Second Chance Boyfriend(87)

Now we’re like one big happy family.

“Where are you taking me?”

“That’s a surprise.” His eyes darken, his expression turns ultra serious. “I love you. You know that, right?”

I frown. “Yeah, I know. I love you too. Lots.”

“Lots?”

“Mega lots.”

“Sounds like a discount store.” He grins and kisses me again as if he can’t help himself.

“Come on, Callahan! Quit smooching on your girl and get over here!” one of his teammates yells, making us both laugh.

I watch him jog back to where they’re all standing in the middle of the field, my gaze never leaving him. He’s so gorgeous. He’s endured so much yet this is truly the happiest I’ve ever seen him.

I’ve gone with him to a few sessions with Dr. Harris and she pulled me aside at the last one, wanting to talk to me privately. She said she believes I heal him. That the reason he’s been able to cope so well with the aftermath of Adele’s suicide and the near mental breakdown of his father is because of the unconditional support I offer him so freely.

It’s only right, considering what he does for me. My mom has mostly fallen off the face of the earth. I can deal for the most part, but her disappearance has been a struggle for Owen. He doesn’t know how to handle it. Considering Drew remembers what it’s like to be an angry, screwed-up teenage boy, he spends a lot of time with my brother. To the point that one night, as we were drifting off to sleep, Drew confessed if this football thing didn’t work out for him, he was considering staying in school so he could become a counselor and help troubled teens.

I threw my arms around him and told him I thought that was a great idea.

He has the kindest, sweetest heart you could ever know. He’s funny, he’s smart, he knows just what to say to make me smile. He gets grumpy when things don’t go his way. Oh, and also when he’s hungry. He’s too much of a neat freak and I’m sort of a slob so that’s caused a few fights. I get hormonal and sort of bitchy during that time, so he tends to stay clear. My job stresses me out and I like to tell him he has no idea what I’m stressing over since he doesn’t work a real job.

Oh, that really pisses him off. I only said it once. I learn from my mistakes.

Mostly.

We argue. We make up—and that means makeup sex, which is awesome. We finally did it doggy-style months ago and I’m a total fan. No nipple rings, though. He won’t let me. Though we did get matching tattoos on the insides of our right wrists a few weeks ago.

Our initials entwined—D+F.

We laugh together a lot. We’ve also cried a few times. He’s trying to heal his relationship with his dad. I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that my mom is never coming back.

Our relationship is not perfect. Drew Callahan isn’t perfect either.

But I wouldn’t have him any other way.



Drew



I’m nervous as fuck about tonight and wonder for about the eight millionth time if I’m doing the right thing. I try to ignore the doubt that lingers in my mind as I pace the living room, waiting for Fable to come out of the bathroom and finally announce she’s ready to go.

Sometimes, she takes too damn long getting herself all primped up or whatever it is girls do. I’ve told her before I love her just the way she is. Makeup, no makeup. Pretty dress, old raggedy shorts and T-shirt, whatever she’s wearing, I’m all for it. She’s gorgeous.

But then she’ll blow my mind walking out of that bathroom after being in there for a solid hour and I forget all about my impatience. She’s pretty good at that trick.

She’s pretty good at a lot of tricks.

“You need to chill.”

I turn to find Owen watching me, amusement lighting his green eyes. “What do you mean?” I ask.

“You’re all anxious and crazy. Stop worrying. She’s going to fucking love it.” He slaps a hand over his mouth. “Don’t tell her I said that.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I shake my head. The kid has a foul mouth but so do Fable and I. How can we give him grief when we can’t lead by example?

“Seriously, dude. She’s going to love your surprise. Love. It. You’ll make her cry.” Owen shakes his head. “You must be pretty far gone over my sister to want to do this already.”

“I can’t live without her.” And that is no lie. “We belong together. Why not make it official?”

I sound confident but I have a major case of nerves. I’m taking her out to dinner at The District because Colin—who I’m friends with now, unbelievable—offered up the private room for us to use. I jumped at it because no way am I going to do this and make a spectacle of myself.