Page 61 of Hello Quarterback

Smiling to myself, I switched back to the message with Farrah.

Mia: We're not there yet... but getting close.

At least, I hoped.

I was back in Dallas,getting ready for bed, when Ford broke our unspoken rule and sent me a text message.

Ford: Did you make it home safely?

I held my phone to my chest, smiling. It was thoughtful in an old-fashioned kind of way, a guy wanting to know that you made it home okay.

Mia: I did. And you?

Ford: We fly out in the morning. I’m tucked into the hotel bed, wishing you were still in it.

My heart swelled as I nestled further underneath my covers. His words were making me just as warm as any blanket could.

Ford: What did you think of the game? No networking to distract you today.

I chuckled at his message and then tapped out my response.

Mia: I don’t think I’ll ever get over people making the vagina shape with their hands when Dallas scores.

Ford: They’re supposed to be diamonds!

Mia: Also, you touched Milo’s butt an awful lot.

Three dots appeared.

Ford: Jealous?

I laughed out loud.

Mia: Maybe a little bit.

Ford: Anything else?

Mia: I have a whole new appreciation for the uniform, if you know what I mean. ;)

I could just picture him laughing at the response. I smiled to myself, waiting for his reply.

Ford: You dirty dog.

I let out a chuckle. Even when we weren’t in the same room, I was still enjoying my time with him. I hoped he felt the same way about me. But I knew better than to push him when he was just opening up to the idea of something more than a fake relationship with me.

Mia: The next couple weeks are going to be pretty busy. Especially if you still want me to come to your family farm. It's OK if you don't.

Ford: I can't wait to take you—and give you a new appreciation for Wranglers.

Mia: Looking forward to it. ;)

34

MIA

The next couple weeks,I buried myself in work to make up for the time I’d be away over the weekend. Especially with the board meeting coming up two weeks after the trip. I had to make sure I was extra prepared for that; I wasn't giving up on the Andersen sisters. Not even close.

This would be my first vacation inyears. It wouldn’t be at a private island or an all-inclusive beach resort, but I was still excited.

---