ELLIE
One Year Later
Imade my way back from the restroom, heading to the bar to get a glass of water when I spotted my man across the room, unbelievably handsome in his tux.
The team was off to another great season, and I’d convinced Mason to attend one of the players’ black-tie party. We were both homebodies, so I figured one of us had to make an occasional effort to socialize.
Except now my poor man looked miserable as a bottle blonde sidled up next to him, trying to get his attention. I had to muffle a laugh at his pained expression before he locked eyes with me, shooting me a warning glare.
I’d promised not to leave his side.
I held up a hand, indicating I’d be just a minute, and turned to the bartender. In the time we’d been together, though I’d never be entirely used to it, I’d grown more comfortable with the groupies and attention that came along with Mason’s fame. Now that we were happily married and no longer fodder for gossip, the press largely left us alone. I couldn’t say the same for the football groupies, but his utter repulsion at any other woman’s attention made it clear I had nothing to worry about.
“Great dress,” a deep voice complimented as an unfamiliar man slid in beside me.
“Thanks,” I murmured, counting down in my head how long it would take him.
“So, do you—”
“Give my wife some space, Johnson,” Mason ordered as his massive arm draped around my shoulder. Even for him, he’d crossed the room in remarkable time.
“Sorry, Jackson, didn’t know she was yours.” The man held up a hand in apology.
“If you don’t know she’s mine, you’re not paying attention,” Mason returned before turning to me, effectively dismissing the other man. “I’m sorry, baby, I didn’t realize you needed something to drink,” he apologized, looking vexed.
I smiled, knowing how seriously he took his responsibility of taking care of me. He showed me every day. “It’s fine, honey. Having fun?”
He rolled his eyes. “You know the answer to that. I’m here because you wanted to come. And it’s a bonus seeing you in that dress,” he added, his appreciative gaze sliding over my silk dress that accentuated my curves. “But you did promise not to leave my side.” He bit my earlobe gently. “I think there needs to be some form of punishment for leaving me.”
“Oh, yeah?” My breath hitched as his hand slid down my hip before grabbing my ass.
“You had enough of forcing me to socialize when we both know we’d rather be at home with my mouth between your legs?”
“We did make it almost two hours.” I had to laugh at the two of us, though I couldn’t say I minded.
I glanced over at Ryan and Lily, tearing up the dance floor. They’d likely be the last to leave. We couldn’t be more different, but we were thick as thieves, and we saw them often. Their wedding was just a few months away and was guaranteed to be the party of the year.
I suppressed another yawn, and he took that as all the invitation he needed. “Alright, you’re tired. We’re leaving.”
I nodded willingly, taking his outstretched hand as he led me toward the exit.
“Babe.” His gentle voice roused me. I hadn’t even realized I’d fallen asleep. “We’re home.”
I stirred groggily, meeting his concerned gaze. “You feeling okay?”
“Yeah, just tired,” I assured him as he got out of the car and moved to my side, helping me out.
We walked in through the kitchen, both dogs greeting us enthusiastically. Kona was almost as big as her brother, though still growing into her huge paws.
We’d talked about starting the build on a new home a few times, but neither of us were in any hurry. The truth was that we were happy in what had been meant to be our temporary home.
“I’ll meet you upstairs,” I told him as he began to lock the house down. I changed into one of his tees and hoped I could keep my eyes open long enough to give him the gift I’d been not-so-patiently waiting to give him.
“What’s this?” he asked in confusion when I thrust the gift bag in his hands the minute he walked into our room.
“Just a little something…” I shrugged, trying to look nonchalant though my insides were full of butterflies.
He sat on the edge of the bed, pulling out the tissue paper and revealing the tiny onesie I’d placed inside.
