AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Get it, boy!” I recognize the next voice as Enzo’s.
Laughing, I pull back just enough that I can look into his incredible gray eyes.
“I love you,” I tell him.
“I love you, too.” He grins.
I guess what they say is true. Life really is full of surprises. Because I definitely never saw the day when the cocky, arrogant, playboy quarterback would go from a man I hated to the man who now owns my heart. Some of life’s greatest gifts are the ones you never see coming. And that statement has never held more truth to me than it does right now.
SIX MONTHS LATER
“Don’t be nervous.”I squeeze Archer’s hand, not missing the way it shakes slightly in mine.
For a man skilled in the art of being cool, calm, and collected, I gotta say, today he’s wearing his nerves more than I’ve ever seen. And that’s saying something considering I’ve watched him win a championship title for the second straight year, and the Heisman trophy. He’s no stranger to high-stakes pressure.
Then again, this is his future here, and not just his future, but mine too. I mean, we’ve already decided that no matter what happens, we’ll find a way to make it work. But with me having already accepted the internship at Laboe that starts next month, we’re both hopeful he’s going to go to a team that’s at the very least on the West Coast.
“I’m not nervous,” he lies with a smile.
“My money’s on San Diego.” His father, Joe, squeezes his son’s shoulders from behind.
“I’m hoping he goes to the Lions,” his mom says hopefully, sliding in next to her husband. “It would be nice not to have to fly across the country all the time.”
I’ve gotten to spend quite a lot of time with Archer’s parents over the last few months. They traveled to a lot of his games and we always sat together, so we’ve gotten to know each other quite well. Honestly, I feel like I’ve known them a lot longer than I have. They just feel like... family. If that makes any sense.
“I’ll be happy no matter what,” I say directly to Archer, squeezing his hand a second time.
He’s not nervous aboutifhe’ll go somewhere, but where he’ll actually go. You don’t have the stats he does and not go first round. That much was made clear to me by countless people well-versed in this area.
I don’t pretend to know what any of it means. All I know is that Archer has worked extremely hard to get here and I’m more proud of him than I could ever say.
“I know.” He lifts our joined hands and kisses the back of mine.
“Well, this is it.” Joe straightens, watching the screen in front of us that now shows the San Diego Chargers are on the clock.
Archer met with their coaches a couple of different times, so I know the interest is there, but I also know that things can change on a dime, and just because they showed interest doesn’t mean they’ll end up drafting him.
While a lot of the players here tonight are surrounded by friends and family, Archer wanted to keep it small and quiet. Just his parents and me. Though my own father would have probably broken his own kneecap for an invitation. He’s become quite the USC fan as of late, especially after meeting their star quarterback. And while Archer would have said yes if I had asked—he really likes my dad—I didn’t want to put that added pressure on him, so my parents are watching from home, probably on pins and needles like the rest of us.
Enzo and Alina are here with Enzo’s family. Archer seems to think he’ll go pretty early too, so I’m excited to see how the night turns out for them. It’s really pretty incredible to get to share this experience with my best friend. I think she’s more nervous tonight than I am. When I saw her earlier, she was already in tears.
I told her what I told Archer earlier. Doesn’t matter where he goes, as long he still loves me when he gets there.
“Whatever happens,” I reassure him.
“Whatever happens,” he agrees, jumping slightly when his phone springs to life in his lap.
I give him a reassuring smile, wishing they didn’t insist on having cameras in the room so I could do or say more. Though if I’m honest, I’ve barely noticed the guy he’s so quiet.
“This is Copeland,” he answers the phone, his hand still holding tightly onto mine. “Yes, Coach. Yes, Coach.” He nods, though I have no idea what’s being said on the other end of this call. “Yes, sir, I’m looking forward to it. Thank you.” He ends the call and I swear not a person in the room takes a single breath until he finally speaks. “The Chargers.”
There may only be three of us in the room, but the way we all erupt, you would think there were dozens.
“San Diego!” I squeal, knowing this was the absolute best-case scenario considering none of the other California teams were looking to take a quarterback, especially not in the first round.
But to go to the team we were hoping on the first pick in the first round—I don’t have to wonder how rare and incredible this is. I know. The look on his face says it all.
Standing, he pulls me to my feet, laying a kiss on my lips before tugging me into his arms.
