Which I did. Textbook.
With nineteen yards to go, I watched for the signal the QB had for a running play. But he gave the call for a three-man blitz. One of us on each side, one up the middle.
It seemed I was in the end zone before the outside linebacker knew I'd schooled him. I dodged an aggressive cornerback and watched as the QB looked to me and the two wide receivers.
Then back to me.
I ran to the right a few steps-my cornerback shadow followed. Then I pivoted to the left, shuffled backward and leapt into the air.
The ball was too high; it'd just graze my fingertips. At the moment I saw it slipping through my hand I threw my left shoulder higher and spread my fingers into the shape of a starfish. The ball smacked my palm; I brought it down one-handed, tucking it into my gut, protecting it all the way until I hit the turf.
The stadium erupted.
I heard the distinctive sound of a rocket blast off through the speakers, a sound that had been mine alone whenever I made a touchdown.
My teammates helped me up and clapped me on the back with enough force to knock the damn wind out of me. I skipped the celebratory dance in the end zone. Keeping the game ball was enough for me.
But I needed someone to keep it safe. And I saw her on the sideline. Red hair shining in the sun, leg straight up as part of the kick line.
I ran toward Rowan with the speed I was known for. So I made damn good time.
The other cheerleaders backed away and I could almost feel the puzzlement pulsing in the crowd.
I set the ball at Rowan's booted feet. I tore off my helmet. Then I grabbed her and kissed the hell out of her.
Murmurs in the crowd got louder and turned into a deafening roar.
When I broke the kiss I rested my forehead to hers.
"Jensen, what have you done?"
"Pretty sure I declared love and war at the same time."
She laughed.
I kissed her again, picked up my helmet and waved to the crowd as I took my place on the sidelines.
• • •
Nothing that happened the last quarter compared to the third quarter, so even my time on the turf was a blur.
We won the game. Big thing to notch that W in our first game in our new stadium in front of a sold-out crowd of hometown football fans.
I thought my teammates would harass me endlessly about my game ball presentation to Rowan, but they all steered clear of me.
Coach gave his spiel, his shout-outs, his warning to the defense that they'd be watching the game tapes, and ended our postgame pep talk. Then he singled me out. "Rocket. Media room. Fifteen minutes."
Dante was waiting for me, after I got out of the shower.
"Please tell me you're aware of the can of worms you just opened."
"I want to know which worm outed Rowan as my girlfriend." I glared at him and reached for my clothes. "Did you have a part in that?"
"God no. I was there last night right after the meeting. She made me promise not to tell you what happened. She didn't want anything to screw up this game for you."
"That's the thing, D. Football is a game. She is my fucking life. I can walk away from this if I have to because I know she'll be waiting for me. I never had that before. I've always had my family. But she's . . . mine."
"I'm happy for you. I really am. You deserve it." He flipped me off. "That's for telling me you were with that Astrid chick. Maybe I won't tell you the rest, dick."
"What makes it even funnier is Astrid is a lesbian. But go on."
"Last night, Rowan forced me to promise not to tell you about the suspension. She didn't exact the same promise about Daisy. Daisy did exactly what I expected her to-she came to you."
"Thank you." I buttoned my shirt. "I need you to do me another favor, please."
"Name it."
"Make sure Rowan is at the press conference."
Dante shifted his stance, a nervous tic I recognized.
"What?"
"Is that a good idea? I mean, what if she doesn't want to be there?"
"Tell her I said tough shit and to get her ass into the media room." I grinned. "That ought to get her fired up and even more anxious to yell at me." I snapped out the cuffs of my shirt before I slipped on my suit jacket and shoes. Ties were required postgame, so I headed to the mirrors to tie the noose.
I glanced in the mirror behind me at my media escort, who'd finally shown her face. I said, "Let's go."
• • •
I stayed off to the side while the coach did his thing. Then the big franchise players had their moments. That took a while. Then the offensive line coach tipped his chin at me and it was go time.