All In_ Paying to Play(37)

"The Wildcats would like for you to stand and join them for eighty-six seconds of silence in remembrance of two incredible individuals who lost their lives three years ago this week. John and Diane Young were only able to cheer proudly for their son Jake in his first six NFL games before they were tragically killed by a drunk driver. Thanks to the kind donation of the law office of Winston, James & Bradshaw, John and Diane Young's memory will not be forgotten as their two symbolic jerseys with Jake's number will hang high above the stadium where they will always have a place honor for as long as Jake plays for the Carolina Wildcats. The law firm, in conjunction with the Wildcat players, has also initiated the Young Safe and Sober initiative in all local high schools to educate our youth on the immense danger to themselves and others when driving under the influence."

Oh my God. There are no other words that come to mind. I'm too stunned and overwhelmed. Pretty sure my fucking face is wet. The whole stadium is so quiet you could probably hear a pin drop on the grassy field.

I force the image of the shredded jerseys from my mind, the one that haunts my nightmares, and it's immediately replaced with one of seeing her in my jersey for the first time. Yelling my name across the field until I go over to her and she orders me to kiss her. So I do, and...it was like finding paradise after spending the last few years trapped in a living hell. Unexpected, but such a relief.

Thumps to my shoulder pads pull me back to reality as I watch our special teams run out onto the field to get ready for kickoff. Unable to resist searching for her, my eyes scan the stadium for section 112 at the fifty yard line where my brothers' season tickets are. I bark out a laugh when I find her standing next to them, holding a big white poster. A poster that reads, "Let's go Jake-ass! Score some touchdowns! Love, Your Bitch" It's ridiculous and immature, so unlike Addy, but perfect because she did it to make me laugh. If I can grow up and try to be more mature for her, then maybe this can work after all.

Since the Wildcats won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, our defense is on the field. I jog over to the wall and wait for her to come down the steps before pulling her into my arms and down to the field with me. As soon as her feet hit the ground I kiss her, both hands in the back of her hair to hold her to me. I missed her so damn much.

"Nice jersey," I finally say with a smile splitting my face open.

"Thanks. I was hoping to get an autograph," she responds with her own grin.

"You know what to do, sweet cheeks."

"Get naked?" She laughs.

"Hell yes. In my bed. Every night."

“I’ll be there,” she replies before pulling my lips back down to hers.





Chapter Twenty


Addison

10 Weeks Later…

Touchdown!

The whole stadium jumps to their feet as the clock winds down on the last home game of the season. My boyfriend just caught a pass in the end zone to seal the deal on the win. The Wildcats aren’t going to the playoffs this year due to some injuries, but at least they’re finishing the season on a high note.

After all the players shake hands in a show of good sportsmanship, Jake jogs over to our section. His brothers still can’t believe he has dated me for this long, twelve weeks if you count the pretend ones. I still have my apartment, even though I haven’t slept in it in weeks. In fact, a little at a time I’ve moved in with Jake. He knows I’m taking over his closet and adding my things with his, but he hasn’t commented on it. If I brought up living together he’d probably freak out and say we’re moving too fast, so I haven’t mentioned it. I’ve just been slowly doing it.

I walk down the cement steps to the wall where Jake kisses me in greeting. “You were pretty awesome today,” I tell him.

“Yeah I was,” he says, oh so modestly with a smile.

“Are you sad the season is over?” I ask, rubbing my hands over the back of his sweaty hair.

“A little, but at least now I’ll get to spend more time with you.”

“That is true.”

“I talked to your dad yesterday,” he says, and my smile slips. I wouldn’t have been more surprised if he’d said he flown to the moon. Sure, my dad and I have made up, but he and Jake still aren’t on the best of terms with each other.

“Oh really?”

“Uh-huh,” he mutters.

“Why?” I ask in confusion.

“To make sure he wouldn’t kill me,” Jakes says seriously.

“For what?”

“For this.” Jake nods to the jumbotron. The words, “Will you marry me, Addy?” are written across the bottom of the screen that’s broadcasting a live shot of us. And at the moment, I look like a ridiculous cartoon character, all mouth gaping and eyes bulging.