Page 13 of 2-Point Conversion (Season of Change #5)

I smile at Brandon when he brings our joined hands to his lips and kisses my knuckles.

He’s been over affectionate since we met up for breakfast Sunday morning with Jenna.

It’s been a few days, but it’s easy to tell he still feels guilty for trying to break up with me.

I understood where he was coming from. Fear is a dangerous place to live.

It sucked, don’t get me wrong, but I know he didn’t do it maliciously, in his own way he was trying to protect me.

However, just like I told him, the only way to truly protect one another is to fight together, lean on one another, depend on and trust your partner to always have your back. And front, if you’re in the mood.

He’s sucked me and fucked me and rimmed me and loved me. He’s quite adept at apologies.

“Thank you for coming with me today.” I squeeze his hand in support, knowing today is hard for him.

“Always. But I’ll remind you that Phia and Prib do not blame you at all, no one does, and they will be happy to see you.

” We’re heading out to Crue Pribula’s family farm where Phia is convalescing after her attack.

She’s doing quite well and aside from some residual symptoms which should resolve in the next few weeks, she’s just happy to be alive.

“I know.” He smiles at me when I snort. “ I know. I think I just need to see her with my own two eyes.”

“I get it.” We finish the drive in companionable silence. “Wow.” The Pribula farm is gorgeous, picturesque, and expansive.

“Yeah. I’ve been out here a couple times over the years.

Once you meet his parents, you’ll see why Abbott wants to partner with them for his food company.

Prib’s one of those…once-in-a-lifetime players and human beings.

” Brandon swallows hard, his eyes a little glassy. “He restores your faith in humanity.”

“So do you.”

“Nah! No, I’m nothing like Prib. Or Tyrone Wicawiil.

Those two especially, and Lyndell, of course, are something else.

” I won’t argue, because I know that it’s always hardest to see ourselves through someone else’s eyes, but Brandon Beiler is a once-in-a-lifetime human being too.

And I’m blessed and grateful to call him mine.

When we arrive, I greet Phia and Crue, then leave Brandon alone with them to talk while I join their parents in the big country kitchen.

Before long, we’re laughing, and trading stories, and then they take me on a tour of the farm, and I get to meet and spend time with some of the animals. Cows are a lot bigger than you think.

We’re invited for dinner, but I politely decline, seeing how worn-out Phia and Brandon are.

Knowing him, he put himself through the emotional wringer today, same as he has for the last several days.

As we’re saying our goodbyes, Brandon gets a call.

He stares at the screen like a snake’s gonna jump out and bite him, before excusing himself to answer it down the hall.

When he comes back a few minutes later, he’s white as a ghost.

“Brandon, what’s wrong? Are you ok?”

“Beiler?” Prib and I try to get his attention, but he’s completely zoned out. Prib claps in his face, and it startles him back to the present.

“Sorry. It’s just…that was…I’ve been named the Interim Head Coach for the football team.”

“That’s great!” I enthuse, though I’m not sure if Brandon feels the same.

“Ok? What else?” Prib asks.

“What do you mean, ‘what else’?” Brandon smacks Prib’s shoulder. “I’m the Interim Head Coach.”

“You’re surprised?” Prib starts laughing so hard he has to lean against the wall. “Such a cute, little na?ve head coach.” Prib tries to pinch Brandon’s cheeks, but Brandon smacks him away.

“Fuck off.”

“You didn’t see this coming? Dude, there is no one else qualified to run the team. For fuck’s sake,”

“Language!” Both Prib’s and Phia’s moms correct in unison.

“You’ve been running the team for years.

Everyone looks to you for guidance. Heacock was head coach in name only.

We are who we are because of you.” He taps his finger against Brandon’s chest as my boyfriend stands stock-still.

“You are the soul of our football team.” Prib looks at me with a “get a load of this guy” expression and I drop my head to snicker, not wanting to tease Brandon.

He is quite oblivious, though. Like I said, a once-in-a-lifetime human being.

“Congratulations, Beiler.” Phia says softly from her spot on a nearby couch.

“Congrats, Interim Head Coach Beiler.” Prib’s dad pats Brandon on the shoulder.

Everyone offers their congratulations and support.

And a little later, I lead a stunned and nearly catatonic Brandon Beiler to his car.

At the last second, I help him into the passenger’s seat and take the driver’s.

I adjust the mirrors and seat, then buckle up.

We’re about 45 minutes into our trip home when he finally snaps out of it.

“I’M HEAD COACH! Interim, sorry. Interim Head Coach.

” I laugh and continue driving as he rambles on about the unexpected honor, the humbling of their trust, and what he plans to do now that he’s actually in charge.

He’s careful to correct himself or include “interim” as he speaks.

I bite my lip and don’t correct him. He’ll realize soon enough, he isn’t interim shit.

He IS the new head coach. It’s not temporary.

The university loves Brandon, the players, the faculty, front office staff, janitors, everyone loves Brandon Beiler.

No one as much as me.

He glances around when I put the car in Park in his driveway. Laughing, he leans across the console and kisses me sweetly. “Sorry, I talked the whole way home.”

“I like your voice.” I tell him, getting out of the car and heading up to his front porch.

Inside the foyer, I toe off my shoes, grab his hand once he’s done the same, and lead him into his bedroom.

Next to his bed, I stand on my toes, wind my arms around his neck and press my lips to his.

I glide my tongue across the seam of his lips, and groan when I taste him on my tongue. “Make love to me, Head Coach Beiler.”

“Interim,” he reminds me, as if it is an automatic response now.

“Ain’t nothing temporary about you and me.

” He growls, diving back into my mouth with enthusiasm.

We undress frantically, but when he lays me back on the bed, our frenzied movements slow.

He takes his time opening me up, sucking my dick as he fingers me until I’m writhing beneath him, begging for his cock.

I hiss as he slowly slides inside me. Both of us moan when he bottoms out.

It is a steady climb, deep, powerful, desperate.

Affectionate and tender. Heartbreakingly worshipful.

He pulls me apart and as we reach our peaks, our releases snap me back together.

The warmth of his cum leaches into the rest of my body, heating me up like a cozy blanket.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I’m sorry I almost ruined this. Us.” I shut him up with my mouth, nipping at his bottom lip before I pull back. Cupping his face, I force him to look me in the eyes.

“This is the last time we will discuss it. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m yours. It’s that simple.” I kiss him again. “Love doesn’t have to be complicated.” He nods, then buries his face in my neck, his weight deliciously pressing me into the mattress, surrounding me with his love.

“I’m afraid there’s more to come.” I run my hands up and down his sweaty back, waiting for him to continue. “It’s a feeling, a certainty in my gut. Phia’s attack isn’t the last this team and organization will face this season.”

I take a deep breath and let his words wash over me.

A chill runs down my spine. I don’t think he’s wrong.

I cinch my legs around his waist; my arms linked behind his neck.

Whispering in his ear, I vow, “You won’t ever be alone, Brandon.

You won’t deal with any of it on your own, I’m with you. I love you.”