Page 112 of Who's Loving You

He took an extreme liking to Mr. Monty and wants to be a business man just like him. He may never play football, but he can surely own a football team.

Leo squeezes his dad’s waist and Nic pulls him close. He finally looks at me and tilts his head, waving me over. When I shake my head, he takes matters into his own hands and jogs over to me.

“C’mon, mi Reina. You’re part of this, too, and I need you by my side.” I sigh then take his outstretched hand and let him lead me to the center of the field where a microphone stands.

Leo walks in between us and Mazzy refuses to loosen her grip around his neck. We reach the center and the cheers only rise. I don’t know how anyone is going to hear him, but he’s going to try anyhow.

“Hello Drillers Fam!” He shouts into the microphone and Mazzy repeats. “Hello Drillers.”

Is there anything better than the sweet voice of a five year old girl?

“Today is a bittersweet day because, as most of you know, this will be my last season.” The crowd continues to clap and cheer for him. “As we get ready to take the field for opening game, I knew I had to speak to all of you.

“Thank you to each and every Drillers fan who made the greatest city on Earth, “ the ruckus grows louder. “My home. Thank you to my teammates who helped me become the best version of myself. The wins and losses, the championships, were some of my greatest moments.

“To the Montgomery’s,” Nico inhales deep and chokes down emotion. “Monty and Killeen. You two became second parents and I’m grateful you didn’t give up on me when I made it so difficult to like me.”

He and I laugh and I look out to the sidelines to see our family doing the same, the Nickies nodding their heads.

“To our parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. Thank you for supporting me in the good times and bad, and never letting me doubt myself.

“My best friends, Nick and Nik. What can I say that we haven’t already said to one another a thousand times.I’ve loved every minute playing this game next to you and, for the last part of our careers, opposing you. I have to admit that there was nothing better than seeing you two thrive on that field. But also beating you was pretty fantastic.” Nik holds up his hand as if to throw him the middle finger, but shows the three instead.

Always the three of them. No matter what trials they faced, they were right there to lift the other up when they were in need. Their three paths came together for one dream, and even though the roads crossed and parted, they never strayed far. They ran in their own lane, but those roads ran parallel.

“And last, but most importantly, thank you to my beautiful family. My two amazing kids, Leo and Mazzy, and the most beautiful, caring, forgiving woman I have ever known. Valentina.” He drops his head and whispers, “shit.”

He pinches the bridge of his nose, fighting off the tears that threaten to spill and I have no defense over mine. They immediately begin to trickle down my cheeks. Leo sees them and wraps me up in his arms to comfort me.

“I haven’t always been a cake walk to deal with,” he jokes and I nod my head with a chuckle. “There were many times I couldn’t stand on my own, and you held me up. You kicked me in the as—butt when I needed it, and held my hand when I was too weak to walk on my own. My life would never have been the same without you, and I thank God everyday he brought you into my life. Well, it was actually Monty and Waggers, but I’d like to think the big guy had a hand in it.” I swipe away the tears that track down my face. “My teammates and friends helped me become a better player, but you made me an exceptional man.”

He drops the microphone to his side and brings his lips to mine. I press my palm to his cheek and kiss him with gentle passion.

“I love you, Nico.”

“I love you too, mi Reina. Thanks for not kicking me to the curb.”

With a smile I tell him, “You’re a pain in the ass but you’re mine, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Ready?” He asks us and we all nod. “Okay. Here were go.”

He raises the microphone just high enough for Leo to reach, and Nic and I crouch down, Mazzy still in his arms.

“1, 2, 3. LET’S GO DRILLERS!” We shout and the rest of his team comes rushing out on the field.

He hurries us out of the line of fire, but a few guys catch up to us. They smack Nic on his padded shoulders, kiss my cheek —which Nic hates— and high-five the kiddos before running off to the sidelines.

We reach our family and friends, and each of them gives Nic an emotional hug.

“Alright y’all. I gotta go break some records. Sorry guys.” He looks at Soba and Papas with a wink, and this time Papas does flip him off.

“Have a good game, baby.” I tell him with one last kiss.

Before he jogs off, he leans in and whispers in my ear, “Send the kids with the grandparents and be wearing something sexy when I get home.”

A wide smile stretches from ear to ear and I rasp, “I’ll wear your pads…and nothing else.”

He licks his lip then smacks my ass as he goes.

That fucking lip lick. Still does it for me.