Page 33 of Kicked in the Heart
They’d almost made it. It was the Friday before the Victory Bowl and it couldn’t come soon enough. The alarm went off and he rolled over to turn it off. Everything ached, his shoulders, his legs, everything. He was feeling every one of his forty years. His body was telling him something he’d known for a while but didn’t want to admit. It was time to retire. Going out as awashed-up has-been was not how he wanted to be remembered. Retirement sounded like something old people did. Well, in football, he was old, older than any other player on the team and maybe the oldest player in the league.
With a groan, he got out of bed and showered. He had to get moving if he wanted to meet Rocky for a kiss before they had to be at the airport for their flight to Portland. They’d made plans to meet at the park next to Rocky’s apartment complex. It was only twenty degrees so the park should be empty. Even though he knew she would be there, he was always nervous until he caught sight of her.
He spotted her waiting for him near the bridge over the creek. The trees hid the spot from both the apartment complex and the road, making it a good spot for a private moment.
She looked beautiful in a long dark coat and hat. How had he managed to get this woman to fall in love with him? He had been such a giant asshole to her. Thankfully, she’d forgiven him for that. Now, she hurried over to him and into his arms for a passionate kiss.
She put her cheek to his chest and squeezed him tight. “I don’t want to let you go, not even for the next few days. I know we have to but…”
His heart lurched when he saw the tear roll down her face. “I know, it’s killing me too. Having to pretend we’re just teammates gets harder every day.”
“It will be even harder if they renew my contract for next season,” she said with a sniff. “I don’t know if I can keep doing this.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out,” he said. He didn’t want to mention retirement, they had the Victory Bowl to worry about, they could figure everything else out later.
She put her hands on each side of his face and held his gaze. “I should have said this before but I love you, asshole.”
His heart threatened to leap out of his chest. After the last few weeks of stolen kisses and meetings at out of the way hotels, he’d known how she felt. But to hear her say it, that she loved him, the love ‘em and leave ‘em player changed something inside of him. Somehow, he’d make everything work out for them.
“I love you too, girl kicker,” he said before he kissed her again.
His phone beeped. With a sigh he pulled it out of his pocket. “Trey is wondering where I am, we’re supposed to meet for breakfast. I better go.”
Reluctantly, she stepped away from him, holding his hand until she had to let go to cross the bridge back to her apartment. “See you at the airport.”
He watched her walk over the bridge and out of sight. The next three days seemed like a lifetime.
Rocky
Leaving Butch standing there in the cold was one of the hardest things she’d ever done. She trudged up the stairs and let herself into the apartment.
“What the hell was that?” Kylie asked from her seat on the couch. “I wondered who you’ve been sneaking around with the last couple of weeks.”
“I don’t know what you’re…”
“I saw you kissing him down by the bridge. You told me seeing him could end your career.”
“I can’t help it. Stupid asshole made me fall in love with him.” She stomped over to the coffee maker and poured a cup. “We’re trying to figure things out.”
“Figuring things out? You better figure it out quick before someone on the team finds out and you’re out on your ass due to breach of contract.”
“I know, I know. But the asshole made me fall in love with him. He’s actually funny and can be sweet when we wants to be.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I do. You still taking me to the airport? I wish you’d have let me get you a ticket.”
Kylie hugged her. “I wish too but I’ve got to work tomorrow. You just go kick some football ass and win us that cup.” Kylie drained the last of her coffee. “Let’s go, can’t have you missing your flight.”
“I really am sorry I didn’t tell you. We didn’t tell anyone.”
“You are going to tell me everything when you get back after we celebrate the Legends winning the Victory Bowl.”
They’d made it to the airport in plenty of time. She watched Butch talking with Trey, wishing she could be sitting with them. They’d decided to stay away from each other so as not to give away their secret. But, she couldn’t help watching him every chance she got. She remembered the feel of his scruff against her face as they’d kissed at the bridge. The memory of hat kiss would have to be enough for the next couple of days. God, she hoped they could figure something out so they could both keep their spots on the team. Maybe she’d have to move to another team which would create more problems than it solved. With a sigh she turned her attention back to the book she was reading on her phone.
As they lined up to board their flight, she found Trey beside her. “Just don’t break his heart, okay?” he whispered in her ear.
“What?” she asked as she tucked her phone in her pocket.