Page 19 of Flag On The Play (Gridiron Warriors #5)
NOVA
M y apartment smells like popcorn, cheap wine, and the cinnamon candle Delaney insists on lighting every time she comes over.
Roxy is sprawled across my couch in leggings and a cropped hoodie, feet kicked up on the coffee table, and Delaney is curled up in the armchair with a glass of red wine and that knowing smile she always wears when I’m talking about Finlay.
Which, apparently, is a lot lately.
“He flew me to Boston just because I mentioned I’d never been,” I say, tucking my legs under me on the couch. “We had dinner overlooking the harbor, and he surprised me with tickets to a jazz show after. Who even does that?”
Delaney sighs, dreamy and soft. “Romantic quarterbacks, apparently.”
“He’s setting the bar dangerously high for the rest of us,” Roxy mutters, reaching for the popcorn bowl. “I might have to start dating in the Gridiron Warriors Football League just to keep up.”
I laugh and toss a kernel at her. “I’m serious, though. He’s not who I thought he’d be. I mean, yeah, he’s hot and cocky and still has that smug Finlay smirk sometimes, but underneath that?” I shake my head. “He’s sweet. He’s spontaneous. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.”
Delaney’s brows lift slightly. “Like what?”
“Like,” I pause, chewing on the inside of my cheek. “Like I’m not just a good time. Like I’m not broken or temporary. Like I matter.”
That earns a low whistle from Roxy. “Shit. You’re gone for this man.”
“I know,” I say, flopping back dramatically against the cushions.
“It’s only been a couple of weeks, but it already feels like he’s just part of my life now.
The way he shows up for me, the way he looks at me like I’m the only person in the damn room.
” I groan into a pillow. “And don’t even get me started on the sex. ”
“I’m going to need you to get started on the sex,” Roxy says, wagging her wine glass at me. “It’s what I live for.”
I smirk, pushing my hair off my face. “It’s mind-blowing. Like, toe-curling, soul-leaving-my-body, fully speaking-in-tongues kind of sex.”
Roxy fans herself. “Lucky bitch.”
Delaney giggles. “You’re glowing, Nova.”
I glance toward my phone on the coffee table, tempted to check for a message even though I know he’s on a plane.
“I’ve never had this before,” I admit, quieter now.
“This happiness. This kind of connection. We grew up side by side and somehow turned into strangers. I had him pegged as this arrogant, clueless jock back in high school.”
“To be fair,” Roxy says, “he was an arrogant, clueless jock.”
“Exactly,” I laugh. “But he’s not that guy anymore. He’s grown up. He listens. He sees me. And he makes me feel safe.” I look at both of them, my heart beating a little harder. “It should terrify me, but it doesn’t. Not the way I thought it would.”
Roxy’s grin softens. “You deserve this, babe.”
Delaney nods. “You really do.”
I curl my fingers around my wine glass and glance at my phone again.
And for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I just feel happy.
My phone buzzes on the table, and I don’t even think. I launch for it like it might disappear, and in the process, my elbow knocks my wine glass. Red wine splashes across the blanket and the floor like a murder scene.
“Jesus, Nova!” Roxy laughs, snatching her legs away from the spill. “You can’t tell me you’re not whipped.”
“I’m not whipped,” I say, already grabbing paper towels from the counter. “I’m just highly invested.”
Delaney smirks. “Highly invested in that man’s face. And abs. And other assets.”
I stick my tongue out at her and drop back on the couch, phone in hand, my cheeks already heating.
Finlay: Just landed. Exhausted. Gonna crash hard. Call you in the morning, baby.
God, even over text, he makes my heart race.
Me: Get some sleep. Good luck tomorrow, even though you don’t need it.
Finlay: Damn right I don’t.
I bite back a grin.
Me: Dream about me.
Finlay: I always do.
“Oh my god,” Delaney groans, pressing a throw pillow to her chest. “I can see the happiness on your face.”
“Funny,” Roxy mutters. “I see horny.”
I burst out laughing, grabbing the throw pillow from Delaney and chucking it at Roxy. “You’re both right.”
“We usually are,” Roxy says smugly, catching the pillow midair.
“You guys better still be planning to come over tomorrow,” I say, pointing at both of them. “We had a deal. Game night, girls, football, Finlay on TV.”
“And pizza,” Roxy cuts in. “Don’t forget the pizza.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I grin, tucking my feet under me again. “Speaking of football boys. What’s going on with you and Jace?”
Roxy gives me a wicked smirk and swirls the wine in her glass. “Football players are good in bed.”
“I knew it!” I gasp, slapping my hand on the couch cushion.
She holds up a finger. “No, no, don’t go full Hallmark movie on me. This is not some romantic, soulmates-in-the-stars thing like you and Finlay have going on. This is two people who like orgasms and tacos and have no interest in anything more.”
“God, I love you,” I say, shaking my head with a laugh.
Delaney tips her glass back and finishes the last of her wine with a dramatic sigh. “Meanwhile, I really like Theo.”
Both of us quiet down, our attention on her instantly.
“But he’s not looking for anything serious,” she continues, trying to sound breezy, but the slump in her shoulders gives her away. “So, we’re just friends.”
“Oh, Delaney,” I whisper.
“It’s fine,” she says quickly. “Really. I have school, and work, and I don’t even know if I’d have time for something real right now.”
I reach over and squeeze her hand. “That doesn’t mean you should settle. You deserve someone who’s all in for you. He’s coming, babe. When you least expect it.”
Her smile wobbles, but it’s real. “Thanks, Nova.”
As we settle back into the couch, the wine bottle empty and the popcorn long gone, I glance out the window at the city lights flickering in the distance.
Life used to feel predictable. Routine. Controlled.
But now?
Now, it’s chaotic. Beautiful. Full of possibility.
And completely unexpected.
But I wouldn’t change a damn thing.
Game day is here, and my apartment smells like garlic knots, pepperoni, and heaven.
Roxy is flopped sideways on the couch, already halfway through her second slice of pizza. “I swear, if Finlay doesn’t throw at least one touchdown in the first quarter, I’m switching teams.”
“To who?” Delaney asks with a laugh, curling up beside me. “You don’t even know any other players’ names.”
“I don’t need to. I pick them based on ass quality.”
“You’re hopeless,” I say, laughing as I balance a paper plate on my knees.
The pre-game commentary is already on. Finlay hasn’t appeared on screen yet, but just hearing his name makes my heart race. I’ve watched him play before, of course. He’s been in the league for years. But now?
Now I know what his voice sounds like first thing in the morning.
Now I know how he kisses when he’s half-asleep and how he groans my name when he’s buried deep inside me.
Now I feel every hit like it might bruise me too.
My phone buzzes and my breath catches when I see his name.
Finlay: You watching, baby?
Me: You know I am. Got my girls, my pizza, and my lucky socks.
Finlay: FaceTime me real quick.
I scramble to answer, holding the phone up as his handsome face appears, messy hair and all. He’s already in his warm-up hoodie, stadium lights glowing behind him.
Roxy leans into the frame and waves. “Hey, quarterback! Lookin’ fine as hell.”
Finlay grins. “Hey, Roxy. Keep your eyes to yourself.”
Delaney pops into view with a smirk. “We’re just here for the view.”
“Uh huh.” He turns his eyes back to me. “You look beautiful, Nova.”
I tuck my legs under me and smile so wide it hurts. “You’re just saying that because I’m in your lucky socks.”
He leans closer to the camera, lowering his voice. “No, I’m saying it because I miss the hell out of you.”
My stomach flips. “Good thing you’re back tomorrow.”
“Not soon enough.” His eyes dart to the side, and I hear someone calling him. “Gotta go warm up, baby. Call you after?”
“I can’t wait,” I whisper.
He flashes one more crooked smile. “You’re my lucky charm.”
The screen goes black, and I sit back with a sigh.
Delaney groans. “Okay, that was disgustingly cute.”
Roxy wipes fake tears from her eyes. “I feel personally attacked by your relationship.”
I just grin and hug my pillow, already counting down the hours until he’s back in my arms.
“Now hush,” I say, grabbing the remote. “Let’s watch my man win.”