Page 173 of Too Far

Josephine

One Year Later

“They’reback!”

Kendrick sits up quickly and reaches for me, but I’m too fast for the three-time Pro Bowl starting running back for the Carolina Cougars.

“Go easy on them,” he hedges as I scamper to the door. Behind me, he stays where he is, perched on the edge of the couch, legs spread wide.

Training camp started this week, so he’s sore as hell and extra grumpy from two-a-days. I promised him a massage and a whole afternoon in bed, but not until the guys got back from their meeting.

I’m bouncing on my toes as they ascend the stairs toward the house. Kylian’s already lost his tie, and Decker’s tugging at his with each step.

“They don’t look happy,” I fret, worrying my lip.

“They’re not the most happy-go-lucky guys to begin with, Mama.”

I shoot Kendrick a pointed look over my shoulder. “That’s fair.”

By the time they reach the house, I’m tearing open the sliding glass door. I can’t wait any longer.

I barrel into Kylian’s arms a moment later. He catches me with ahmphas Decker supports his back and guides us forward.

“How’d it go?” I demand, looking from one man to the other.

Decker’s onyx gaze gives nothing away. If anything, he looks dejected.

Kylian’s piercing baby blues are as cool and calm as ever, but I still can’t get a read on him.

“It went well.”

That’s it?

“Meaning?” I press, pushing up on tiptoes and cupping his cheeks.

I want details. I need to know if this is it: their big break.

Kylian and Decker have been working on a real-time next-gen stats program for years. Originally, Kylian developed the software on his own and used it when he interned with the Crusaders, but he was the sole programmer, and from its inception, he’s retained the exclusive rights to the technology.

Over the last few years, he’s been scaling it for the pros, outsourcing additional development and hiring contractors to maintain the servers. It’s taken some time, but he’s finally elevated the program to a place he deems acceptable to pitch to professional clubs around the league.

Decker understands the program, but he has the knack for getting a foot in the door. Between the Crusade name and his natural charisma, he’s secured meetings with several teams. No one has officially signed with them yet, but Decker knows the head coach and offensive coordinator in Atlanta well. If they really have a shot at this, then Atlanta is likely where it’ll begin.

The software is unmatched. The presentation has been polished to perfection. Hell, I’ve sat through it so many times over the last few weeks I could probably repeat it verbatim.

They were so prepared. So ready. They’ve poured so much into this.

God, I hope it worked.

“It’s good news,” Kylian explains evenly. “But let Decker tell you.”

He spins us, kisses me quickly, then releases me into the arms of my husband.

“So?” I demand of Decker. My patience is wearing thin.

He wraps me in a hug and guides me into the house. “It was good. Really good. We signed the deal.” His words are even and reserved. I’m smiling so hard my cheeks hurt, and yet he’s acting as if this isn’t the big break they were hoping for.

“That’s amazing, Cap.” My heart squeezes with pride for my boys. “We have to celebrate!”