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“Actually, she gave up years ago,” Brutus admitted.

“She just changes the sheets twice a week, which she’d show by folding the blanket before setting it on the bed.

I just can’t sleep with tucked in sheets, I always kick and twist until they’re fully out.

When we’re on the road, the first thing I do when I get to the team hotel is pull the sheets out before I even try laying down. ”

“That sounds like a lot of extra work,” Linda said. “And you do that eight times a year?”

“Hopefully twelve or fifteen,” Brutus replied. “We’ve got the preseason games, and the playoffs. Even if we get home field throughout the playoffs, there’s still the league championship. So… maybe we should talk about how we’re going to make my football life work with this?”

“Might as well.” Linda went over and sat down on the edge of the bed. “So, what first? The deets about the press leak, or some ideas on how we might make this work over the next six months or so?”

“How about both?” Brutus offered. “Then we can maybe order some dinner, or if you want I can show off my cooking skills. I was able to make a run to the supermarket before coming to pick you up.”

“On that-”

“We’ll figure out a way for you to have my truck,” Brutus assured her. “Maybe when you have my truck, I’ll have your bike or something? I’ve got no problem riding an electric assist bicycle. As long as you don’t mind my big ass using it.”

“Will you burn out the motor?” Linda teased.

Brutus shook his head, grinning.

“Then maybe that’s where we should start the conversation. Brutus, all of this… I’ve got to admit, it’s putting a lot of sudden pressure on me. I mean, I’m just a girl soldier. And here you are dropping huge dollar amounts to hang out with me.”

Brutus nodded, putting his hands behind his back as he started pacing back and forth. “Linda, I make enough money that this isn't a big deal to me. I'm not trying to impress you with my wealth, I just want you to know I can afford to do this."

“Still… what if this… you know, something happens?”

“I don’t think it will, and that’s fear talking right now,” Brutus said.

“Something I know about, and something I’ve been talking about a lot with Dr. Caster.

Linda, you’re the most extraordinary woman I’ve ever known, and I feel right with you.

But let’s say I am temporarily insane. Let’s say that I go and blow every single dime I’ve ever made in a Quixotic attempt to woo you, and I fail in the biggest, most spectacular romantic fail outside of a bad Hollywood film.

I’ve still got a year left on my contract, Linda. I’ll be able to recover.”

“Well, that’s good,” Linda said wryly. “I wouldn’t want to leave you homeless and penniless.”

“Linda, what I mean is that this, right here, right now… it’s worth more to me than a paycheck.

It’s worth more to me than a sponsorship, which is why when those idiots in Manhattan told me they wanted to use our relationship for making money, I told them that they were ninety nine percent chance wasting their damn time, and almost told them to stuff it up their ass.

The only reason I didn’t was because I’m not the guy to talk to. ”

“What do you mean?” Linda asked, and Brutus paused.

“When they… told me about the photos, and showed them to me, the head of their marketing department started talking about the risks and rewards of me being in a relationship,” he explained.

“Suddenly they were talking about the supermodels, and hot girlfriends, and… well, at the moment part of me was laughing inside. I mean, I know you’re gorgeous Linda.

And you could turn just as many heads as all the A-list girlfriends and wives that I can think of.

Maybe I’m lucky you don’t get dolled up more often, because I wouldn’t be able to put two sentences together around you.

Another part of me raged at the idea, that someone would want to use our relationship, the love we’ve found, simply to sell some sporting good.

But the other side of me knows that your career, that uniform you’re wearing, are essential to you.

And there’s no way you can be ‘famous’ and be in Charlie Company. ”

“True,” Linda said. “So what did you tell them?”

“When they pushed, I told them to get in touch with you and the army … I won’t talk for you though. I’m not that dumb despite the years of hits to my head.”

Linda smiled, and got up off the bed. Going over to Brutus, she stroked his cheek, running her fingers through his hair. “So you really do like me, huh?”

“I’m crazy about you, I love you, I… I’ve never felt this way about anyone ever before,” Brutus replied. “I know that’s pretty heavy, but I want to be honest with you about it. So, are you mad about my surprise?”

Linda shook her head.

Brutus’s heart swelled.

“No. But I’m thinking maybe we need to do some planning over the weekend so that I can stay here more than three nights a week. Will that interfere with your preparation for the season?”

“Hmmmm… well, can I trust you to keep our defensive playbook secret?” Brutus teased. “It’s top secret stuff.”

“Pretty sure I can be trusted with not leaking your defensive playbook.”

“Then I say let’s get some dinner… and then we’ll see what happens,” Brutus said, pulling her in closer. “It’s been too long since I’ve had you in my arms.”

“Then maybe we should forget getting dinner… and jump straight to dessert.”

Brutus grinned. “I think I like that idea.”