Page 33 of Playing It Forward

“I wouldn’t say run away,” she mutters.

“You’re not trying to trap me. You’re not interested in my fame.”

“Huh. For someone who doesn’t know me, you figured me out pretty quick.”

“I’ve been a quarterback in the NFL for over a decade. I can spot a gold digger a mile away.”

Her nose wrinkles. “I bet you can.”

My lips purse. “I’m not a player.”

She cocks her eyebrow. “And you didn’t convince me to shed my clothes within an hour of meeting you either.”

“I didn’t expect what happened in the closet to happen, but I’m glad it did.”

“Even now?”

She places a hand over her belly where her baby’s growing. Where our baby is growing. My heart pounds against my chest. I’m going to be a dad. Fucking hell. How can I be a dad and chase my Super Bowl dream?

I’ll figure it out. I’m not giving up on being a Super Bowl Champion. I’ve worked too hard to get where I am. And where I am is this close.

“Even now,” I confirm despite the fear rolling through my veins.

“We…” She trails off when the door opens and a gaggle of women enters.

This is not a conversation to be had with an audience. I help Terri to her feet. “We’ll discuss this tomorrow. I’ll be at your place after practice.”

She starts to protest but I place a finger over her lips. “We need to talk.”

I wait for her to nod before removing my finger. I kiss her forehead. “Now, do you need a ride home?”

“I’m good.”

“If you’re sure…”

She pushes me away. “I’m fine.”

I hesitate. She was throwing her guts up a few minutes ago. I don’t want to leave her. But the women are now staring at us. When one of them opens their phone and aims it our way, I turn away and walk out of the restroom.

Terri isn’t a secret, but I’m not exposing her or our child to the press. We can’t avoid the press forever. But for now, this is our business. No one else’s.

Chapter 12

This situation would be a lot easier if Nolan was a jerk.

Terri

I pace my living room as I wait for Nolan to arrive. This is a bad idea. There’s nothing to discuss.

So, I’m having his baby. Big whoop. He doesn’t have to be involved. My biological dad was never involved in my life. I don’t even know who he is. Mom never told me. She refused to discuss it. And she’s not around now to answer questions.

It would be safer if he wasn’t involved. Getting involved leads to emotions, which could lead to depression and falling apart. Giving up completely. No, thanks.

Besides, Nolan has his career. The Seals are determined to win the Super Bowl this season. I’m not standing in their way. In his way.

Especially not with his shoulder. Who knows how many more seasons he can play? If this is his last season, he needs to concentrate on the game. Not on me and the little mermaid or pirate I’m carrying.

A girl. I’d love a little girl. A girl to teach how to swim. A girl I could raise to be a strong woman.