Page 81 of Offsides

“I love you too. And because of that, I’ll take you up on your offer. On one condition.”

“And what’s that?”

There was a sparkle of mischief in her eyes, filling Cowboy’s veins with lightning. He loved her playful side. Loved even more that it was a side that only he got to see. And he couldn’t wait to see what she had up her sleeve in this moment.

“I want exclusive sideline access for the rest of the season.”

Cowboy smiled, kissing her again, this time hard and fast. He'd been prepared for her to tell him to never use that line again, or a quip about being the only woman he was allowed to hit on from here on out. But no, not his Theo. Her tenacity was just one of the things he loved about her, and he couldn’t help but fall a little more at this request.

“Darlin’, don’t you get it? You have exclusive access for the rest of time. To me, to whatever team I’m with, all of it. I am yours. You are mine. We're in this together. No matter what.”

Epilogue

One year later

“It feels weird to be here and not covering the team,” Theo said, slipping her hand in Cowboy’s, interlocking their fingers.

The Rising had just finished up their first practice session in the UNLV stadium, preparing for their first game tomorrow afternoon. Cowboy was happy with how they looked, hoping they would look even better once they got a good night’s sleep.

The air inside the stadium had an expectant buzz to it. Something about returning to this city as reigning champions had given him and the whole team an energy he couldn’t describe. But that buzz wasn’t the one he was feeling right now. The one that had currently taken over his senses had everything to do with the beautiful woman standing next to him.

“Stop worrying about it. Matthew has it covered.”

“I know he does,” she sighed. “It’s not that I don’t trust him. I do. But trusting him doesn’t change the weirdness of being here without an agenda.”

“Your agenda is me.”

Because my agenda is you…

Cowboy turned toward her, yanking her into him. He loved the feel of her body against his—like it had been made to fit perfectly. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, knowing how easily he could get lost in her like that if he let himself. Over the last year, he’d lost track of time on more occasions than he could count—making both of them late for all sorts of things—simply from not wanting to stop kissing her. But he couldn’t do that right now; he was on a mission. One that, if it went the way he hoped, would mean that her kisses would be his forever.

He’d known for a long time that she was it for him—and that the question was in their future. Part of him had considered dropping to one knee right there in studio C that day. Then his sense of decency kicked in. Theo deserved the perfect moment, something that was heartfelt and meaningful. Not an addition to a massive apology. He wanted them to be able to look back on this moment for the rest of their lives and smile. To be able to tell their kids and grandkids this story, and how it was the most magical memory ever. Which meant it needed to not be associated with his stupidity in any way.

“I do like that agenda.”

She kissed him again, with a lot more gusto than he’d kissed her. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think she was trying to start something. Maybe she was. Vegas had brought out a whole new side to Theo the last time they were here—who knew what it would do this time.

“Good. Because I really like that I don’t have to share you with work this week.”

“Is having your girlfriend be a sports reporter really that bad?” she teased.

“Award winning sports reporter,” he corrected. “I don’t know why you keep leaving that part out.”

Theo threw her head back, her beautiful laughter ringing out in the hot evening air. This last year she had won not one, but two Sports Press Awards. The first was for her feature on the Rising and their run for the Fremont Cup. The second, for her profile of Felicity, the only female owner in the league. What had started out as a fun idea for a wedding gift, setting their wedding footage to music, had quickly turned into something more when Theo realized how much unique footage and interview material she had from Felicity and what she could do with it. When Theo had found out that the profile had also been nominated for an SPA, she had laughed, joking that it must have been nominated to meet some equality quota. Cowboy had known better. That night, watching her win both awards, was easily one of the best of his life. Right up there with his own championships.

“And no, it’s not bad at all. I just like having you all to myself.”

“Britt, I am yours. All yours. You know that.”

“I do. But I think it’s time we make that official.”

Gunnar appeared at his side, handing him a rectangular box. A quick nod in thanks to his best friend, Cowboy held the box out in front of him, offering it to Theo. She looked at him skeptically, the gears obviously turning in her mind trying to figure out what was going on.

“Open it.”

Theo licked her lips nervously. Following his instructions, she lifted the top of the box, lifting the white tissue paper, revealing what was waiting for her.

“Is this…?” she asked, her fingers going right to the electric-blue fabric.