Page 125 of It Happened on a Sunday
“Hell yeah, it is.” I hold up my water in a toast to that, just as Sly crosses into the end zone.
The crowd goes wild, and so do I, clapping and cheering right along with the rest of his family. And this time when I glance over at Vivian, there’s something in her eyes I can’t identify. It sends an ice-cold shiver down my back, because I know better than most just how difficult life can be if you’re in a star’s orbit and their agent doesn’t like you.
Which means I better figure out a way to charm her soon, because I’m not planning on going anywhere. And something tells me, neither is Sly.
Chapter 52
Sly
One step closer.
That’s the thought that goes through my mind as I make my way to the locker room with the other guys.
One step closer to the Super Bowl.
One step closer to redemption. Not to mention the ring I owe this team and the entire city of Austin.
The fact that I also got the chance to humiliate that fucker Grant in the middle of the Twisters’ march toward glory only makes it sweeter.
“One more!” Marquis shouts as he jumps up and slaps one of the many banners hanging from the top of the tunnel. “One more game to the promised land!”
The others cheer along with him, even though it’s really two more games—we don’t just want to make it to the Super Bowl, we want to win it. But I’m too busy grinning to say anything.
Winning always feels damn good. But winning with Sloane in the house feels even better.
“Good game!” Vince calls as he walks toward us in the tunnel.
Drew slaps the security guard on the back and crows, “Thank you!” before turning toward the locker room with the rest of the O-line.
I slow down, though. This is the first time I’ve seen Vince since he took Sloane to the box I got for her and my family. We texted at halftime, and she said she was doing great, but I want to hear how things went from somebody actually trained in security. This stalker has me on red alert all the fucking time.
“That was a hell of a touchdown run you made,” Vince tells meas I stop in front of him.
I grin. “Sometimes it pays to remind the receivers and running backs that they aren’t the only ones who can reach the end zone.”
“Truth,” he agrees.
“I want to start by saying how much I appreciate you working with Sloane’s team today to make sure she’s safe.”
“Of course.” It’s his turn to grin. “You’ve got a good one there.”
“I really do,” I agree. “Were there any problems? Anyone trying to get into the suite or…”
He runs a hand over his bald head. “No, everything went like clockwork. We had one of her guards posted inside the whole time, plus one of ours and one of hers outside the suite the whole game. I also made several in-person checks myself. Except for the paparazzi waiting for her in the hallway when we first got to the suite, no one even got close to her.”
“There was someone in the hallway? I thought you guys had cleared it all—”
“We did. But it turns out he had the bright idea of getting one of the small suites for the game—which means he had every right to be back there. After the run-in, however, we made a point of suggesting he stay in his suite.”
“The run-in?” I get a sick feeling in my stomach. How the hell did we miss something like this? The guy could be her stalker posing as some asshole paparazzi, for God’s sake. “How bad was it?”
“Not bad at all, I swear. He got a few pics, said a few things. But he never got close to her. And no one else did, either. She’s been in the suite the whole game.” He reaches out and gives me a strong pat on the back. “Enjoy the moment. We got this.”
“Okay, thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Of course. It’s my job. Also, if you could thank Sloane for the tickets for my granddaughters? I happened to mention to her guard, G, that they’re big fans. He must have told Sloane,because half an hour ago, tickets came through for them for the Chicago show next week.” He shakes his head in wonder. “You should hold on to that one, Sly.”
“I plan on it,” I tell him, returning the slap on the back. “Thanks again. You have a good night, okay?”
