Page 43 of The Game Changer (Knights of Passion #3)

Savannah laughed through the tears that threatened, burying her face in the dog’s fur.

Then a hand appeared in front of her—strong, familiar, trembling just slightly.

She looked up and met Dylan’s gaze.

He didn’t speak, just waited.

Her fingers slid into his, and his grip tightened, steady, warm. He pulled her up gently. When he would’ve let her go, she held on, stepping in close, her body drawn to his like a magnet.

His eyes—so guarded now—searched her face.

“Dylan,” she whispered, her voice unsteady, “you were right. I should’ve told you about Tom’s offer. I should’ve said something. I never wanted to put you in that position, but I swear—I would never trick you into anything.”

He nodded, slow and silent, tension locked in every line of his body. “I know that now. I should’ve trusted you.”

She moved closer still, until his warmth seeped into her skin, melting the chill that had clung to her since the night he’d walked out. She laid her free hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat beneath her palm.

“You did all of this for me?” she asked softly.

His throat bobbed with the force of his swallow. “Since I messed up your sponsorship, I figured this was the least I could do.”

“I couldn’t care less about the sponsorship.” Her voice cracked, thick with unshed emotion. “You were right about me, Dylan. I was so busy trying not to need anyone, I pushed you away. I pushed everyone away. Carl. You. I was afraid you’d leave me… so I left first. I didn’t trust you to stay.”

She cupped his jaw, her thumb brushing the stubble that lined his cheek. His eyes fluttered closed at the touch, his breath uneven.

“I was wrong. I see that now. Can you forgive me?”

His hand curled around hers, holding it in place as his eyes opened again—full of heat and hope. “I think we both have our baggage. But if you’re willing to work on it, so am I.”

Relief rushed through her, dizzying and sweet.

She let out a breathless laugh and slid her arms around his neck. “Do you think we could start again? Try this one more time?”

He pulled her in tight, his voice low and fierce in her ear. “Absolutely not.”

She stiffened in surprise, but before she could speak, he continued.

“I’m not going through this again. We’re not starting over. We’re picking up right where we left off—together. No more running.”

His arms wrapped around her, anchoring her against his chest. “I love you, Savannah. I should’ve said it before. I was too busy protecting my own damn heart to see that you already had it. I don’t know what next season brings, but I want us. I’ll do whatever it takes to figure this out.”

She leaned back slightly, gazing up at him.

“Dylan… it’s been pointed out to me that I haven’t exactly built roots here.

I always thought I had—but really, my life’s portable.

The rescue can run from anywhere. I’ve got a network.

The 501(c)(3) status is federal. I can start fresh, if I want to.

And there are always animals who need help, wherever we go. ”

His brows pulled together, worry flickering across his features. “But you hate moving.”

“Not if it’s my choice. And if I’m moving with you—then I’m already home.”

She rose on her tiptoes and brushed her lips over his, a whisper of a kiss that lingered like a promise. “So, Mr. Prosser… what happens now?”

A familiar voice spoke behind them.

“Mr. Prosser gets his ass back on the field so he can finish the game and hopefully get us to the playoffs. Then he renegotiates his contract to stay here in Georgia. Assuming, of course, he’s not otherwise indisposed.”

Savannah blinked in surprise and turned to see Stacia standing beside a sharp-suited man she vaguely recognized from press events. Jason Friar, player development.

She shifted instinctively, but Dylan held her in place, tugging her flush against him—effectively hiding the obvious reaction her kiss had sparked. Her cheeks flamed.

“I think that could be arranged,” Dylan said smoothly. “Assuming the terms meet my approval, Jason.”

Jason clapped him on the back with a smirk. “I’ll leave that to Lucas and the management team. You’ve got ten minutes until game time. Don’t blow it.”

“Ms. Monroe.” Jason gave her a nod before disappearing with Stacia into the tunnel.

Dylan glanced around, then dragged her into a nearby maintenance room and slammed the door. Before she could form a coherent thought, his mouth was on hers—hot, hungry, and full of everything he hadn’t been able to say on that field.

She melted into the kiss, into him, her body pressing close, her fingers curling into his jersey. Her heart raced with hope, with joy, with the knowledge that this time… they were choosing each other.

A sharp bang on the door jolted them apart.

“Goddamn it,” Dylan growled. “I’ll be right there!”

Cody’s amused voice drifted through the door. “Take your time. I’ve got Sadie and Carl. They’re loving their reunion.”

Dylan groaned and rested his forehead against hers. “This is so not the time or place.”

Savannah grinned and pecked his lips again. “Later, cowboy. We’ve got all night.”

He grinned. “No. We’ve got the rest of our lives… if you’ll have me.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Where’s the ring? You really think I’m marrying you in a closet with no contract and no jewelry? You need to up your game, Prosser.”

He chuckled, eyes gleaming. “Damn woman. I just landed you a major sponsorship.”

She poked his chest. “ That was for my rescue. My heart’s worth a hell of a lot more.”

He caught her hand, lifted it to his lips, and kissed it tenderly. “It’s worth everything.”

Then he kissed her again, hard and fast, before yanking the door open and disappearing into the tunnel. She watched him go, her heart full.

He’d won her back.

Now he had to win the game.