Hours later and myears are still ringing from the noise in the stadium. Even with sound-dampening earplugs, I worry that I did some damage. It was worth it, though, to see Callaghan take his place in the goal for Team USA.
It would have been even better if they’d won the game, but they made it to the round of eight in the Global Games. Not many analysts had them advancing this far, especially considering the tough first-round matchups against Morocco and the Netherlands. They were in a tough bracket but made it through, in large part, because of my man.
It was amazing to watch him play in this venue, on the world stage. While part of me was envious of the sideline reporters, I enjoyed my role as number one supporter even better.
Whether or not the US won today, I’m going to be flying home later today. So, while I’m disappointed they didn’t go all the way, I’m also a tiny bit relieved that I won’t be missing anything.
For losing, it’s actually a win-win situation.
The door to our suite opens, and I’m ready, waiting for Cally. I’m wearing his favorite thing—his jersey with nothing else.
“Well, that’s going to help the sting a little.” He gives me a weary smile as he walks through the door, dropping his bag.
“Here, let me help you unpack.” I turn around and bend over from the waist, starting to unzip his bag, his jersey riding up and exposing my bare lower half.
“My God, Hannah, can you do this every time I lose?” He steps in behind me, his hands pulling my pelvis flush with his. “Or maybe not, because then I’d purposely let the other team score just to throw the game.”
I straighten and he kisses my neck, which he knows I can’t resist. I spin around and as I do, he grabs the hem of my shirt and pulls it over my head in one swift move.
“I will never ever tire of this sight. You’re stunning. These hips. Your thighs. And your breasts are the most incredible things I’ve ever seen.” His hands punctuate each part, with his lips coming to my breasts.
“Okay, maybe we could make this part of your post-game ritual,” I pant.
“For caps or all games?” he asks, referring to his international career for the National Team.
I pull back and look at him. “Do you think I only want you to rock my world when you’ve had a cap? Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Then I will plan on rocking your world for as long as you’ll let me, whether I’ve played that day or not.”
“Deal.”
After, as Callaghan is sprawled naked and lightly snoring, I look around the suite where we’ve been for the past week. This has been the most amazing experience, but in three days I’ll have another one to look forward to.
I’ll be running the social media—ClikClak mostly—for the Patriots. It’s not sportscasting, but in some ways, it’s so much better. I get to highlight athletes, feature awesome plays, tell fan stories, and basically eat, sleep, and live sports.
Obviously, I didn’t move to Binghamton. Wild horses couldn’t have torn me away from Callaghan after the Health and Wellness Expo. Since I’d let my lease go, I had no choice but to move in with him.
Yes, it was fast. But it was also practical.
He spent long days training and playing. He had several trips for games for the National Team. Our time together was limited, and I didn’t want to waste time commuting. Callaghan is working on balance, but he doesn’t have it mastered quite yet. The past four months have been a huge point in his career, and I got a front-row seat for all of it.
Meanwhile, I took some sponsored deals for ClikClak and continued looking for something in the field of sports reporting. My relationship with Cally did make things a bit more complicated, and most of the places I interviewed with were appreciative when I disclosed that I was dating Callaghan Entay.
It also meant that I didn’t get those jobs. But I was determined that I would have it all, and when the opportunity for the Patriots opened up, it was like it had been made for me.
With the Patriots in Foxborough as well, the commute was nothing. I had close to a half-million followers on my private ClikClak account, so I knew how to grow this new area for the Pats.
And they didn’t care that I was shacking up with a professional soccer player. I can have my cake and eat it too.
Mmm ... cake. I should order from room service one more time before I have to pack to head to the airport. I remember there being a McDonald’s at Charles de Gaulle, but not much else, and I’m not having my last meal in France be the Golden Arches.
When I get out of the shower, I find Callaghan furiously typing on his phone. He looks up, smiling. “Heaven changed my flight, and I’m coming home with you.”
“You don’t want to stay and watch more of the tournament?”
“Nah. I’d rather be there for your first day at work. I want to hear all about it. Maybe I’ll even pack your lunchbox.”
Okay, so maybe Callaghan is figuring out this balance thing.
