Page 47 of Personal Foul (The San Diego Storm #3)
Carson
W e spent the next few weeks wrapping up things in Sydney. We had decisions to make regarding his property and whether he wanted to come back. Understandably, he was undecided about what he wanted to do.
Our friends stayed another week, and somehow the rugby players convinced the football players to participate in an exhibition hybrid rugby/football match to benefit a local children’s charity.
All they had to do was post it on social media, and it blew up like wildfire.
They kept it simple and asked for donations so anyone could attend, which my parents were happy to be in charge of.
Of course, Lennox couldn’t say no, and with him came Evan, Owen, Drew, Mason, and both of us.
Brandon rounded up four more players who were eager to play against us.
No one violated their professional contracts and kept the contact minimal.
The last thing any of us needed was to jeopardize our livelihood.
The rules were fast and loose, but both sides decided an individual exhibition of sorts would be good before we attempted to play .
Lennox, Evan, and Drew showcased their passing and receiving skills, while Colin and I defended against the pass.
My husband intercepted one of Lennox’s passes to Drew and ran it back for a touchdown.
The crowd went nuts for him. It just made me fucking happy all around because he thought the fans wouldn’t want anything to do with him. Turns out he was wrong.
Before the rugby players did their thing, I wrapped my arm around Colin’s shoulders to remind him he wasn’t playing to the death.
“Babe, I’m a pussycat now.”
I kissed his cheek. “Sure you are. Don’t get any ideas about leaving the NFL for American rugby.”
He grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Then he pinched my ass, making me yelp.
The ruggers did their thing, and it was damn impressive. It gave our guys a new appreciation for the teamwork and how they moved the ball continuously without stopping play. Lennox stood on the sidelines, videoing it on his phone. I knew we’d be seeing that in the fall during training camp.
But I couldn’t take my eyes off my husband. His big thighs flexed as he pivoted from one position to another. It was spectacular to watch and gave me a new appreciation for how fucking athletic he was. He was better than me, and I was okay with that.
Jayse’s words about Colin taking my spot as the captain came back. In the beginning, I’d been furious, but now, it wouldn’t bother me a bit.
After the match, where we didn’t look so much like Hungry Hungry Hippos this time, we headed to the Cranky Kangaroo.
The camaraderie between all the players was fucking amazing, and gave Colin the closure he needed, whether he knew it or not.
He carried a lot of guilt for the way he played, and this gave him a chance to apologize to his teammates for his actions.
By the time we left the bar, they’d all promised to watch the Storm next season, and we were going to follow the Swarm from our sofa.
“Do you feel better about all of this now?” I asked as we walked back to the apartment.
“Yeah, I needed that. To play with my mates again.”
“I know, babe. You were fantastic, both ways.”
He smiled at me. “Thanks, but I think our game suits me better. Rugby will always be in my blood, but I need the structure of football.”
I wrapped my arm around his shoulders and pulled him close to kiss his temple.
“You would make a hell of a coach one day, babe. Rugby is growing in popularity in the States. Maybe when we retire from the NFL, that will be something to think about. What team wouldn’t want a former NRL star as their head coach? ”
He stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and looked at me.
“I fucking love you, Carson St. James. You’re always thinking about ways to make me happy.
But here’s a little secret,” he said, stepping closer.
“All I need is you for that. For now, let’s enjoy the life we have.
And when we get everything wrapped up here, I’m ready to go home to San Diego. I miss your side of our ocean.”
“I’m ready when you are.”