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CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

MOST VALUABLE

ADELINE

The energy in the hotel suite is electric and we haven’t even left for the NFL Honors ceremony yet.

The whole family is in Santa Clara, California tonight. The kids are hanging out in Margo and Jeremy’s suite, where they’ll watch the ceremony airing live.

I’m standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror, smoothing down the bodice of my red evening gown.

It’s strapless, with a sweetheart neckline that hugs my chest before cascading down my body.

I feel like a goddess in it, which is only reinforced by the way Penn is watching me from across the room.

Or maybe gaping is a better word.

He’s already dressed in a tailored black suit that fits him perfectly. His tie is slightly loosened, the top button of his crisp white shirt undone, and his hands are in his pockets as he leans casually against the wall. His eyes are simmering as he watches me.

“You’re not even trying to be subtle,” I tease, turning to face him.

“I couldn’t be if I wanted,” he replies, his mouth tilting into that dangerous smile. “Jesus, Addy. You’re trying to kill me in that dress.”

I laugh softly, but my heart races when he pushes off the wall and stalks toward me. His hands slide to my waist, his touch sending heat through the fabric of my gown.

“There’s no way I can focus on anything tonight with you looking like this,” he murmurs, his voice low as he kisses his way down my neck.

My toes curl as my head falls back. “Well, you’ll have to,” I say, breathless. “It’s kind of a big night, Mr. MVP finalist.”

He hums, his lips brushing over my shoulder. His mouth is hot and soft, and the scruff on his jaw makes me shiver.

“That’s the last thing I’m thinking about. You know what would help me focus?” he whispers against my skin.

I tilt my head back and meet his gaze in the mirror. His pupils are wide, his mouth hovering near the sensitive skin just below my ear.

“Penn,” I warn.

“Come on,” he coaxes, his hands sliding down my hips and cupping my ass. “We’ve got time.”

“We really don’t.

His mouth curves into a lazy, wicked smile. “Do you mean it?”

I hesitate, my eyes on his mouth and he spins me around, pressing me against the wall. His mouth crashes down on mine and I melt into him, heat unraveling through me in a dizzying rush. I hang onto his hair as he deepens the kiss, his tongue sweeping over mine.

“Penn,” I gasp as he lifts my dress.

He turns me back toward the mirror and hikes my dress up around my thighs, his hands sliding the lace down my legs.

“Do you want this? Because I feel like I can’t go another second without sinking into you,” he says.

“I want this,” I groan. “But we’re going to be late,” I pant, as his mouth trails down my throat.

His eyes meet mine in the mirror.

“We’ll be fast,” he promises, as he slowly slides his fingers between my legs.

I gasp, bending forward, both hands on the mirror in front of me. “Fast isn’t exactly your strong suit.”

His chuckle is low and dirty. “Let’s see if I can surprise you.”

He does.

And we’re right on time.

An hour and a half later, we’re sitting in the theatre, my hand tucked in the crook of my husband’s arm, as we wait for the MVP announcement.

Penn smells like soap and his cologne, but every time I glance at him, I see the faint flush of color on his neck and the gleam in his eyes that tells me he’s remembering exactly how we started this night.

I straighten his tie, smoothing the lapels of his jacket.

“I have a good feeling,” I whisper. “And I’m already so proud of you.”

He kisses my forehead, lingering there for a few seconds. “I love you so much.”

The announcer steps onto the stage, and the crowd goes quiet.

I’m too nervous to hear much of the opening monologue, and thankfully I don’t have to wait too long.

A massive screen lights up with the faces of the five MVP finalists.

Right in the middle is a huge picture of Penn, the way he looks on the field…

or when he’s worshipping my body—all serious intensity.

My face heats and I fan myself with the program.

Weston is standing in front of Penn’s picture and I smile over at Sadie.

The buildup is intense, each teammate saying great things about the player they’re representing. When it’s Weston’s turn, he steps up with a wide, proud grin, looking down at Penn.

“I’ve known Penn is the best for years. I mean, the guy’s got a poster of himself in our training facility—which, by the way, he did not put up himself, but he absolutely enjoys seeing it every day.”

The crowd laughs.

“In all seriousness, Penn works harder than anyone I’ve ever met, and he’s got the kind of heart that doesn’t just make him a great player, it makes him a great friend, teammate, husband, and father to his two kids.”

Another cheer goes up at those words. We’ve gotten so many gifts in the mail and phone calls from players all over the country who are excited about Sam and Winnie.

“The Mustangs are lucky to have Penn Hudson on the team, and I’m luckiest to call Penn one of my best friends.”

Penn’s face is tight with emotion when I glance over at him.

The announcer takes the mic again once all five men have spoken.

“And this year’s NFL Most Valuable Player is…”

I grip Penn’s hand tight.

“Penn Hudson!”

Our whole section erupts. Penn kisses me. Rhodes whistles. Henley pounds Penn’s shoulder. Bowie hugs him. Elle, Sadie, Poppy, and Tru are bouncing next to us.

Penn makes his way to the stage and hugs Weston before taking the trophy. He looks down at it for a long moment, then glances toward me and smiles.

“What a year…” he says.

On Friday, we have time to have an amazing dinner with everyone in San Francisco, but on Saturday, I’m in work mode. The whole team is dialed in, but the vibe is surprisingly relaxed.

I spend the day setting up my last big spread as the team’s dietitian.

I’ve got protein-packed smoothie bowls topped with fresh berries and granola, honey-sriracha chicken skewers, sweet potato fries, and that’s just the appetizers.

The whole grain chocolate chip cookies drizzled with almond butter are especially delicious.

“Addy, are you sure you want to retire?” Rhodes asks, mouth full of chicken.

“Well, I have to go out on a high note,” I tease.

“You’re spoiling us and we can’t get used to it,” Weston says, pouting. “ But , we’re happy for you…”

Penn and I share a look. We haven’t told everyone that we’re pregnant yet, and it’s so hard to keep it quiet!

The game is brutal.

The action has been nonstop in this year’s Super Bowl game.

I’m glad I have the food to focus on because I’d be biting my nails otherwise. Tied with thirty seconds left, Penn is the one to get the ball into the end zone and they win the game.

I scream and jump up and down with Toby in the kitchen.

“Go! Go be with him!” he says, shooing me out.

The team swarms the field and I run out there. Penn breaks through the huddle and takes his helmet off, hugging me hard.

“We did it!” he yells.

“You did it,” I tell him.

He kisses me, and I hang on for dear life.

“It’s you, Addy,” he says. “You’re my good-luck charm.”