Page 109 of Make the Play

“Knox wanted to tell you, but I convinced him to wait until the season was over,” Corie says, her voice wobbling.

“We decided together,” I amend. Leaning over, I press my lips to her temple.

“That’s quite a story,” Roger says.

“She’s quite a woman,” I toss back. “Listen, I’m just going to lay all my cards on the table for you. I love her. If I have to choose, I choose her. Every breath, every second, every minute, every hour, every damn day, I choose her. You need to know that if you trade me, and she doesn’t want to go, I’ll retire. If she does want to go, then you will lose both of us. That’s not a threat. That’s the facts. I won’t leave this city without her.”

The room is eerily silent until Roger clears his throat. “What I just heard is that we met last week about this, and we decided collectively to keep it a secret until the end of the season. We didn’t want the scandal of a player dating another player’s sister to take away from all the team has accomplished this year.”

“It was just yesterday that Conner heard Landry and me talking. What if he recorded it?”

“Trust me, if that slimeball had a recording, he would have already released it. This is what we’re going with, and that’s that. There will be no trade, and, Corie, you’ve done great things with our social media department. You, too, just as much as Knox, are an asset to this organization, and we can’t afford to lose you.”

“But we broke the rules,” Corie says.

Roger laughs. “My wife worked for me here in this very building when I fell in love with her. The two of you are serious. It’s not a scandal to fall in love. You both have proven how dedicated you are to one another and this organization by wanting to protect our season. Now, it’s our time to repay that favor and protect both of you. However, in the future, please give us a heads-up with any new developments.”

I can feel the tension lift from Corie and, in turn, me. She’s all that matters. I lift her hand to kiss the back and see her ring. “I guess this is a good time to tell you we’re engaged,” I tell him.

Roger tosses his head back in laughter. “That’s perfect. We can spin this. Leave it to me. And just so you know, I’ll handle Conner. He’s messed with this team and my players for the last time.”

“Whatever I can do to assist with that handling process, let me know.”

“You just take care of your future bride and keep kicking ass on the field like you always do.”

“Yes, sir.”

I stand to shake his hand, as does Corie, and then we’re dismissed. As soon as we’re out of his office, I lift her into my arms and kiss her. I don’t give a flying fuck who sees me. This woman is my future, and I want the world to know it.

“I love you, future Mrs. Beckett.”

She smiles down at me with so much love in her eyes. “I love you, too, QB.”

With her hand in mine, we make our way out of the stadium. When we step outside, we can hear the commotion of the media at the gate, and it gives me an idea. I turn toward Corie. “How would you feel about me giving them what they want?” I nod toward the media.

“And what is it that they want?” she asks.

“Us. A story. Let’s control the narrative. The Rampage is on our side. Let’s control the spin. I know they said they would handle it, but what better way than coming from the two people the rumors are about?”

“You really think this is a good idea?”

“Do I think walking to that gate with my fiancée’s hand in mine and telling the entire fucking world that I’m madly in love with you and that you agreed to be my wife is a good idea? Baby, it’s the best I’ve ever had outside of pursuing you.”

Slowly, she nods. “Why start following the rules now, right?” She laughs.

“That’s my girl.” With a quick peck of a kiss on her lips, we walk in the opposite direction of my truck and to the gates. The media goes wild, shouting questions and snapping pictures. Dropping Corie’s hand, I place my arm around her shoulders and snuggle her close. Then, I hold up my free hand, telling the crowd to quiet down, and to my surprise, they do. Silence, outside of the clicking of their cameras, greets us.

“I know you’ve read the headlines,” I tell them. My voice is loud and strong. “What you read was a misinterpretation of the truth. I’m here to give you the facts. Corie Reynolds and I are dating. We met with the Rampage last week, letting them know our status has changed. This incredible woman has agreed to marry me.” I place my lips against her forehead, and the camera shutters go crazy.

“Conner Johnson overheard bits and pieces of a conversation that was not meant for him. He didn’t have all the facts and, in turn, has created a media shitstorm,” I say, and the crowd laughs.

“Why the secrecy?” one of the reporters shouts out.

“We didn’t want to take away from the season,” Corie answers before I can. She stands a little taller next to me. “I didn’t want our news to overshadow how incredible the Rampage are doing this season. I wanted that light to shine on the team for all their hard work and dedication to the sport, the team, and the franchise as a whole. We were truly doing what we thought was best. Unfortunately, that decision was taken out of our hands.”

“Is it true that you dated Conner Johnson?” another reporter shouts.

I stiffen, not liking to think about that douche nozzle and my girl. Corie places her hand on my chest and leans into me.

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