Second Chance Boyfriend(86)

“I’ll always save you. You never have to worry about that.”

I finally, finally believe him.





Chapter Twenty-Two





Two people in love, alone, isolated from the world, that’s beautiful. – Milan Kundera



Seven months later



Fable



Drew and I were never believers in the fairy tale. We both had our own issues, our problems, our fucked-up home lives that blew all thoughts of happily ever afters right out of the water. Once upon a time, we were cynics facing the world alone. Our story changed into two warrior cynics facing the world together.

Now, we own the happily ever after and we refuse to let that bitch go.

I watch him now, sitting on the sidelines of the football field. It’s hot, even though it’s only nine in the morning, but the summer sun is intense. I have a pretty nice tan already from sitting out here for hours watching Drew practice with his team.

He’s sorta dreamy out there on the field. I love watching him play. He’s so talented, so in command of his teammates and his gameplay. Rumors are already spreading how his chance at a NFL contract is getting closer and closer.

Once upon a time, that would’ve scared the crap out of me. The thought of him leaving me behind. He’d want me to go along with him—and that would’ve scared me too.

Now I take everything day by day. No need for panic. When the time comes for a decision to be made, I know we’ll do the right thing.

Together.

I love how sweaty my man gets when he plays too. Does that make me a freak? Oh, I put on a big show when he grabs me and hugs me after practice, complaining loudly how gross he is, all stinky and damp.

But I’m lying. I love it.

He’s coming toward me now, a big grin on his face, and I stand, offering him a big smacking kiss before I hand over a fresh bottle of water. He takes it from me, tears off the cap and chugs every last drop within a few swallows.

Did I mention how sexy he is when he drinks? No? Well. I’m tempted to fan myself every time I watch him.

“Did you put on sunblock?” he asks, crushing the empty plastic bottle in his fist before he hands it back to me.

I clutch the bottle in my hand. “Maybe.”

He taps the tip of my nose with his index finger. “You’re turning pink. You need some.”

His concern for me is slightly over the top. Since what happened with Adele, he’s very overprotective. From always being there to pick me up when my shift is over at work to slathering on enough sunblock to his satisfaction, he wants to make sure I’m safe. I appreciate it more than he’ll ever know. “I’m trying to get a tan,” I tell him.

“You’re pretty tan already, baby.” He draws his finger across my bared shoulder, sending a shiver through me. “You know what my favorite thing in the world right now is?”

I frown. Where is he going with this? “What?”

He leans in close, his mouth hovering just at my ear. “Your tan lines,” he whispers. “And the fact that I’m the only one who gets to see them.”

I’m blushing. That he can still do that with a few words, a mere look, blows my mind. “You’re bad,” I say when he pulls away from me.

A grin flashes. “You like it.” He glances over his shoulder, checking out his teammates, who are all taking a break like he is. “Look, you should go on home. It’s too damn hot out here for you to sit around. I’ll be done in a few hours, okay?”

I nod, sad he’s kicking me out. But he’s right. It’s so hot outside. Owen’s around here somewhere, helping out with carrying the equipment, organizing stuff, handing out water and whatever else is needed. Drew got him the job, though it’s more of a volunteer thing.

Owen doesn’t care. He’s thrilled to be hanging out with a bunch of cool football players. Plus, it’s keeping him busy.

Keeping him out of trouble.

“I’ll see you later?” Drew asks, grabbing my hand so he can pull me in and give me a kiss.

“Of course.” I don’t work today. My job at The District is still going strong. Colin is a pretty great boss. I think he has the serious hots for Jen and she’s either blind or doesn’t want to see it. That place is like a hotbed for juicy sexy scandal anyway. Not that I play a part in any of it.

I’m riding the happily-ever-after wave with Drew, remember?

“I’m taking you out tonight. Don’t forget, okay?” He smiles at me and I smile back. We haven’t had much time to go out lately. Not that we really do. We prefer to stay home and watch movies. Make out a lot on the couch, as Owen likes to complain.

I did end up moving into that apartment with Owen…and Drew. After what happened with Adele in the parking lot, right in front of his old place, he wanted out of there. I was the one who offered for him to move in with me after a long discussion with Owen, making sure he was okay with it. Which he was.