Page 39 of The Wiener Across the Way

I couldn’t keep the smile off my face this time. Damn. I scowled at him and narrowed my eyes, putting that game face back on. “You do that, kid. But when the defense gets on the field, watch and learn how to really impress the ladies.”

The whistle blew, and like a switch, the world narrowed down to just the field, the play, the rush of the game. As a defensive lineman, my job was to be an unmovable force. Whenthe special teams filed off and Washington had the ball, I dug my cleats into the turf, crouched low, my muscles coiled and ready to destroy.

Across the line, the slow-ass quarterback eyed me warily. He knew I was coming for him, and every nerve in my body sang with anticipation. The ball snapped, and I exploded forward, the world shrinking to the space between me and my target.

The quarterback dropped back, eyes scanning for an open receiver. I bulldozed past their left guard, a surge of adrenaline pumping through me. The quarterback’s eyes widened in panic as I closed in. I launched myself, my body a perfect blend of power and speed, tackling him to the ground with a satisfying thud. The crowd erupted, a tidal wave of noise and energy that washed over me.

Two minutes in, and I had my first sack. That was the way to start a game. My teammates swarmed around, patting my helmet, their voices a chaotic blend of congratulations and excitement.

Still on the ground, I chuckled, breathing hard. “Just warming up, boys.”

In the heartbeat of stillness as I rose to my feet, my gaze drifted involuntarily to the suite above. Was Kelsey watching? My heart hammered, not from the exertion but from the thought of her eyes on me. What did she think of this side of me, so different from the man who’d pinned her against her door and kissed her like our lives depended on it?

I shook my head slightly, forcing my focus back to the game. I couldn’t afford to be distracted, not when I needed to be at my best. But the question lingered, an unspoken echo in each play.

Each subsequent play blurred together, a relentless rhythm of aggression and strategy. But in those fleeting moments of pause, my eyes would betray me, seeking her out repeatedly. I channeled every conflicting emotion into my performance.

Today was more than just a game. It was a statement, a message sent across the field and up to the woman who had unwittingly upended my world. Every tackle, every defensive move, was sharper, as if I were carving my message into the very field with my bare hands.

In between plays, I caught glimpses of my brothers on the sidelines, their grins wide, their teasing remarks lost in the roar of the crowd. We were a unit, a family on and off the field, and today that bond felt even stronger. Especially knowing Kelsey was hanging out with the rest of the Kingmans.

God, I hoped my dad wasn’t too much for her. Or the twins. It would be just like Isak to make a pass at her with his teenage hormones raging and filling him with confidence.

After a particularly hard tackle that turned the ball over to our offense, Chris gave me a good couple of smacks on the helmet, all hyped up. “Damn, Deck, you’re earning that meanest player nomination today. We’re gonna win this game for your girl.”

The final whistle blew, marking our victory. The stadium erupted in cheers, the sound echoing off the stands. I was buzzed with the adrenaline of the win, my body still thrumming with the energy of the game.

As I made my way off the field, I caught sight of the press area, a flurry of activity as reporters jockeyed for position, cameras, and microphones at the ready. I hesitated. The last thing I wanted was to face them, but I knew it was part of the deal, especially after a game like today.

A PR rep from the team nudged me toward the cluster of reporters. “They’re going to want to talk to you, especially after today’s performance. You tied your game sacks record from last year today.”

I nodded, steeling myself. I could handle this.

The reporters descended the moment I stepped into the designated interview area, their questions overlapping in a cacophony of curiosity and expectation.

“Declan, was your performance today inspired by Kelsey Best’s presence?” one of the reporters shouted over the din.

I paused, my initial instinct to tell them it was none of their damn business. But then I thought of Kelsey, of how this all reflected on her. I couldn’t afford to be the asshole they expected.

I fixed the reporter with a look, my voice rough but controlled. “Let’s just say it’s always good to have support in the stands.”

His eyes went wide, and I recognized the look of surprise that I’d even responded. After that, all their hands went up, and they basically started shouting random questions at me. The PR guy started calling on them for me.

“Are you two officially dating?” The next reporter went there, pushing my boundaries, and he knew it.

I clenched my jaw, the urge to snap my mouth shut and not say another word rising. But I kept my cool. For Kels. “That’s personal,” I said bluntly. “Today, we’re talking football.”

The questions kept coming, a relentless stream about the game, about Kelsey, about my aggressive play today, and the meanest player nomination. I answered them with the same no-nonsense responses, giving them just enough to satisfy their curiosity but keeping the details of my personal life close to my chest.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally broke away from the press, the PR rep giving me a nod of approval. “Handled that well, Kingman.”

I didn’t care about their approval. All I cared about was seeing Kelsey.

I made my way through the stadium’s inner corridors, my mind a whirlwind of anticipation and nerves. What would she say? How would she react after what had happened?

As I approached the family and PALs meet up spot, my heart raced. I could already imagine her there, her eyes meeting mine, that connection reigniting between us. This was it. The moment I’d been waiting for since I first stepped onto the field today.

But she wasn’t there. I’d told Jules and Trixie to bring her here. Maybe they were still up in the suite?

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