Page 99 of Hidden Plays
Noel stepped out of the hallway bathroom. “Uh, guys?”
Smacking into him, I grabbed him around the waist as he fell backward. “Sorry, Noel.”
“Dude, no problem. Is this it?” He held up my phone. “It was by the toilet.”
I freed him as my phone lit with a number I didn’t recognize. “Yeah, that’s it.” I snatched the phone from him, fumbling it in my hands as I strode into the main room, my pulse racing out of control.
“If you catch a football like that, there’s no way you’re getting a contract.” Casey, standing by the couch, choked out a snicker.
“Fuck off, Casey.” I had to answer my damn phone. Breathless, I jabbed the green button and pressed the phone to my ear. “H-hello? This is JJ, I mean, Jordan Matthews.” I stood by the front door, all the guys standing and watching me while Holden rushed into the kitchen.
“Jordan, this is Mac Jacobson with the Arizona Cardinals. How are you doing?”
My mouth went dry, and I smacked my lips. Holy fuck, all my dreams were about to come true. “I’m great, Mr. Jacobson.”
“Perfect. I think you know why I’m calling. We’re about to announce our pick for the draft, and you’re it. Your combine performance and last season’s play match what we’re looking for.”
I straightened my spine. “Thank you, sir. It would be an honor to play for the Cardinals next season. I can’t wait to take the team to the Super Bowl.”Fuck, JJ, too much.I winced.
Mac chuckled. “I hope that’s where we’re headed, and I’m sure you can help us get there,” he said. “The contract is already with your agent. We’ll be in touch. Bye now.”
“B-bye.” The call ended, and I stared at my phone.
“Well?” Holden stood at the kitchen island with two bottles of champagne in front of him, one with the foil already unwrapped.
On the television, the announcer said, “And first pick for the Arizona Cardinals goes to Jordan Matthews, wide receiver from Arizona State University.”
All the guys jumped in the air and hollered, pumping their arms and dancing around like lunatics, Casey grabbing Noel and dipping him.
With a loud pop, Holden shot the plastic cork off the first champagne bottle and poured it into glasses. “My baby is an Arizona Cardinal!” With his gaze winding to mine, he said, “Get over here and drink this with me.”
“Hell yeah.” I jogged to his side while the rest of the guys gathered around the island, plucked a filled glass from the counter and held it up. “To dreams coming true.” It was only a matter of time before Holden became a full-time trainer for the team.
“We’re spending the summer in the cool mountains of Flagstaff.” Holden tapped his glass to mine, curled our arms together and sipped his drink.
With a broad grin, I drank my champagne.
The rest of the guys tapped glasses and sipped.
Noel stood with them, using his Gatorade bottle to toast. “I’m happy for you two and I can’t tell you how awesome it is to share this day with you.” Shaking his head, he said, “To think I almost didn’t…” He stepped to Holden and side hugged him. “Love you, bro.” His gaze slid to me. “And I love you too, JJ.”
“We love you, Noel,” Holden said, beaming at his brother.
“Aw, isn’t that sweet.” Malik snickered. “Maybe you should take Noel to Flagstaff with you this summer.”
Holden’s brows rose. “Uh, babe?”
“No, you don’t have to.” Holding his palms out, Noel gave a stuttered laugh. “You two need your time together.”
“Babe, I’d do anything for you, and you know it. If that’s what you want, then I’m sure we can bring him.” I kissed Holden’s cheek. Noel was basically my brother now too.
“You’re the best, babe.” Holden planted a hard kiss on my mouth, taking my breath away.
EPILOGUE
HOLDEN
MAY THE FOLLOWING YEAR
