Page 25

CHAPTER 25

GRIFFIN

T he stadium is a sea of red and black and the noise is overwhelming. I can practically feel the vibration in my chest as they show their unyielding support for our team. We’re down by three, and the clock is ticking—two minutes left in the game.

I shake off the doubts. I’ve been here before. We’ve been here before. But the stakes are so much higher right now. We’ve got one chance to flip the script and come out with the win.

Coach yells from the sidelines, “Do your job and get this done!”

Glancing up into the stands, my heart thunders even harder when I find Christine. She’s wrapped in the Silverbacks blanket, and her focus is on me. She sends an encouraging smile my way, and I give a quick nod in her direction before heading out to the field with my teammates.

“Okay, fellas, this is one of those moments we live for. We’ve been busting our asses working toward this game, and it’s time to claim our victory,” Rogan says, firing us up right before we take our positions.

My gaze pings back and forth between the field ahead and their imposing defensive line. Rogan calls out the count and then Thor snaps the ball to him.

Cooper quickly breaks from his block, running a seam route up the middle as the play called for. Their defenders are focused on me being the deep threat, giving Cooper all the space and time required to get where he needs to be.

Rogan draws his arm back and throws a flawless pass that Cooper effortlessly plucks from the air as he keeps running with no sign of slowing down. One defender dives toward him, but he’s able to sidestep away. When the next one comes and wraps his arms around Cooper, taking him down, between the throw and his run, he’s already gained twenty yards on the play.

The stadium erupts, the crowd cheering as Cooper jumps to his feet and points down the field, signaling the first down.

We huddle up again. I thump my palm against Cooper’s back. “Nice job.”

“Thanks,” he says, still breathing heavily.

“Stay focused,” Rogan cautions. “That was a great start, but we’re not finished yet.” He shares the play call, and excitement thrums through my veins. It’s my turn to do my job, and I intend to execute the play to the best of my ability, despite our opponent’s plan to thwart my efforts.

My heart races like a sprinter at the starting line, ready to spring forward. I’ve been waiting for this moment my entire career—no, make that most of my life. I’ve worked too hard to let this opportunity pass without getting the results I desire.

Rogan catches the snap and I take off. I’ve run this route hundreds of times in practice and even games, but never with so much weight on my shoulders. This play could be an outcome changer for us. My cleats dig into the grass as I cut across the field, hoping the ball is already in the air. I sense a defender coming up fast behind me, and dig deep in my gut, summoning every bit of energy to increase my speed. Glancing over my shoulder, I see the ball lowering toward me. Reaching upward, I snatch it from the air and keep running. I can almost hear the clock ticking down the remaining seconds, reminding me of the urgency. When a defender appears from nowhere and comes at my left side, I’m forced to shift to the right and continue down the edge of the field. With the end zone only a handful of feet away, I remind myself I’m almost there and to keep pushing even though my muscles are screaming with fatigue.

The crowd is on its feet, the fans shouting out their encouragement, giving me a final surge of energy as I dive over the white line into the end zone. As I sprawl on the field, my heart racing, the referee throws his arms up, signaling the touchdown. The Silverbacks fans go wild, stomping their feet and cheering.

Thor yanks me to my feet and shouts, “You fucking did it!”

“No, we fucking did it,” I correct before the rest of the team closes around us, pounding me on my back and hugging me. As we finally return to the sideline, my gaze eagerly seeks Christine. I find her beaming as she jumps up and down. Seeing her happiness enhances mine even more. Grinning, I blow a kiss her way. This is by far the best day of my life, and her sharing in this moment makes it even more special.

“Wait a sec,” Christine says, pausing on the front stoop of Rogan’s house. “I just want to reiterate how amazing you played. I was so proud of you, and I’m proud to be your secret girlfriend too.”

I lean forward and press a kiss to her forehead. “That’s sweet, but you already told me like three times between the stadium and here.”

She taps my chest a few times. “I know, but I want to make sure you’re really hearing my words. I want them to sink deep into your brain. You kicked ass out there.”

“My team also kicked ass. None of us can do it alone.”

She nods. “I’m aware, but I’m only concerned with celebrating you right now. When we step inside, that will change.”

“I appreciate that you were at the game. Seeing you in the stands gave me a boost when I needed it most.”

“So you’re saying you couldn’t have done it without me?” she teases.

I grin, turning the knob and pushing the door open. “Yep. That’s exactly what I mean.” We step inside the entryway to a cacophony of sounds. Music playing, a blender going, as if someone’s mixing drinks, and laughter.

“Hey!” Scarlett runs over, grabbing Christine’s hand. “I’m stealing her.” Christine casts an amused glance over her shoulder at me as Scarlett drags her away.

I follow behind them at a leisurely pace, making allowances for my tired legs. My teammates greet me as I reach the kitchen, where they’re standing around the island eating appetizers.

“Here, dude,” Rogan says, popping the cap off a bottle of beer before handing it to me.

“Thanks.”

“Does anyone else feel like we’re in the Twilight Zone right now?” Cooper asks, scratching his head.

I nod. “For sure. The win seems surreal still.”

“I don’t think the high will go away for a bit. Maybe after another day or two,” Rogan adds.

“I think reality will sink in pretty fucking fast when we’re at practice this week and Coach Chubb is kicking our asses again,” Thor points out, and we all agree.

“Rogan, the pizza’s here,” Autumn tells him as she approaches.

“Thanks, babe.” He presses a brief kiss to her lips and they head toward the front door. When they return, his arms are full of pizza boxes and Autumn is carrying a white bag. Rogan passes out pizzas to each of us and then sets the remaining one on the island.

“We each get our own?” Cooper asks.

Rogan nods. “Yeah. I figured you’d be as hungry as I am.”

“Oh, dude, this is clutch,” I say, setting my beer down to open the lid. The aroma of spices and pepperoni wafts upward, tempting me. Picking up a slice, I bite off the pointy bottom half, and moan. “Talk about hitting the spot.”

Thor holds up a piece of the crust. “This is fucking good.”

Conversation rapidly fades away as we stuff our faces. I barely come up for air until half the pizza has been eaten and then it’s only to gulp down some of my beer.

Autumn brings a container of fries over to us. “Help yourself. We’re not eating anymore.”

“Hmm,” I hum, grabbing a handful and placing them in my pizza box.

“We need to make a toast like we did last week after we won,” Cooper reminds us.

“I got this,” Thor says, raising his beer. “To playing our best in the Championship Bowl and having no regrets.”

We all simultaneously say, “cheers,” and sip from our bottles.

After we’re finished eating, the girls suggest playing a game.

“I’ll agree as long as it doesn’t involve running, getting knocked over, or catching a football,” I say.

“I think we can find something that fits those parameters,” Autumn replies.

“I know,” Scarlett shouts excitedly. “How about Pictionary?”

Christine claps her hands a few times. “Oh, I love that game.”

Autumn steps out of the kitchen, and when she returns she’s holding the game box. “Where should we play?” she asks.

“Let’s sit on the sectional in the living room. It’ll be the most comfortable,” Rogan suggests, and we all wander toward the other end of the open floor plan.

“Fuck yes. My legs are killing me,” I say, sinking down on the end seat. “Come here, Christine.” I pat my thigh.

She moves forward, her lips parting in a smile, and sits on my lap. “Are you sure I’m not hurting you?”

I wrap my arms around her. “Not at all.” I could be in agony and still want her as close as possible.

Scarlett’s head angles as she studies us from the other end of the sectional. “Wait a sec. Are you two together now?”

Christine hesitates as if unsure she should answer, so I step in. “Yes, we are.”

Scarlett’s blue eyes widen. “Oh my God!”

Autumn walks over, stopping in front of us. Her hands go to her hips. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Yeah, why didn’t you tell us?” Rogan echoes.

Christine turns her head, sending me a panicked look before she answers, “My mom and stepfather were at the game with me and they don’t know yet.”

“Are you gonna tell them?” Cooper asks.

“At some point,” I jump in. “But we’re not in a rush.”

Autumn moves closer, giving Christine a quick hug. “I’m happy for you.” Her gaze flicks to me before returning to Christine. “As long as he’s treating you like you deserve.”

Christine’s head bobs. “He is.”

“Do you think your parents will be upset?” Scarlett asks.

I shrug. “I don’t care if they are or not.”

Christine lifts one of my hands and threads our fingers together. “What our parents think has no bearing on our relationship.”

“I thought we were playing a game,” Thor chimes in, winking at me. He’s trying to change the topic of conversation like any good friend should.

“Okay, everyone get comfortable,” Rogan instructs. “We need teams.”

“Girls against guys,” Autumn suggests.

Rogan nods. “You’re on.”

“Let them have their extra player. We can still beat them,” Scarlett says.

Christine slides from my lap and moves over next to her friends, and I instantly want to call her back.

My teammates sit down near me.

“Who’s going first?” Rogan asks.

“We will,” Autumn volunteers. She picks up the pad of paper and a marker. “When Rogan and I played this in the past we didn’t use the game board. We just keep track of how many answers everyone gets correct.”

“Sounds good to me,” I say. I couldn’t care less what rules we follow. I’m too busy watching the woman I love. She flips over the timer on the coffee table and raptly watches Autumn as she begins drawing.

Scarlett calls out a few guesses, and each time Autumn shakes her head.

“Rooster,” Christine says, and Autumn suddenly becomes animated, as if her guess is close.

“Cock,” Scarlett shouts, and Autumn squeals, flipping to a new page on the pad. She grabs a new card and begins drawing.

“Eggplant!” Christine calls out.

“Yes,” Autumn nods. She’s about to flip to another page when Rogan says, “Time’s up.”

“What the fuck is up with these words?” Thor asks.

“Babe, did you accidentally pull out the dirty version deck?” Rogan asks.

Autumn rolls her lips together noncommittally and flips through the cards. When she’s finished, her cheeks suddenly appear flushed, and she smiles. “Oops.”

“What a fantastic day and night this has been,” I say, climbing into the bed next to Christine.

She moves closer, lying on my chest. “It’s been amazing, and I’m so freaking proud of you.”

“Are you trying to break the world record for telling someone you’re proud of them?” I joke.

She playfully slaps my chest. “Sorry for wanting to make sure you know.”

“I do know. Even if you hadn’t told me, I saw it on your face when I looked up at you in the stands. I’ve never had anyone aside from my parents be there for me like you are. It means so much to me.”

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be. But I want you to keep in mind you have a stadium full of people there supporting you and millions more at home watching on TV.”

“That’s true. But you’re the one I need there. You’re the only person I’m invested in impressing.”

Her arm tightens around me. “And for future reference, you impress me daily, not only on the football field.”

“I’m glad to hear that, but it doesn’t mean I’ll put in less effort.” I wink.

She folds her arms on my chest, propping her chin on her hands. “Now that your team is going to the championship, what does that mean in terms of your schedule?”

“This week we’ll be here training as usual. Next weekend we’ll fly to Atlanta and be there through the next one.”

“Can I possibly get a game ticket?”

I gently dig my fingers into her side, tickling her. “What a silly question. You know I need you in attendance.”

“Well, I have school, so I won’t be there until game day.”

“That’s okay. I’ll miss you like crazy, but between practices and all the media stuff, I’ll be extremely busy.”

“Could I also get a ticket for my best friend or is that asking too much?”

“I’ll take care of it. I’m assuming my dad and your mom will also want to attend.”

“This is all so exciting,” she says, her green eyes sparkling.

“It is. Playing in the Championship Bowl has been a dream of mine since I was a kid.”

“What about winning it?” she asks.

“I’m almost afraid to even speak about that possibility. I don’t want to jinx anything.”

“I thought you said you weren’t superstitious.”

“I’m not usually, but an opportunity like this comes around so infrequently. I can’t afford to take the chance.”

“There’s nothing wrong with thinking positively. But for now, I think you should shut your brain off and get some sleep.”

“God, that sounds amazing.” Reaching over, I turn off the nightstand lamp. “Just so you know, I had plans to ravish you, but I’m going to need to postpone until tomorrow night,” I say. She presses a soft kiss to my bare chest and my cock twitches. “On second thought…” I roll her under me and seal my lips over hers.