AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And I’m the new photographer for the Washington Saints,” she adds. When I look at Leslie, she is smiling from ear to ear.
The guys offer their congratulations, and as they head back to the locker room, even Keith Langley, with surprise evident on his face, extends his well-wishes. "Welcome to the team again. Now, you're a staff member and soon-to-be a player's wife. You're double-connected, so you can’t leave us," he says with a smile.
“Thanks again for the opportunity,” Leslie smiles at him. Then, she gives her full attention to me. “I love it here, so I’ll stay for a while.”
I extend my gratitude to Langley for giving Les the photography frelance opportunity, as well. “Thanks, Mr. Langley,” I tell him.
He nods, then walks off to speak to Coach Jackson.
Leslie leans into my body and asks, "Was that as bad as you thought?"
"That part wasn’t bad at all. It felt good as hell to claim you. Shit, I had to in front of that thirsty bunch.” Anger takes over me again, thinking about how they undressed her with dirty eyes and bad intentions.
Leslie chuckles. “They’re not that bad. Besides, they were just shooting their shot. They didn’t know I was taken. I’ve been through that a lot.”
I raise an eyebrow, my jaw tensing. “Yeah, well, now they know. And no one is going to do you like that again.”
She hugs me tight around the waist, and we stand there in an embrace until I sigh. “I was surprised as heck to see you here. Why didn’t you call to tell me you were coming?”
“I got the call from Langley’s assistant shortly after you left. I tried to call your phone, but you have it on silent like you always do before a game, so you can focus.”
I feel some of the tension leave my body. “I figured that out halfway through the shoot. I knew there was no way you would surprise me like this, but I’m glad you were here. You did an excellent job of making the team feel relaxed and snapping some good pictures. I’m proud of you.”
Leslie blushes. “Thanks, Wayne. That means a lot to me.”
“From now on, I’m going to be your biggest cheerleader when it comes to photography or anything else you want to do. And I'm ready to have my woman cheering for me."
“Oh, you better know I’m ready for this. Tonight, right?" she asks.
"Yes, I'll be ready to show my baby off tonight." I kiss her again, relieved to finally have our secret out.
Chapter Fourteen
LESLIE
This Is It
It’s something about having everything I asked for come to fruition that makes me want to absorb each moment in slow motion. I would jump up and down and scream if I were in my regular seat. Instead, I’m sitting in my chair as quietly as a church mouse observing my surroundings.
This section frequently gets cam time, so it’s surreal to see my face on the big screen beside Jasmine, Louise (Wayne’s mother), and Marjorie. The other players’ families and significant others are used to getting this type of attention, but this is new to me.
Sitting so close to the “wife box” that I can smell Monica Holsey’s perfume, I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. Even her obnoxiously large sign is less annoying today.
I’ll be joining Wayne on the field in mere minutes, but nothing can beat seeing the look on his face when the guys openly flirted with me during their photo session. If looks could kill, my guy would have caught several bodies and be headed to prison. Wayne looked ready to go to war with the whole team and his bosses. No matter what happens later tonight, the highlight of this day will forever be Wayne telling his teammates and bosses I belong to him.
“I forgot to tell you earlier that I like your hair,” Louise Richards says with a huge smile. She’s decked out in blue andyellow sweats and an oversized Washington Saints jacket, and she has a set of pompoms on her lap.
I’m honored to be complimented by Wayne’s mother. At fifty-one years old, she could pass for a woman nearing forty. Not only has time been good to Louise, but she has also been good to herself. Her flowing, curly brown hair is pulled into a layered ponytail. Her skin is flawless, with natural tans and browns applied perfectly to accent her delicate features.
“Yes, it’s gorgeous,” Marjorie chimes in. “What’s that style called?”
I run my hand through my locks. “Oh, these are Toyo twists.”
“I styled her,” Jasmine speaks up, wearing a proud grin.
“You both are so beautiful,” Louise says. “And my jazzy daughter-in-law to be will show everyone how beautiful she is tonight.”
Smiling, Jasmine nods her agreement.
