Page 80 of Lucky Baller
“Good.” He nods, liking that he got his way. It’s a small concession really, and we talk every night before bed that we don’t spend together, so I would have called him anyway, or he me.
We reach Mom’s car, and he wraps his arms around me, holding me close. “I love you, Tessa. Drive safe.”
“Love you, too,” I mumble against his chest. “I’m kinda sad I won’t be in the stands, cheering you on at the game. It feels like I’m going to miss all the action.”
“Nah, you’ll have the best seats in the house. We have several boxes so I’m not sure who’s going to be in the booth with you, but they’re all Cougars, so the three of you will be in good company.”
“We’ll be fine.”
“I know you will.” One more kiss that curls my toes and he pulls back to open the car door for me. “Drive safe.” He waits until I’m buckled in before closing the door and taking a step back. I force myself to start the car and pull away.
I’ve never wanted to be near someone like I do Landon. It’s as if his soul calls to mine; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever known. As I drive back to Mom’s, I think about what our future might look like, and excitement bubbles in my chest. Landon and I, we’ve got this. Our future is what we make it, and I see great things headed our way.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Landon
Practice ended two hours ago. The rest of the guys rushed to get out of there, but I stuck around and ran a few more routes with Kaden. The season is halfway through, and we’re undefeated. The team is tight. We’re connecting and meshing, and it shows on and off the field.
“You headed home?” Kaden asks as we enter the locker room.
“I have to run up to the office before I go. Apparently, there was some fan mail, a little boy who’s in the hospital. I’m going to sign some things to send to him, then pay him a visit as soon as I get the chance.”
“Careful, your good guy is showing,” he jokes.
“Must be Tess,” I reply.
He chuckles. “Lucky Bastard, I still don’t know how you got her. You and Trent both hit the significant other lottery.”
“What’s up? You getting the urge to settle down?”
“Nah, but if I happen to stumble upon a Tessa or a Luna, then I don’t plan on letting them go.”
“Wise decision.”
“All right, I’ll see you at practice tomorrow.” He waves, and then it’s just me. I take my time with my shower and getting dressed. I have nowhere to be. Tess is at work, and my house feels empty without her there. Shoving my practice clothes into my bag, making sure I have my keys, wallet, and phone, I make my way up to the offices.
“Hey, Landon,” Sally, the receptionist, says. “I have everything laid out for you in the small conference room. There’s some extra stuff just so we have it on hand. Head on back.”
“Thanks, Sally.” I head down the long hallway and see the framed pictures of past players and coaches. It never ceases to hit home with me when I walk down this hallway that I’m one of the lucky ones. My talent and hard work have me living my dream. I get to play the game I love for a hell of a lot of money, and I get to do things like sign jerseys for sick kids. I get to bring smiles to their faces, just for being me. It’s humbling.
Tossing my bag on the floor in the corner, I grab one of the many Sharpies that Sally has laid out for me and get to work. I sign ten or so jerseys and at least double that in T-shirts before I sign a few balls. I’m just getting ready to start signing the stack of posters, at least a hundred if not more, when the door opens. I’m surprised to see Mrs. Stamper, the team owner’s wife, standing in the doorway.
“Landon,” she greets, gliding into the room like her shit doesn’t stink.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile, not a truly genuine smile, not like the ones I get from Tessa. “Mrs. Stamper.”
“A word?” she asks, closing the door.
This is the smaller conference room, so there are no windows, and I’m suddenly on edge. Bridgett Stamper is not the kind of woman who likes to be told no. “What can I do for you?” I ask her.
“I’m going to cut right to the chase. You need to end things with your girl toy.”
What. The. Fuck? “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. End it.”
“No.” I drop the Sharpie and cross my arms over my chest. “You can’t control what I do in my personal life.”
