Page 51 of Home Town Advantage (Fourth Quarter Fever #1)

She asks that all the time. She knows I’m hiding something and won’t tell her. It’s almost as if revealing other truths to her makes her feel better about our past. I suppose I understand it and do my best to oblige her.

I run my fingers up and down her flawless back, loving the feel of her soft body on my rough, calloused hands.

“Coach told me something in confidence. Management wants to win, and they want to win now. If we don’t bring home the trophy this year, he’s getting fired and I’m getting traded or released. ”

She lifts her head as her stunned eyes meet mine. “Are you serious?”

I nod. “Yes. He said he needed to tell me so I could make sure to leave it all on the field. As if I ever don’t.”

Worry covers her pretty face. “Oh, Vance, I’m so sorry. It’s terrible that they’re treating you this way. It’s a lot of pressure on you.”

I shrug. “At the end of the day, it’s just football.”

“You love football. You always have.”

I’ve been thinking about everything Coach has said to me recently. I look down at her, the woman I love, and speak my truth. “Football is my job. You’re my reason.”

Tears immediately fill her eyes, but she remains silent.

I hold her tight as I admit, “I do love football, and I want to keep playing. I’ve been loyal to this organization since day one.

Knowing they’re willing to dump me like this has been an eye-opener.

You’re lucky to have the team owner you do.

Reagan Daulton cares about you guys as people.

I’ve seen it with the Cougars, and I’ve seen it with the Anacondas.

You know she paid Layton for an additional season after his injury?

She wasn’t contractually obligated to do so, but said it was the right thing to do after all he’s given to the organization.

And she split the costs of Bailey’s therapy equipment with Tanner when Bailey’s insurance wouldn’t cover it.

That’s how you inspire people to play for you, not by threatening their careers. ”

“What if things don’t go your way?” she quietly asks.

I shrug. “I’m not sure. I’ll deal with it when the time comes. If this had happened ten years ago, I’d flip out. Obviously, life has dealt me some blows that make football just a little less important. I have money and security. If football goes away, then I’ll move on. It’s not life or death.”

She nods in understanding before whispering, “I miss him.”

I pull her close. “So do I. Every minute of every single day. I hope you know that. The pain never goes away, you just learn how to live with it.”

She sighs. “Sometimes I swear I hear his laugh. It was so distinct.”

I can’t help but crack a small smile as I think of his laugh. “It’s one of the things I miss the most.”

She looks up, and her sad eyes meet mine. “I won’t ask you right now because I don’t want to fight, I’ve missed you so much and don’t have it in me, but one day, will you tell me everything?”

I nod. “One day. I promise.” And for the first time, I think I mean it.

I’m awakened by a loud banging at the front door. I look down at Sulley, still fast asleep on my chest, right where I left her. She’s out cold. She’s probably exhausted. It’s hard to sleep properly on road trips. I crash when I get home too .

The loud banging starts up again. I don’t want it to wake her. Gently placing her on the bed, I get up, slide on my jeans, and head to the front door. Opening it, I see Reagan Daulton in a black pantsuit. Does this woman ever dress casually?

She takes in my presence and state of undress. “That answers one question for me.” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “God dammit, is every athlete in this town fucking each other? Where’s Sulley? I’ve been calling her all morning and she’s not answering.”

“Good morning to you too,” I say sarcastically. “She’s still asleep. She’s tired. She works her ass off for you. Can I help you with something?”

“Go wake her. It’s important.”

I hesitate briefly, but I know she wouldn’t be here if it weren’t important, so I nod at her request and then head back to the bedroom.

I lean down and kiss Sulley’s neck. “Baby, wake up.”

With her eyes still closed, she sleepily mumbles, “Noooo. I’m tired. Let me sleep.” She reaches for my arm and tugs on it. “Get back in bed with me. I sleep better with you.”

While that’s extremely tempting and I’m very happy at her half-awake confession, I can’t get back into bed with her. “Baby, Reagan Daulton is here.”

Her eyes pop open, and she bolts upright. “Here? In my house?”

“Yes.”

Her brow creases with worry. “Did she see you?”

“Yes.”

She plops back down on her pillow. “Ugh. Fuck my life.”

She begrudgingly gets out of bed, quickly dresses in a T-shirt and shorts, and we walk back out to see Reagan in the living room waiting.

Sulley tries to plaster a fake smile on her face, and Reagan lets out a laugh. “You look truly happy to see me.”

Sulley winces. “Sorry. I’m just waking up. ”

Reagan looks at me. “Next time you bite her, can you do it in a less visible place on her body? She has a public image to maintain.”

Sulley immediately reaches for her neck. I can’t help but smirk at my handiwork: a big hickey on her neck, complete with a few teeth marks.

Sulley, cloaked in red with embarrassment, asks, “Why are you here? Is something wrong?”

Reagan crosses her arms. “Well, I was going to ask about you and Vance, but that’s been answered.”

Sulley pinches her eyebrows together in confusion. “Why were you going to ask?”

She holds up a large manila envelope. “I received two pictures of the two of you. One is on your front stoop. I don’t know when it was taken. You’re in a T-shirt, and he’s kissing you. Another was at a club. His…umm…hand is visibly up your skirt.”

Sulley breathes, “Shit,” while she sits and pulls out the contents of the envelope. Her face falls as she studies them carefully. I can’t help but look at them over her shoulder. They’re kind of sexy, but I’m guessing it’s not the time for me to ask to keep them.

“Who sent these?” Sulley asks. “Are they online yet?”

Reagan shakes her head. “That’s the weird thing. I don’t think it’s a reporter or paparazzi. There was a note stating they wanted a hundred grand or they’re releasing it to one of the gossip sites.”

I shrug. “Who cares? Let them release it. What’s the big deal if we’re seeing each other?”

Sulley rolls her eyes. “You know it’s a big deal to me. I don’t want people knowing anything about us.” She holds up the photos. “And these aren’t exactly sweet, innocent photos.”

I think they’re sweet.

Reagan looks at me. “It’s always a bigger deal for the woman.

You come off like a stud, and she comes off as the whore, but that’s not my main concern.

” She turns to Sulley and points to the photo from her stoop.

“This first photo is at your house. This criminal knows where you live. You’re more than aware of my concerns on this issue. ”

Sulley nods. “Right. I didn’t think about that.”

“I told you not to buy this house. You shouldn’t be in a walkup.

You should be in a building with security and other safeguards.

I only care about your safety. Like it or not, you’re famous, and while there are perks to that, there are also drawbacks.

Has anyone approached you in front of the house? ”

Sulley shakes her head. “No.”

“Have you seen anyone suspicious?”

“No.”

“Have you received any deliveries out of the ordinary?”

Sulley bites her lip as she thinks. “Hmm, I don’t think so. I started getting Chocolate Cosmos every few days, but they’re from you, Vance, right?”

I shake my head. “Every few days? No. I only sent them before your home opener.”

Sulley’s face falls. “Oh my god.”

Reagan gives her a compassionate look. “I’m hiring you a bodyguard. I’m sorry, I know you’re against it, but it’s time.”

Sulley sits on a chair and slumps in her seat. I know she doesn’t want this.

“Move in with me,” I blurt. “You know my house is safe. It’s private and gated with a state-of-the-art security system.”

Sulley looks at me with a defeated look on her face. “No. I can’t do that. I’m not comfortable with it.”

My jaw tightens. “You’re more comfortable with a stalker? I’ll protect you.”

Her shoulders fall as she turns to Reagan and instructs, “Hire the guard.”