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“You know I wouldn’t say this if I didn't mean it, but I want you to hear me.” She turns to face me. “Things like getting trapped in an elevator and being thrown together in a mess oftabloid paraphernalia aren’t coincidental. Sean gave you a nudge on a day when you wanted to fall apart for a reason. He’s been right by your side, climbing through this pile of horse manure when he didn’t have to. So many other men in his position wouldn’t have cared in the least how this affected you. He’s worked with you, helped you, and put a sparkle back in your eye that hasn’t been there for a very long time.”
Her soft, wrinkled hands cup my face. “This doesn’t have to be the end of it, but you have to be willing to put yourself out there and quit giving him a hard time long enough to let him know you want that.”
A knot forms in my stomach, along with a rippling wave of anticipation. I’m not sure what I want. Suddenly, there’s a pressure building, and it’s uncomfortable.
“Gem, I don’t even know if he wants that.”
“Oh, pfft! Are you blind? No man would do any of those things just because. Besides, he hasn’t been able to keep his eyes off you since he got here.” I frown and start looking around, but Gem nudges me. “Good night! You’re going to cause yourself whiplash. Have I not taught you anything in all these years? Be subtle, my girl.”
She straightens her black coat. “Just make sure you don't accidentally end something that has the potential to be magnificent.”
“Hey, hey, ladies. Let me get your pic.”
Nora interrupts us from behind. I had to get here early for a sound check, so she brought Ax, who’s currently strapped to her front in a carrier with a stocking cap that looks like a tiger.
“Wait.” I move toward her. “I want Ax in the picture.” She helps me get him out, and I kiss his growing cheeks. “Hey, monster.” I lift his chubby little body in the air.
Gem and I squeeze together, and Nora snaps a picture. “Hold it,” Nora orders, waving someone over. “Oh, come on. You’re used to having your face plastered everywhere.”
I look over my shoulder, and she’s talking to Sean. Gem winks at me, and I see the mischief in her eyes has returned.
Sean’s big body settles next to me. “Hey.”
“Hey.” I take a breath, feeling my nerve endings prickle as his large hand wraps around my side, and the warmth of one finger presses against a sliver of bare skin at my waist. That one tiny point of contact creates a zing that claws its way through my entire body, and it’s ridiculous.
As Nora encourages us to smile, he pulls me just a little tighter, and the pressure of his hand increases. Not only do I not mind it, it’s a feeling I’ve wondered if I’d ever have again. I’m just not sure if I should be having them with Sean.
Nora snaps a couple of pictures and smiles as she checks them. Gem leaves with a flourish, off to make the rounds and let everyone know she’s here.
“Are you alright with him for a few minutes?” Nora gestures to Ax. “I’m going to go take pictures of the band setting up. We’ll get all of you before you start.”
“Sure,” I say as she scurries away like a mouse in a wide open space, and Sean and I are left alone.
“Are you ready for today?” He surveys the field that’s slowly filling with people. “Miranda said the families are starting to arrive.”
It’s strange standing on this field with him and being in such a different place than before. Instead of pads, a helmet, and that stoic face, he’s in a Tigers long-sleeved shirt and black athletic pants. He’s no longer the nameless stuck-up football star. He’s become…my friend. Someone I care about and root for.
“Yes. I’m excited to meet them and hope to see a ton of smiles.” Around us, Sean’s teammates gather and talk, withGem now interjecting herself into their circles. “It’s nice your teammates showed up. These kids are going to have the best day.”
“I hope so.” He breathes out and turns his attention back to me. “I’m sorry about the other night…,” he starts but doesn’t finish.
I meet his eyes, searching. He looks tired and unsure, which isn’t like him. “Are you alright?”
He nods, but I’m not convinced. “I’m glad you brought him.” He tugs on the ear of Ax’s hat before dropping his hand to his side. “The hat is great.” He smiles at Ax, but it’s not the real deal. This one took work.
I bump his shoulder. “Hang tough and keep going. It’ll all work out. I’ve learned recently that sometimes even disasters can be beautiful.”
Those clear blue eyes hit mine with an intensity that has my cheeks heating, and a flash of his touch runs straight through me. I shiver.
“That so?” The question is simple, but there’s an underlying importance to it that makes me smile.
Before I can respond, he’s almost taken down by a little girl with braided pigtails. “Sean, Shaney told me we’re going to meet some kids today and show them how to play football.”
He scoops the little girl up and holds her at his side. “How did you sneak in here? I’ve been watching for you.” He tickles her, and she giggles and then sets her eyes on me.
“You’re very pretty. Are you Sean’s girlfriend? Maggie said he needs a nice girl who doesn’t talk shit about him.”
I laugh, and Sean groans. “I’m not, but I definitely think Maggie is right.”
