Page 28 of Protecting Player #73 (Portland, Settlers #1 | Gridiron Warriors)

T.K

Four Years Later.

F ifteen years of my life have been dedicated to the Portland Settlers.

I’ve shed as much blood, sweat, and tears as possible, and retirement is finally near.

Clinching my ninth and final Victory Bowl Championship a week before Brea gave birth to our third child is a day to remember, but now it’s time to give Brea and my girls my undivided attention.

My devotion and dedication belong to them now.

Plans are in the works to take the next year and a half or more off to be present for my family and help raise my girls the way my parents raised my brothers and me.

I’ve been offered coaching positions with several colleges and a few league teams, but I’m not rushing into anything. Taking my time and finding the right fit for my family is now crucial to me.

“Smile, husband, they’ll be calling you up soon,” Brea whispers in my ear, her warm breath searing my skin, making me die for a taste of her.

“Yeah, but when can we leave?” I’ve spent too much time with our three-and-a-half-year-old because she always asks that question.

Laughing, Brea gently pats my legs and says, “Play nice first, then I’m yours for the evening.”

It’s not uncommon for us to have an evening alone. One weekend a month, since we started having kids, Jo and Mark have happily taken the girls off our hands, and we take advantage of it.

Since our youngest is now four months old, happily drinking from a bottle and mostly sleeping through the night, this will be their second time watching her. Those are the nights I really make my wife scream.

My name is called, and Brea nudges me to my feet and walks to the stage alongside me. “Thank you, Owen.” The owner of the Settlers shakes my hand and passes me a plaque with my name, position, and championship years on it.

Brea chokes up next to me as she claps proudly.

Standing in front of the podium, I gaze out at the crowd, humbled by the number of people who have played such key roles in my life.

Damaris and his mom are seated at a table with some of the single guys on the team.

Adeline and her men have been placed with some of the married teammates, and Alex and Brayden’s table consists of my parents, brothers, and their wives.

“Wow,” I say. “I don’t know how to show enough appreciation to the Settlers for a career I honestly thought I would lose at one time.

” A few people burst out laughing, understanding my reference.

“I’ve been honored to play for as long as I have and can’t thank everyone enough for their support over the years. ”

Reaching my hand back, I pull Brea up close to me.

“I honestly couldn’t have done as well as I did without my loving wife, Brea, and our gorgeous girls.

” Her smile feels just like home. “I’d like to stay up here and thank everyone individually, especially my parents, brothers, and agent, but honestly, we have a night without the kids, and I want nothing more than to spend as much time with my girl as possible before the tiny tornadoes weave chaos back into our lives.

So…thank you. Just thank you.” Being good with words has never been my thing. Not unless they’re praising my wife.

Leaning down, I drop a kiss on Brea’s lips and ask, “Can we go now because I’m dying for a taste of that sweet pussy.” She blushes and nods.

We exit quickly, the room a mixture of cheers and laughter, knowing full well our plans for the night.

Guiding Brea up to our hotel suite, I swoop her into my arms bridal-style and murmur against her lips, “Thank you for loving me, Brea. I never thought I’d be so lucky as to have you forever.”

She sighs and starts kissing my throat while whispering promises of her own about the future.

The End!

Thank you for reading Protecting Player #73. The next book in the Gridiron Warriors is Rushing Her by E.M. Shue.