Page 59 of The Run Option

His expression relaxes and his gaze warms. “I’d forgotten to ask. Thank you.” He sets down the cookie. I decide not to take a dessert as well, in case it could affect him somehow.

“I’m so sorry I forgot, Jason,” MJ says, uncharacteristically emotional as she places a delicate hand on her pregnant stomach. “It’s been a chaotic day and I wasn’t feeling my best–”

“MJ, don’t worry about it,” he gently reassures. “I know you’d never do anything like this on purpose. You didn’t even know we’d be here.”

“I should have remembered,” MJ says with a frown. “But I’m happy you have someone looking out for you,” she says, directing her words to me.

Jason reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Me too.”

Chapter twenty-seven

Jason Kingsley

I spin a football in my hands before throwing it up in the air and catching it. I’m not usually an anxious person, but tonight is getting to me. This is the first big party I’m going to after marrying Willow. The last one I went to was the catalyst for this whole situation we’re in. I wouldn’t be worried if I didn’t know that some of the guys I used to hang out with before I was traded to the Lions will be there.

I thought about refusing to go, but it’s a birthday party for one of the new guys on our offensive line, Aiden, who was traded to us last week. It wouldn’t look good if I didn’t show up. If he thought I didn’t want him on our team, it could disrupt the harmony of the line and even cost us a game.

“Sorry it took me so long, I couldn’t find my black stilettos. I’m still figuring out how to share a closet,” Willow says from behind me with a laugh.

I catch the ball once more, then turn to face her. The ball slips from my hands at the sight of her, bouncing awkwardly on the hardwood floor. She’s…everything. Her hair is down in lusciouschocolate waves that shine in the light. She’s wearing a black dress with a square neckline that exposes her collarbones and sheer black tights with heels that make her legs look even longer than usual.

“Jase?” She draws my attention to her mouth. Even from a few feet away, her lips are mesmerizing, painted in a deep berry color. “Are you okay?”

“More than okay,” I rasp. “Just caught off guard by how beautiful my wife is.”

She ducks her head, fighting a smile. “You made it all week without being an incorrigible flirt. Don’t ruin your streak now.”

I chuckle as I make my way over to her, picking up the ball and throwing it on the couch as I pass it.

“The only reason I made it so long is that I barely saw you all week. And you should know that’s only caused my admiration for you to build up like water against a dam. Seeing you in this dress has caused that dam to crumble. Prepare for me to be insufferable.”

She lets out a breathy laugh. “I don’t know how to handle you when you’re like this.”

“You could try complimenting me back,” I say with a cheeky grin.

She hits my shoulder. “You’ll be attending this party alone if you keep this up.”

“You’d deprive everyone of seeing you in this dress?” I tilt my head, protectiveness flaring up within me. “On second thought, why don’t you stay home. I might end up in a fight if you go out like this.”

Her eyes roll so hard it’s a wonder they don’t get stuck.

“Now I know you’re being facetious. Let’s go, before we’re late.”

I smile and shake my head. I meant every word, but she doesn’t believe me.Yet, my hope-fueled heart adds. She doesn’tbelieve meyet. One day when I say these things, she’ll know that while I may be teasing her, I’m also telling the truth. She’s the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. The kind of woman that brings a man to his knees, or makes him drop a football.

She turns around and I catch sight of the black pinstripe decorating her tights. The thin line goes from her ankle all the way up her leg before disappearing beneath the skirt of her dress.Is she trying to kill me?I might actually end up on my knees at this rate.

I want to go home. Badly. I used to love parties, but the people, the drinking, the loudness–it’s exhausting. I’ve already given Aiden his gift–a custom gold belt buckle with his new jersey number because he’s always wearing them–and sang along to a terrible rendition of “Happy Birthday”. It’s too early to leave without looking like I don’t want to be here, though. And unlike my friend, Emmett, I still care what people think of me.

I pull out my phone at the thought of Emmett and send a text to my group chat with the guys. It’s been a while since we’ve talked. I haven’t had much time for gaming lately.

Jason: I think marriage has turned me into a hermit. I don’t want to be at this party at all.

After I send the message, I scan the party for Willow. Another reason I’ve been on the grumpy side is because almost as soon as we got here, a few of the wives stole Willow away to talk. I spy her in the same group of women, smiling and laughing. At least she’s enjoying herself.

My phone buzzes.

Shaw: I know the feeling, man. I’d rather be home with Sutton than at a party any day of the week.

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