Page 91 of Brick Wall
“First, we both know that neither of those things is true. You do way more than block; your job is very important and underappreciated. Quinn is the best-protected quarterback in the league.”
I hum in response. Yes, my job as an offensive lineman is to protect the quarterback, and yes, Quinn is an amazing QB with phenomenal stats. And yes, he has only been sacked once this year. However, Quinn releases the ball fast, and it’s my teammates that deserve most of the credit.
Annie is apparently not done. “The Revs have the number one rated offensive line currently in the league, and you are a huge part of that. I’ve also never seen you play better these last few weeks.”
It’s true. I’ve always been a solid player but with proper treatment of my sleep apnea, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my game, and multiple people have commented on it. I didn’t even realize how tired I was until I got a true night of sleep. I have benefited greatly since my diagnosis.
Annie pauses for a second and then appears thoughtful. “You are obviously a professional athlete, and not everyone on your team could play your position, especially so well. What’s this really about?”
I take a deep breath and then another for good measure. “I know I’m called the Brick Wall but it takes no skill to run into me. I don’t have an athletic body at all. I have a dad bod. Those guys are true athletes and can easily switch into another career if they wanted.”
“I’m not sure if that’s true,” she rebuts. “Some could, sure, but you and I know the best athlete in one sport may be subpar in another.”
I’m not sure what to say to that. She’s going to go all inspirational coach on me if I continue my pity party for one. I can feel it.
“Can I ask you a question?” I feel her go a little stiff in my arms. “You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.”
I slowly nod to indicate my willingness to answer.
“Was Athena the only one who left you for a teammate?”
I take a deep breath. “No.” I take another breath while I try to figure out my words. “It has happened a few times to me. We’d go out on several dates, and I’d think things are going well, but then I’d introduce them to my friends.” I shrug to show it doesn’t really bother me, although it kind of does.
I’ve never been in a solid relationship with a woman before Annie. All my relationships, if you can call them that, were short-lived. I also see now how unbalanced and shallow they all were. My relationship with Annie is completely different than anything I’ve experienced before, and in the best way possible.
“That’s shitty. Is that why you left me alone with your friends? Were you testing me?”
“Maybe a little,” I admit sheepishly. I look her in the eyes to see if she’s upset or angry with me, but those eyes have a dash of amusement in them.
“Well, I’m glad I passed your test,” she says with a bit of humor.
“You’re not angry?”
“Nah, I can see why you did it. But don’t do anything like that again.” She sticks her finger out to look stern, but she looks more adorable than anything. “It explains why your walls were so high when we first met,” she replies thoughtfully.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. I’ve had terrible luck in the past, and Ikind of gave up on finding my person.” It’s an understatement, really.
“And now?” she goads, but I notice a little twinkle of hope in her eyes.
“And now, I’m thankful that I didn’t. I’m so thankful that I have you.” I lean in and press a kiss to her forehead.
“Me too,” Annie softly says.
I move gently, leaving her on her back, and crawl on top of her. Her beautiful green eyes are shining with mischief already.
“Thank you for loving me. I love you too,” I say directly into her eyes from above her.
She wraps her arms around my neck, pushing me closer to her, and I kiss her fiercely.
“I love you too,” she says between breaths, and a smile takes over my face.
Is this what happiness feels like?
Chapter Forty-Five
Sebastian
Aweek later, I’m back in the same position, lying in bed with my favorite person.
