AllFreeNovel
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Lacey’s always been so sure of herself, conviction in all her conversations and no self-doubt with her decisions in life. It’s not that she’s a bragger or someone who can’t accept criticism; it’s more that she’sproudof herself, and she damn well should be.
“Good for you for recognizing your worth. The dudes that say that stuff to you get off on belittling women. It’s not a good look, and we’re not all like that. I promise. You deserved to be valued, Lacey, because you’re a fucking diamond.”
“I know you’re not all like that. Especially when I come here tonight with you and—” Lacey pauses and shakes her head. “Anyway. Why don’t you date? What skeletons do you have in your closet? You’re the nicest man I’ve ever met. You’re kind and compassionate, and you know how to make a girl feel good.”
“Ah.” I rest my elbows on my legs and stare straight ahead. “Guess it’s only fair. You showed me yours, now I have to show you mine.”
“Tit for tat. You’re safe to share your stories with me, Shawn.”
Iamsafe with her. Lacey makes me want to be myself—I don’t have to throw up a tough facade or pretend I’m someone I’m not. I can show the vulnerable parts of a man who’s still working on himself and trying to break the stereotypes associated with being an athlete.
"I've been in the spotlight since I was ten years old,” I say. “Interviews, highlight reels, media days, a massive contract when I turned twenty. Whenever I meet someone, the first thing they see is Shawn Holmes: the football player. The tight end who won the Super Bowl a couple times and was part of a dynasty franchise. No one ever asks how I’m doing or what I’m going through. It’s always,hey, what happened in that game last night?Or,should’ve caught that ball, Holmes,andmaybe you should’ve gotten your college degree and done something important with your life.Even women see how they could benefit from being with me; the monetary payoff. Brand deals. I’ve been careful about who I let get close because of that fear of not being loved for me, but being loved for what I bring to the table. I didn’t think that was possible until I met you. You don’t give a shit about how much money I make or if my team wins or loses. Yeah, you support me and want me to do well in my career, but it’s different with you. You’re one of the only people who sees me as a person, which has always been my dream. And that… that makes me feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” I whisper.
“You are a person, Shawn, and Idosee you,” Lacey says. She crawls into my lap and holds me in her arms. “You’re not more than me because you have a Super Bowl ring and millions of dollars in your bank account, and you’re not less than me because you didn’t go to medical school and dropped out of college after your junior year. You have hopes and dreams and fears. And, sure, you’re a popular guy with a famous last name people talk about on the news sometimes. But do you know howIknow you? You’re not the guy under the stadium lights or running back a touchdown. To me, you’re Maven’s godfather. You’re the guy who bought her tampons when she was on her period and lets her paint your nails. You’re the guy who treats my best friend like she’s your sister and welcomed her with open arms when you realized how head over heels she is foryourbest friend. You’re a loving son who cares about his family, and you’re a man with a good heart and a good soul who desperately wants to do good in this world.” She touches my cheeks, and her hands are ice cold. “Anyone who doesn’t see what’s beneath the jersey and headset is missing out. You are the most perfect person I’ve ever met, and I’m so lucky to have you in my corner.”
I look at Lacey, and it hits me square in the chest.
She’s my favorite person in the entire world.
I don’t know what I’m thinking when I take her hands in mine. When I lift her chin and press my lips to hers, just that Iwant to.
Ihaveto.
I need Lacey Daniels like I need oxygen.
She sighs against my mouth and kisses me back, and I’m warm all over.
“Does this count as breaking our rules?” I ask, and I dip my chin to trail a set of kisses down her neck.
“No, this doesn’t count. We can be friends who kiss, right?” Her hands clutch my collar, and she drops her head back. “Platonic kissing buddies.”
“In that case, you’re the best buddy I’ve ever had,” I murmur into her shoulder. She pulls on my hair, and I kiss the skin under the thin strap of her dress. “Fuck, I want you.”
“Kissing only,” she says, but she grinds against me. She lifts her dress and I canfeelher. Hot and wet and trying to touch me everywhere.
“You sure make kissing fun.”
“We should stop.”
“Okay,” I agree, and I bury my face in her cleavage. “We’ll stop.”
“In a minute.”
“I’ve heard that before,” I say, and my hands move over the swell of her ass. “We really should stop, though, because there are cameras everywhere, and the last thing we need is you on some gossip website without your dress on. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have started this.”
“I’ll share the blame. I climbed in your lap.”
“Equally guilty parties.” I stand up and set her on the ground. “Let’s head back inside. Your fingers are turning blue.”
“I’m okay.” A snowflake hangs on the tip of her nose, and she doesn’t look the least bit cold. “You still owe me a dance.”
“We don’t have any music,” I say, and Lacey shrugs.
“That’s okay. We can make our own music.”
I take her hand in mine and pull her close. I wrap her in my arms to try to warm her up. She rests her head on my chest and we sway side to side.
“Really, though,” I whisper in her ear. “I’m lucky to have you in my life, Lacey girl. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for seeing me. You make me happy.”
