Page 201 of Falling Offsides

In the back of Coach’s truck, she doesn’t say much. Her anxiety has been through the roof all day, and when she leans into me, I wrap my arm around her.

Her curls brush my jaw while her thumb traces the line of my wrist on repeat. Like she’s trying to memorize the way I pulse under her touch. Like she needs my heartbeat to keep her going.

Samson is sitting next to her. Head in her lap with his droopy jowls slobbering her leggings. His eyes flitting between me and her.

When we pull up to the terminal, I get out while she fusses over our boy and I grab the bags from the back. Then Coach is helping her out of the truck and the damn that’s been crumbling all day breaks.

“You’re coming to visit, right? You promised…” she sobs, burying her face in her dad’s chest.

"Of course I'm coming to see you, Tig," Coach says, his voice gruff with emotion as he wraps his arms around her. "First break in the schedule. Two weeks, tops."

I stand back, giving them space while clutching her carry-on like it's the only thing keeping me tethered to the earth. Samson whines at my feet, pressing against my leg when I throw my duffel over my shoulder.

"I know, buddy," I whisper, bending down to scratch his ears. "I know."

When coach finally releases her, Courtney's eyes are red-rimmed andglassy. She swipes at her cheeks with the back of her hand before turning to Samson.

"You be good for Daddy, okay?" she murmurs, kneeling down to cradle his face between her hands. "Don't let him stay up too late playing video games."

Hesitating, she stands and slowly meets my gaze. It takes a moment for her clue into what’s happening when she spots my duffel.

Confusion furrows her brow. “What… what’s that for?”

“I’m coming with you.”

Her mouth parts. Fresh tears gloss her eyes.

I shrug. “I couldn’t let you walk away from me.”

“You’re crazy,” she chuffs.

“We’ve established that already.” I lean down and kiss her temple, slow. “I need every second I can get…”

“I want him back in one piece and on time next practice,” Coach kisses the top of her head. From the way his eyes are glassed over, he’s struggling to let Court go too. “You two should go, if you miss this flight?—”

“I love you, Daddy,” Court gives him one last hug before she pulls one of Sammy’s treats from her pocket and gives it to him with one last ear scratch and kiss. “No pooping or peeing indoors, you hear?”

He licks her face before she stands and Coach clips his lead on him. His barks follows us as we head through to the VIP check-in.

“You think he’s going to be okay with my dad?” Court looks back even though we’re far enough away from the doors she can’t see out through the constant flow of people.

“He’s going to love running around his grandpa’s yard and jumping in his pool.”

“You’re right.” She presses into me like she’s trying to disappear inside my chest. “I’m just… oh my god, I’m gonna miss him.”

“He’s going to miss his mommy, too.”

She laughs, reminding me how much I’m going to miss that sound.

"Let's get through security before I completely lose it," she says, swiping at her eyes again.

I guide her toward the priority line, my hand firmly at the small of her back. Every touch feels weighted now, like we're both trying to store the sensation for later. The airport buzzes around us, but I'm only aware of her—the way she keeps leaning into me, how her fingers reach for mine when we have to separate our bags for screening.

Once through, we make our way to the first-class lounge. I'vearranged everything, wanting these last hours to be as comfortable as possible. When we settle into the plush seats, Courtney curls against me, her legs tucked beneath her.

"I didn't expect this," she says quietly, tracing patterns on my forearm. "You coming with me."

"Did you think I could just drop you off and drive away?"

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