Page 34 of Falling Stars (Wild at Heart #2)

MAVERICK

The next day, I’m feeling a little better but still annoyed I can’t sleep with my girlfriend, especially when our time is limited.

When Baylee gets home from work, she takes the baby to the nursery to change his diaper, and I click on the TV.

I’ve mostly stayed away from social media and sports shows because I didn’t think it would help me to rewatch the play that nearly killed me or listen to all the so-called experts debate my injuries and whether or not I’d return to the game.

My team’s kept a tight lid on what happened to me, just admitting that I had a concussion, torn rotator cuff, and a spinal fracture.

But no one knows that I was paralyzed for three days.

I suspect my coach wants to downplay it in case he decides to trade me.

I don’t know if that follows the NFL protocols, but I’m not gonna worry about that now.

With this year’s draft around the corner, all of the sports shows are discussing college prospects. This also means trash-talking athletes who didn’t meet last year’s expectations.

Sports Nation replays their segments, and sure enough, the “Biggest Draft Disappointments” is on again. I caught the show this afternoon, and it put me in a foul mood .

I’m third on their list. I grit my teeth as I wait for the onslaught by the commentators, Joel Clark and Bo Tyson.

Joel: Speaking of disappointments, for a first-round draft pick, Maverick Walker was a big underperformer.

Bo: I agree, but look at the team he’s on.

Joel: *chuckles* There’s no resuscitating the New York Vipers unless they undergo major rebuilding, and I think they start by trading Walker.

Look, he was great in college, no doubt, but I’m not sure he can hack playing with the big boys.

While most teams would never dream of trading a first-round draft pick, Heller’s known for making risky plays, and I think this one could pay off.

Motherfucker . I could handle it fine. But it’s kinda hard to catch touchdowns when your quarterback barely pulls his head out of his ass long enough to throw the ball.

Bo: Don’t you think that’s a little harsh? I’d sure love to see Walker on a better team. That kid was a key reason Lone Star State won the National Championship twice in a row. He’s a natural.

Thank you, Bo.

Joel: We’ll see how he looks when he comes off the injured reserve list. I still think he’s all flash and no dash.

What the fuck does that even mean?

Annoyed, I click off the flatscreen and toss my remote back onto the coffee table. I get up to pace .

What am I doing? Is this really the end of my career? What the fuck have I been doing for the last three months? Convalescing like I’m in an old folks’ home instead of a professional athlete?

Baylee’s right. I haven’t been taking my recovery seriously.

Pausing, I reach into my back pocket and pull out the business card for the sports psychologist Reginald recommended.

All teams have these guys. People who help you deal with the pressure of the game.

I never spoke to the Vipers’ headshrinker because I didn’t want to look weak, but that was dumb.

I’ve been in a slow death spiral, and it’s time to put an end to it before I wreck my career.

Bay emerges with Leo a few minutes later. This woman is the reason I have a shot. She didn’t let me quit on myself.

I wrap my arm around her and the baby and kiss his head. “Hey, man. Was it good to see your dad yesterday?”

I have to work to not choke on those words, but Sean is Leo’s father, something I should come to grips with. We haven’t really discussed it, but last night, I thought a lot about what I need to do to make this work with Baylee. A big part of that will be helping her co-parent with Sean.

Leo waves his arms at me with a happy grin, and I take him out of Baylee’s arms. “I’m okay,” I reassure her. “I’ve got him.”

I sit on the couch with Leo as Baylee gets his blanket and lion rattle. “Leo wasn’t excited about Sean. He cried, actually.”

Shit. “I’m sorry. That had to suck.” I hold him up so he looks down at me. This might not be on my approved list of exercises, but I love this kid too much to stop. “Bro, you can do this. Your dad’s a nice guy.” Again, something I choke out. And that assumes he doesn’t mess with Baylee again.

Because if he hurts one hair on her body, I will end that motherfucker .

But my brothers have met him and thought he seemed decent, so I suppose I should be civil.

Leo’s getting better control of his head now with all of that tummy time he’s been doing.

“I guess… I guess we gotta give your dad a chance. He made a mistake. People make mistakes. Just ask your mom. I’m a big-time fu—big-time screwup.

I almost missed my shot with her, and that would’ve been tragic, but she gave me a second chance. ”

Keeping my hands braced on his neck for a little support, I gently bounce him and plop him down in my lap with a whooshing sound effect. The kid full-out laughs. Wide-eyed, Baylee and I look at each other. She scurries around to sit next to me, and I repeat the motion, and he squeals with glee.

“I’ve never heard him laugh like that,” Baylee says.

“Me neither.” This kid is the best. I love this little guy.

I kiss his chubby cheek, and he giggles again.

I turn to Baylee. “Listen, if Sean’s supportive of Leo and you’re good with his involvement, then I’m down with whatever you want to do.

And if it means he’s over here sometimes so Leo can get used to him, I’m okay with that.

” Besides, he and I need to have a word.

Her eyes soften. “That’s really sweet of you, Mav. I told him he needed to spend time with Leo before he took him for a day or overnight. Oh, God. I don’t think I’m ready for an overnight.”

“Baby, come here.” I feel like a dick for being so caught up in myself last night that I didn’t consider how hard this might be for her.

I hold out my arm, and she burrows into me.

I shouldn’t be holding her, but she’s upset.

I ignore the burn in my shoulder and kiss the top of her head.

“One day at a time, right? That’s what you told me about football.

First, we see how Sean does around Leo when you’re there to supervise.

If he can’t hack it, you hold off on bigger visits. ”

Nodding, she sniffles. “You’re right. I don’t know why I’m getting emotional. ”

“Because you’re a great mama bear who wants to protect her cub. And since Sean hasn’t been around much, I don’t think he’s in a position to make demands. Frankly, he’s probably shitting his pants at the thought of taking an infant overnight. So you should have some time to get used to the idea.”

She chuckles. “He’s probably not ready to play full-time daddy.”

Full-time daddy. Could I handle that?

I sit with those words while she breastfeeds Leo, who makes hungry sounds as he eats and holds on to Baylee like I’m going to try to steal her boob away from him.

Food for thought, I chuckle to myself.

Speaking of food… “I was thinking, maybe we should head out to grab a bite tonight. Does that sound good?” I don’t feel like cooking, and Baylee’s been working all day, so it’s not fair to dump that on her.

She leans back against the couch. “I’d love that.”

“Great. It’s a date.”

She lifts her head and blinks at me. “It’s our first.”

It sinks in, what an enormous asshole I’ve been. I’ve never even taken my girl out on a date.