myself—there are a lot of people who’ve been silently cheering for the two of you. Our people are already in communication with her people. Be up front and open about it when you’re ready, and my gut tells me it’s all going to be fine.”

The pressure that has been sitting on top of my shoulders lifts. Instantly.

“You did this for me?”

“Of course. I’m your captain,” he tells me like this should explain it all. But then he smirks. “You were going to violate the handbook. I had to know what my punishment options were.”