Page 28

GRIFFIN

SIX WEEKS LATER

W e pull up in front of Thor’s house and park along the street.

“This is a nice neighborhood,” Christine says.

I glance around at all the massive homes sitting on multi-acre lots. “This would be a great neighborhood for a family with kids.”

“Maybe that’s why he’s here?”

I laugh. “No way. I know Thor isn’t planning on getting married any time soon, never mind having a child.”

“Accidents happen,” she says. There’s a hint of something in her tone that’s different but I can’t place my finger on what it is. Unless…

My head snaps her way. “Are you pregnant?”

She guffaws, slapping her knee. “No. I take my birth control religiously. I can’t handle school and a baby. School and you is enough.” She pokes my arm teasingly.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. My schedule is crazy during football season,” I say. But there’s a part of me that’s disappointed she’s not carrying my baby. I have no doubt we’d make a beautiful kid. “Do you want kids?” I ask. We’ve never discussed this topic before.

She nods, her lips curving slightly. “Definitely, but not soon. I’d like to finish my master’s degree and get a teaching job. What about you?”

“Kids scare the fuck out of me but I want to be a father.”

“Why?”

“They’re needy little fuckers who shit and piss uncontrollably. I’m scared of anything that can’t wipe its own ass.”

She snorts. “E.Z. doesn’t wipe his ass,” she points out.

“He doesn’t need to.”

“You still have to clean his litter.”

“Yeah, but his litter box basically does all the work for me. I just have to change out the bag.”

“Well, I imagine when it’s your baby you won’t mind cleaning his poop,” she says. “Otherwise, no one would have more than one kid.”

“Good point. So what do you think? Should we head into the party?”

She rests her head back on the seat and sighs. “Yeah. I’m a little anxious about all the people I’ve never met.”

“But aren’t you happy about seeing all our friends?”

“Of course I am.”

“Focus on that instead of worrying. We’re going to have a great time. Thor has thrown a St. Paddy’s Day party the last few years, and each one is more fun than the last.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

I jump out my side, pocketing my keys, and hurry around to open her door. I lift her from the seat and set her down on the sidewalk.

“Oh my God. You’re obsessed with picking me up and carrying me,” she says, smiling.

“I can’t help myself. You’re adorable, and I look for any excuse to get my hands on you.” I push the door closed and take hold of her hand as my gaze skims over her. She’s wearing tight-fitting jeans and a long-sleeved white t-shirt that says My St. Paddy’s Day is all Booked. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. You’re the perfect man for me.” She extends one foot on the pavement in front of her, showing off her new green Chucks. “You give the best gifts, and you don’t mind my lack of style.”

“Preferring casual and comfortable clothing doesn’t equate to having no style,” I correct. “And I’m glad you like your Chucks.”

“I love them.”

“Come on, my little leprechaun, it’s time to make an appearance.”

Hands connected, we walk up the side of the driveway past all the guests’ vehicles. When we get to the door, there’s a taped sign that reads: EVERYONE’S IRISH TODAY, SO brING YOUR IRISH ASS INSIDE.

“That’s subtle,” Christine says.

I chuckle. “That sign is one hundred percent Thor. He’s blunt with a capital B.” Turning the knob, I open the door, and we step inside the large and sparsely decorated foyer. We follow the sound of Irish music and laughter to the kitchen.

“Hey, look who’s here,” Thor shouts. We’re immediately engulfed by the crowd greeting us. I quickly introduce Christine to the people she doesn’t know, so she can feel at ease. I know if she had her choice, she’d prefer a much smaller gathering. Or to be at home reading a book with E.Z. curled up in her lap.

Scarlett and Autumn quickly pull her away from me. I watch as they head over to the bar area set up in the corner.

Cooper claps his palm against my back. “It’s good to see you, man.”

“We just hit the gym together three days ago.”

Cooper frowns. “I know, but I’m used to seeing you guys every day. Maybe I’m the only one who’s missing the daily grind of football season.”

“It’s your rookie year, and that’s a big adjustment all around. Right now, you’re still trying to figure out what life looks like during the offseason,” I explain.

“Don’t worry, it gets easier with time,” Rogan says.

“All I can say is, make the most of it because time flies. Before we know it, Coach Chubb will be shouting insults at us all over again,” Thor adds.

I nod. “That’s true. The offseason passes way too quickly. Anyone have any special plans?”

“Autumn and I are planning a vacation. We haven’t decided where we’re going yet, though,” Rogan says.

“Are you thinking of a tropical location?” Cooper asks.

Rogan nods. “She’s had enough of the cold.”

“It’s mid-March now. You better hurry up before the warm weather returns here,” I say.

“Well, I said the same to Autumn, but she pointed out that the ocean will still be cold.”

“Cooper, what are your plans?” I ask.

“We’re gonna go visit my parents and make a road trip out of it. Scarlett wants to stop at various wrestling schools and interview wrestlers for her podcast.”

“That sounds like fun,” Rogan says.

“What about you?” Cooper asks me.

“I’m not sure. Christine is still in school. I asked her if she wanted to go away for spring break, but she said she’d rather chill at home. I might surprise her with a weekend away, though.” I tap Thor’s arm. “What about you, big guy? Any special plans?”

He scratches the back of his neck. “This might come as a shock to you guys, but I’ve been asked to take part in a charity hockey game.”

“As a guest announcer?” Rogan asks.

Thor shakes his head. “As a player.”

“Do you know how to skate?” I ask.

“Yeah, but not well. I can slowly skate around the rink.”

“Wait a second,” Rogan cuts in. “We need more details. Who else is playing? And when is this taking place, so we can all be there?”

“I don’t have all the details yet, but it takes place in June and it’ll be athletes and celebrities taking part.”

“I’m surprised you agreed,” I say.

“It’s for a charity that helps sick children. I researched them, and ninety-nine percent of the money donated goes to the kids.” He raises his palms. “How could I refuse?”

“You better get practicing,” Rogan says, chuckling.

“Maybe River can give you some lessons,” Cooper suggests.

“I was thinking he’d be too busy since he’s in the midst of hockey season. But maybe he knows someone who can work with me,” Thor says.

I shake my head, grinning. “Dude, I can’t believe you signed on for this, but I’m weirdly excited about it.”

He lets out a quick laugh. “I am too. I think it’ll be challenging but also fun. It’ll be nice to learn a new skill set. You know I’m gonna do my best to make sure I can skate well before the game.”

“It’s not just about skating, though. You have to handle the stick and puck too. That’s a lot to learn in three months,” I point out.

He nods. “That’s true, but I’ve already committed. I’ll give it my best shot and hopefully not look like a fool.”

“You won’t. You’re naturally athletic and your work ethic is top-notch,” I reassure.

Thor shrugs. “I’ll keep you guys posted as I learn more.”

“Yeah, please do. It sounds like it’ll be a fun time,” Rogan says.

Thor nods. “The game itself will be a blast but learning how to play hockey is sure to be challenging.”

“Good luck with it all,” I say, patting his tricep.

Christine wanders back over with Scarlett and Autumn, and she hands me a beer. “I thought you might be thirsty.”

“Thank you. I am.” I raise the bottle to my lips and take a deep pull. “What are you drinking?”

“Irish eyes.”

“What’s in it?” I ask.

“I don’t really know. The bartender said it matched my eyes.”

“It does,” I say, swinging my gaze to the corner to see who had the balls to flirt with my woman. What I find is not what I expect. A grandmotherly-looking woman is preparing the drinks.

You’re an idiot. I poke fun at myself. I’ve never been this protective and possessive about anyone. However, I’ve also never been in love before. Dealing with these turbulent emotions has been—and will continue to be—an adjustment for me. But being with Christine is worth any challenges I’ll face. Loving her has made me a better man.

Wrapping my arm around Christine, I pull her close to my side and press a kiss on the top of her head. Her hair is soft against my lips, and I smell the fresh scent of her shampoo. She tips her head back, smiling up at me. “This is nice.”

“What is? Me thinking about stealing you away to a closet and ravishing you?”

She laughs and shakes her head, jiggling the gold shamrocks dangling from her earlobes. “I meant the party on the whole. You, me, our friends, Irish music, and drinks…”

“It’s fantastic because you’re with me.”

“Aww. You always say the sweetest things to me.” She narrows her eyes, studying my face. “Did you kiss the Blarney Stone?”

I laugh. “I didn’t, but I might have a shillelagh in my pants if you want to check it out.”

She laughs. “You’re incorrigible.”

“That’s not a no,” I point out, smirking.

“It is for now,” she clarifies.

“What do you say we mingle a little? I haven’t spoken to all my teammates yet.”

“Sure,” she agrees.

We spend the better part of the next half hour moving around, conversing with everyone. When we’ve had our fill, I steer Christine off to the side. The drinks are flowing, and the music has gotten increasingly louder, to the point where everyone’s singing along to “No Nay Never.”

Clap, clap, clap, clap. Christine beams as her hands keep time with the song. “That’s my favorite part.”

Leaning forward, I press my forehead to hers. “You’re so fucking cute.” A smile appears on her lips as my fingers gently trace down the side of her face.

“You know just what to say to turn my insides to mush.”

I run my thumb across her pink cheek. “And to make you blush.”

The music shifts to something slower. Pulling her close, I splay a hand on her lower back and hold her hand against my heart as I gently sway us side to side, lost in our own world.

“You know what’s the best part of being out together?” she asks, looking up at me.

“What?”

“That we’re no longer a secret.” The fingers on her free hand trail over the nape of my neck.

“I like that too. Everyone knowing you’re mine feels pretty fucking amazing. Although part of me wants to lock you in a tower and keep you at my disposal.”

Her mouth drops open. “As in a medieval tower?”

“Hey, just call me old fashioned.”

“Well, that plot is straight out of a romantic fantasy novel.”

“Wait. Does that mean you like it?”

“I don’t hate the idea of being locked away in a tower for a couple of days as long as you’re with me.”

Note to self: Find a tower and book a trip ASAP.

“You know, you manage to surprise me daily,” I tell her.

“That’s good. I’ll keep you on your toes so you don’t tire of me.”

“Like that could happen. I’m completely enamored with you.”

“If you overindulge on one food, you get sick of it,” she reasons.

“Is this a pussy reference? Because I’ll never tire of eating yours.” I wink. Her eyes widen and she quickly shushes me. My expression turns serious. “I’ve never given much thought to what I want to do after I retire from playing football. Maybe that’s related to my mom passing away so suddenly and at such a young age. Regardless of the reason, I’m finally at a point where I know what I want out of life long term. Would you like to hear what that is?”

She nods, her expression curious. “Yes.”

“You, me, and E.Z., a kid or two, maybe a dog. The house and location don’t matter as long as we spend however many days we’re blessed to have on this earth together.”

“I love that plan.”

“I love you. And I’ll love you loudly and faithfully for the rest of my life.”

Her eyes shine with unshed tears as she smiles up at me. “I promise I’ll do the same.”

I lower my head and capture her lips in a slow, tender kiss. As I draw back, my lips part in a knowing grin.

“What’s that look for?” she asks.

“I’m like a goddamn book boyfriend come to life.”

She laughs, shaking her head. “You’re made of flesh and blood and give me orgasms. You’re better than a book boyfriend could ever be.”

Thank you for reading Griffin and Christine’s story.