Page 37 of Kicked in the Heart

He steadied himself against her. “I wouldn’t let them. Had to celebrate our win, the hospital can wait.”

She helped him over to the bench so he could sit. The rest of the team gathered around him to celebrate. She blushed when one of the players said, “And Butch won twice today. First is the game and the second is winning the love of this beauty who can kick the hell out of a football!”

She knew their love was against her contract. Oh well, she’d worry about that later. Maybe she’d be able to get on another team. She’d hate having to leave but what could she do about it?

It was after midnight the next day when she heard Butch stir. “Shhh, go back to sleep.”

He opened his eyes and looked at her, his eyes hazy with sleep and painkillers. The surgery had been a success, and his knee should have full function. “It wasn’t a dream, was it?” he asked sleepily.

“Not a dream, we won,” she said as she brushed his hair off his forehead.

“Not that. You. Kissing me in front of the whole team.” His eyes drooped. “Best dream ever,” he mumbled.

“Not a dream. I love you, you grumpy asshole,” she said with a smile. Kissing him lightly, she brushed her fingers down the side of his face. She giggled when he let out a snore.

She could feel the effects of the hit she took. It hadn’t been bad last night but now she was sore and felt like she could sleep for a week.

Crawling up on the bed, she snuggled up to him and let herself sleep.

The nurse changing Butch’s IV bag woke her. “Sorry, I need you off the bed, I need to take his vitals.”

“Sorry, I just…”

“I get it. I saw that kiss after the game.”

She was sure her cheeks must be bright red. With a sigh she got up and went into the bathroom.

When she opened the bathroom door, she found Coach Albertson and Coach Thomas standing next to Butch’s bed.

Coach Albertson looked at her. “I thought you’d be here.”

Butch, who was now awake, held his hand out to her.

Her hand wrapped in his, she was ready to hear them tell her she was done as a Legend.

“Your contract specifically states that romantic fraternization between you and another team member is strictly prohibited.”

“I realize that but…” she said as she stared at the floor. She really didn’t want to see the disapproval on the coach’s faces.

“Can I say something first?” Butch asked. When Coach Albertson nodded, he continued, “I know technically you should fire Rocky but I think I have a solution.”

Coach crossed his arms across his chest. “Go on.”

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be cleared to play again. I’ve had a long career and I propose I retire instead. That way there’s no fraternization.” He mumbled the last word, obviously still a little loopy from the pain meds.

“You might feel differently when…” Coach Thomas said.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while. When I finally accepted my feelings were real, I knew I would be the one to quit.”

Rocky brought his hand to his lips and kissed the back of it.

“You’d really do that for me?” she asked with tears in her eyes. “I know you were thinking about it but I don’t want to be the reason. You could probably play a couple more seasons and I could find another team.”

“I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for me.” He kissed her knuckles. “Even before I realized that I loved you, I was thinking about retiring after this season.”

“But you love football,” she protested, not wanting him to give it up for her.

“My body has been telling me it’s time to retire for months. This is the right thing for me. For us.” He kissed her knuckles again and yawned.