Page 40 of Linebacker
“Yes, my contract with the Longhorns is only for three months and yes, I will be leaving, but because of my job Mars, not because of you.” He huffs as if I’m talking shit, and I know I have to lay bare all my plans, my hopes and my truths.
“Mars, don’t think for one minute the past few weeks have meant nothing to me. They mean everything. From the day I left you sleeping in that hotel room, I’ve felt regret, but it was the right thing to do. But now, things are different.”
“You say that, but it doesn’t stop you from pissing off, does it.”
“No, I can’t promise that I’ll never have to leave you Mars, but I can promise that as long as you want me, I will be coming back,” His brow creases, his eyes seek mine, looking for evidence that I’m speaking the truth. “When I finish here, my next contract is for six months with the Broncos. I’ve already agreed the terms, which means that I will only have to be on site three days a week. The rest of the time I’ll be conducting my session via video call.”
“So, what does that mean?” His voice is all gravelly and full of emotional anticipation.
“It means that four days a week, I’ll need somewhere to live. Somewhere here in Billings, because Vance Marshall,” I choke out, my voice thick with emotion. “I would rather die before walking away from you again.” I can no longer stop the tears. I don’t even want to. My true feelings are bared for him to see.
Mars stands slowly, his body language and facial expression gives nothing away.
“Come here,” he says hooking a finger at me, beckoning me to go to where he stands. Although I’m a little unsure exactly how this is going to pan out, I go to him freely. How could I not? I want him. All I can hope is that he still wants me too.
I stand in front of him, my head tilted up so I can make eye contact with him.
“Mars, there will be times that we are apart because of your career and mine, but I can assure you I’ll do my utmost to make it as minimal as possible. I’m as desperate for us not to be apart as you are, but I don’t want us hating each other either, for giving up what we love.”
My body shakes from the realisation that he could still reject me, and what I’m offering him is still not enough.
If it is not and he walks away, I would definitely be broken in two.
In a swift sharp movement, Mars’ hands are in my hair, gently pulling until he has me exactly where he wants me. His head drops and his lips are on mine, kissing me, stealing my every breath until I’m whimpering with sheer lust and relief. With a hand on my arse, he lifts me, my legs wrap around his waist, my hands curl around his neck, wanting to hold on to him and not let him go.
“Move in with me,” He murmurs against my lips. “Then at least when you are home, you’re home with me.”
“I’ll need a space to work, without interruptions,” I throw out my arms and giggle. My heart pounding with excitement and delight, my cheeks flare with heat. He’s not turning me away.
“We have plenty of rooms. We can set you up your own designated office space, no problem,” I kiss him hard on the lips, before flinging my head back and laughing out loud. “Is that a yes?” he asks, giving my bum a squeeze.
“How can I say no when you’re already talking as if it’s my home too? Yes, of course, I’ll move in with you.” I singsong. He swirls us both around in a circle until we’re dizzy.
“There is one condition,” he adds before dropping me down until my feet hit the floor.
“I haven’t moved in yet and you’re already setting down rules?” I squint eye him. “Hit me with it.”
“We come out to the team, Coach, everyone, because I don’t care about your stupid no mixing business with pleasure rule. The board will have to lump it. I’m sure they’ll be only too pleased that I’ll no longer be a free agent, and therefore giving the scandal mongers less dirt to splash on social media.”
“Less?” I raise an eyebrow at him. “I hope you mean none.”
“Can’t guarantee that I might not misbehave and get you in a compromising position when we’re out celebrating a win,” he winks. “But I can guarantee it will only be you. It’s only ever been you, and if the world knows that you’re officially mine, then that’s no scandal, that’s romance.”
EPILOGUE
“Well, Jeff. It’s been another fantastic year in football and none more surprising than the Montana Longhorns championship win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
“It sure was Cory, but when you look back over the season, you can’t deny that the Longhorns are one of the most hard-working teams out there.”
“So, true Jeff, so true. And with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award going to the Longhorns Linebacker, Vance Marshall, and the AP Coach of the Year going to Raymond Scully, the club must be riding one hell of a high.”
“You bet, Cory. When you check the stats for the individual players for example, Burress, Boiman, Barker, Conner and of course the Quarterback, Dallas Rucker, The Longhorns, have an impressive team and I can’t wait to see what the next season brings for each one of them.”
“Counting the days, Jeff. Counting the days.”
Sat sidewards on the couch with my feet up, listening to the commentary through one ear pod as it comes to an end, my heart is bursting with pride at the high regard not just my man is getting but the whole team. The Longhorns had been marked as the outsiders to win the Super Bowl this year, but you should never rule out the underdog. Sure, the Steelers had been riding high in the NFL for years, but the Longhorns had worked their bloody socks off to rise in the ranks and deserved to be the ones to grab the title.
Sadly, I’ve watched the live game on the T.V. Lucy is here with me, keeping me company. Mars wanted me there but was adamant that he wouldn’t put me at risk or the two tiny babies that are four weeks away from being full term.
