Page 94 of Saving The Shortstop

She’s right. She’s so, so right. But I don’t care—it’ll be worth the pain.

Taking another bite, I shrug. “I’ll be fine.”

“That’s what you always say,” she utters, shaking her head.

Gigi has always been an extremely picky eater, but that’s just because her father controlled what she ate and how much for so many years. I understand—to a certain degree—that we athletes need to eat right, put good shit in our bodies, and make sure we get enough protein. But if I want to eat ten cups of my mama’s mac and cheese … I’m damn well going to do it.

When my brother steps behind her, sliding his hands around her waist and kissing her cheek, I roll my eyes, stuffing damn near the rest of the cup into my mouth.

“You two need to get a room,” I say, even though deep down, I love how happy they are.

“Already did that earlier.” He winks, and I hold my fork up.

“I will stab you, asshole,” I warn him. “With my dirty mac and cheese fork.”

He shakes his head at me before tugging her away toward him, but there’s way too much good food to leave this table yet. Besides, some of Dallas and Noah’s teammates are stopping over in a bit, and those dudes can eat. If I want to get the good stuff, my best bet is to do it now.

“Afraid the boys will get here and eat everything, babe?” Dallas says from behind me, the amusement obvious in his tone.

“Have you met them?” I say, grabbing a Diet Coke from the cold drinks. “It’s about to be every man and woman for themselves out here.”

When I turn to face him, he’s grinning ear to ear at me. “You’re cute when you’re feisty, Short.” Reaching in his pocket, he holds out some Tums in a tiny bag. “I saw you over here, attacking the mac and cheese.”

Looking from his hand to him, I can’t stop the stupid smile that spreads across my face. “You know me so well.”

Is it attractive that I’ll have heartburn from eating all this food? Definitely not. But after being around me as a kid and being my boyfriend now, Dallas is used to me bitching about my stomach hurting after overeating.

However … does my man somehow make hand delivering my antacid hot?

Yes. Yes, he does. That man could make anything hot. And to be honest, there’s nothing more attractive than him taking care of me, in my opinion.

Well, other than him bossing me around in bed. That … is next level hot.

“Should we go get a good seat on the couch?” I ask, putting my hand on his side. “I want the chaise lounge side of the sofa, and I’ll punch whoever tries to take it from me.”

“Easy, Short.” He chuckles. “Everyone knows that’s your designated spot.” He tucks a strand of loose hair behind my ear. “No matter what happens next, we’ll figure it out, right?”

I not only hear the worry in his tone, but I see it on his face. Today could change everything, and we may find out that we’re going to live far, far away from each other. We moved in with each other last summer and truthfully, Dallas, Boston, and I … we’re a little family. I’m not ready for that to change yet.

I set my Diet Coke down and place both hands on his sides. “No matter what, we will be fine,” I promise him, meaning every word because even though I’m scared for the changes, I know that nothing could ever break us.

Not even distance.

He gives me a half smile, but something is bothering him, I can tell.

“What’s going on?” I whisper. “What are you thinking right now?”

Looking down, he swallows. Gradually, his gaze lifts to mine, carrying a heaviness with it.

“Today should be your day, Haven,” he utters. “You won a huge game. You made the last out. You got a goddamn golden ticket given to you from your idol!” He sighs. “You made it into the pros, just like you’ve always wanted. And instead of celebrating you, we’re here at the NFL draft.”

“So?” I say, my eyebrows pinching together.

“So … your dad was in the NFL all while you were growing up. Even now that he’s retired, the attention’s always on him.” He tips his head up for a moment, exhaling. “This should be about you. Today … it should be about you.”

I reach upward, cupping his cheeks. Even though he’s clearly upset, I can’t stop from smiling. “No, D. Today? It’s about us. Me and you.” I drag his face closer to mine, pressing my forehead to his. “I love that we get to celebrate this day together. That right there? It’s a gift.” I kiss him, keeping my lips on his for a few seconds before pulling back. “Today has been incredible. But if I get to sit beside you on your mom and dad’s couch and your name gets called up to the NFL … that will make this day a dream come true.” I kiss him once more. “Come on, let’s go get a seat. You don’t want me to have to drop kick someone, do you?”

It takes him a moment but eventually, he nods. “All right,” he whispers. “As long as you’re sure.”