Page 21

Kelsey

I borrowed my Dad’s Drummond jersey before leaving for Minnesota, not thinking Sam would notice or care.

When he locked eyes with me, I saw so many emotions.

With all his success, I don’t think he ever felt someone was in his corner.

I wrapped my arms around Crew and whispered in his ear, “You’re never going to question me, little man. ”

My attempt to deny my physical attraction to him had failed.

But emotionally? He was so much more complex than I would have imagined.

This talented, strong, athletic man contained these layers of emotion that I wanted to peel open, expose, and protect.

How could I protect anyone else? I was barely holding my head above water.

After the game, when I met Sam in the stadium, he approached me, eyes locked like no one else in the world existed.

“Can I take you out tonight?” he rushed out nervously.

I looked down at Crew, and then back up at him. I know Sam had said Crew was invited everywhere I was, but based on his nerves, this seemed more like a date than a casual dinner.

“Would you trust Avery to watch him?”

So many things ran through my mind in mere seconds. I nodded my head. Yes, I trusted Avery. She had snuggled with him for half the game, and he loved her. She had claimed that he might get her to try for one more.

“Is this a date?” I whispered.

“Please, yes. I’m asking you on a date.” Sam leveled his green eyes on me as Crew continued to try to get both of our attention.

“Then, yes. I want to go on a date with you.” A smile erupted on his face.

He swept a stray hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear, and cupped Crew’s tiny head with his massive hands.

My heart squeezed painfully when he planted his lips on Crew’s head.

His eyes closed, and I watched him inhale the baby’s scent.

“Did you just sniff his head?” I asked, laughing. I loved the scent, but I didn’t expect Sam to notice.

“I did. It caught me by surprise. I’d like to pick you up at 7:30. I can arrange for Avery to watch Crew. What time do you need her to be there?”

“Maybe 7:00/ 7:15 ish?”

“Ok, done.”

It wasn’t until I was in the hired car on my way back to the hotel that I realized I had nothing to wear. In a moment of panic, I texted Monica.

Me: How would I find something to wear for a real dinner? Tonight???

Monica: What size are you?

Me: Four.

Monica: Can you send me a selfie? I’d like to see your coloring.

I sent her a picture, and she replied that I’d have a selection sent to my suite within an hour.

I’d tried everything on twice when I heard Avery’s knock on the suite door.

Crew was on a play mat having tummy time while I panicked.

I didn’t recognize the dress brands; these weren’t from H his crisp button-down shirt and slim-fit dress pants accentuated his tall, lean, athletic build.

His eyes crawled up my body, his mouth gaping; he took a step towards me, sucked in a breath, and stopped short.

“Kelsey, my god, I have no words.”

I walked towards him and stopped inches away, my body drawn to his but aware that I had no claim to him, and I was well aware that we had an audience .

“Monica helped; I only brought jean shorts and T-shirts.”

“You’re gorgeous in jean shorts, too, but Monica is getting a raise.” He leaned down, cupped my cheek, and kissed me sweetly on the corner of my mouth. I squeezed my thighs together as a surge of heat rushed over me. Shit, it had been far too long. I was melting at even the slightest touch.

Avery brought Crew over to me so I could kiss him good night. Sam reached for my hand, and as I placed it in his, I understood that I was putting more than my hand in his.

“Don’t rush back. Carlos is going out with the guys tonight. I have nowhere else to be,” Avery said.