Page 94 of Lowering His Guard

“How the hell did you move the sled so far?” Raven asks.

Before I have a chance to answer, Coach Knox does. “Sixteen years. You master the tiny details – footwork, leverage, timing, balance – to turn an elite athlete into one of the best fullbacks in the league.”

We continue working with the blocking sled until the sweat drips into my eyes.

Coach Knox finally blows the whistle. “Water break!”

I rip off my helmet as I hurry toward the fence. Jace rushes down the stairs. May and her parents follow him.

“Hey, Dad!”

“You enjoying watching practice, buddy?”

“It’s awesome. May and her parents have no idea what’s going on.” He rolls his eyes. “They think this is a football game.”

“It’s not?” May asks but there’s a twinkle in her eyes.

“Come here, pint-sized.”

She skips to me. “Reporting for duty!”

I growl as I lean over to whisper in her ear. “Do not make me hard while I’m wearing compression shorts again.”

She blinks up at me. “What’d I do?”

“You know how much I enjoy it when you follow orders.”

She bites her bottom lip. “Oh yeah.”

I bite her earlobe before moving away to greet her parents. “Patrick. Lin.” I shake her dad’s hand. “I’d kiss your cheek, but I’m all sweaty,” I tell her mom.

She taps her cheek. “I don’t mind a sweaty man. Especially not a big, strong, handsome one.”

I chuckle before kissing her cheek.

“Are you enjoying practice?” I ask the group.

“It’s amazing,” May says. “You hit that sled thingamabob and boom! You drove it further than anyone else.”

“My dad’s the best fullback in the NFL.”

I ruffle Jace’s hair. “Don’t brag.”

“I’m not allowed to brag about myself. But I can brag about you.”

May throws her arm around him. “Agree. Although a little bragging about yourself is allowed among family.”

“What does a fullback do?” Patrick asks.

“You know those giant bodyguards who clear a path for celebrities?” I ask and he nods. “I'm basically Gage's bodyguard. My job is to hit the guy trying to tackle him before that guy hits him.”

“You’re a professional bulldozer.” May makes what she thinks are bulldozer sounds. I should think it’s childish, but I don’t. I find it endearing. I am so far gone for this woman.

I shrug. “Pretty much.”

“What position does Gage play?” Patrick asks.

I whistle. Gage glances over and I motion for him to join us. He ambles over with Tanner, Nolan, and Corbin.