Page 74 of Chosen By a Baller 3: Playin’ For Keeps

“Like…” she swallowed hard. “Ever since I came into your life, it just seems like it’s always something.”

I started to say something, but she kept going.

“And I know you keep saying it’s because you’re Kyrie Maddox, but…” she looked down at my chest, tracing lazy circles against it with her finger, “you’re a football player, Kyrie.”

I stayed quiet, letting her get it all out.

“You worked too hard to get where you are. Long before you knew me, football was your dream.” She looked back up at me, her eyes glossy. “I don’t want you throwing all that away because somebody keeps coming for me.”

I couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle that made her frown.

“It ain’t funny.”

“I know.”

I slid my hand behind her neck, pulling her close until our foreheads touched.

“But you got me fucked up if you think I’m choosing football over you.”

“Kyrie.”

“Nawl, hear me out.”

My thumb brushed along her jaw.

“Football is what I do.” I paused, letting those words settle between us. “It gave me a name. Gave me money and gave me a platform.”

My eyes drifted down to her stomach before finding hers again.

“But you…” I rubbed slow circles against her side. “You gave me something football never could.”

Her lips parted, but no words came out.

“A family.”

Silence filled the room.

“I done spent my whole life chasing rings, touchdowns, and records.” I shrugged. “And yeah, that shit matters; I ain’t gon’ act like it don’t.”

I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead.

“But when I walk through the front door…” I looked her dead in her eyes. “You and our baby are the first thing I’m looking for.”

A tear slipped down her cheek.

“I just don’t wanna be the reason you lose everything, though.”

I caught the tear with my thumb before it could fall any farther.

“You ain’t listening.” My voice stayed calm, but there wasn’t an ounce of hesitation in it. “If I lose anything.” I shook my head. “It’ll be because of a decision I made. Not you. So, stop carrying weight that was never yours to hold.”

She searched my face before wrapping her arms around my waist.

“I love you.”

A grin spread across my face.

“I know.”