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I look around for Leslie and my mother. “Sam, I feel great about tonight. I couldn’t have done it without having a strong team behind me on and off the field.”
Sam smiles impishly. “Speaking of off the field, here comes your lady now.”
That’s all I hear from that point on. I abandon Sam when I spot Leslie approaching me. I pick her up and spin her around. “We did it, baby. We fucking did it!” I’m so excited to share this moment with her that I spin her around again, then kiss her lips.
Leslie squeals. “You did it, Wayne! You’re going to the Super Bowl, and I’m so proud of you, baby.”
I place her back on her feet and lean in for a kiss that proves Leslie is the only person that matters on the field at the moment.
Our kiss is interrupted by Sam Winters speaking into her microphone. “Wayne, I know your family is here, and everyone is excited about tonight’s huge win. I just have one more question. Do you feel like you’re getting the support from your teammates that you need to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in two weeks?”
“You know, Sam, great question. I absolutely feel like I’m getting the support I need from everyone on my team.” I raise Leslie’s hand. “Including from this woman right here. She’s why I’m on the winning side of the ball tonight. She’s a damn good woman who motivates me to always be my best. She’s not with me for my money, or any other lie people try to spread about her. What we share is deeper than anyone will understand, and you know what? We don’t need anyone to understand us. All I ask is that everyone respect her privacy going forward. Treat my woman right, and I’ll be able to focus on winning that Superbowl for Washington! Everyone wants that, right?” She hadn’t asked for most of that information, and it was far from the regular post-game speeches I’ve given, but I felt compelled to say it.
Sam's eyes are full of intrigue as she moves the microphone back to her mouth. “You said a lot there, Wayne. And Washington Saint’s fans want you focused on winning the big game, so I hope everyone respects Leslie’s privacy. You two are just adorable together, and I wish you the best.”
“Thanks,” I say, pulling Leslie closer to me and wrapping my arm around her waist.
“Sam turns to face her cameraman. “Well, you heard it straight from Richards. We have to thank Miss Leslie Banks, soon-to-be Richards, for motivating Wayne to win tonight’s game. With that, we’ll move on to Terrance King to find out how he’s feeling about tonight’s win.” She turns on her heels and walks toward Terrance. “How do you feel about the win tonight, Terrance?”
He appears to be scanning the field expectantly as Sam interrogates him.
“Wonder how she’s going to spin what you said about Leslie?” my mother asks.
I shrug. “I don’t know. I just want people to hear the truth from me, and not from people who get paid to talk.”
Leslie squeezes my hand. She doesn’t say it, but I can see the appreciation in her chocolate-brown eyes. That is a look I will give everything away for. Damn, I love this woman.
“You did great tonight, babe.”
I lean down and whisper into her ear. “That’s because you gave me some good loving last night. Had me out there ready to get the game over so I could come to you and get some more.”
Leslie lets out a low moan, then giggles as I place a kiss behind her ear.
My mother clears her throat. “Alright, you two. Simmer down.”
I chuckle. “Only for you, Mom.”
My mother shakes her head. “Listen, I’m about to get out of here. Marjorie left as soon as you scored. Jasmine came to the stands and Eddie offered her a ride, so they left after the game to set up for the after-party.”
“She left with Eddie?” Leslie asks.
“Yeah, they said they wanted to get to the house and ensure everything was together for the party. I told them we had caterers for that, but they insisted on checking it out for themselves.” Mom looks confused. “I don’t know what they’re up to.”
Leslie and I glance at each other. I can see the questions in her eyes, letting me know we’re both wondering what’s brewing between our siblings.
Chapter Twenty-Two
LESLIE
Unexpected Guests
We celebrated Wayne making it to the Superbowl, and now he has clenched one more win, winning the final game of the season. My man has gotten his ring! And I couldn’t be more proud and happy for him. Celebrations are taking place everywhere in the city, but nothing compares to the one happening at our home.
Louise and Marjorie throw the most memorable Superbowl bash. When we pull up to our house, cars are everywhere. Blue and yellow confetti sprays on us as we ascend the stairs, and just from the sheer excitement of everyone screaming congratulations to Wayne, I know this night will be one for the history books. Hundreds of guests offer congratulations, talk, laugh, and sway to the music that fills every corner of the spacious living room.
I grab two drinks from the bar and hand one to Wayne before we start to dance. He holds me close and lifts me off my feet as we swing around to the rhythm of the music. We spin, sway, and laugh until our knees are weak and the crowd has thinned.
As we make our way to our bedroom at the night's end, I feel the electricity between us. It’s going to be a long night. We let the night's passions overtake us as we explore each other with the same abandon we had danced with. We stay in bed until daybreak. We're in our happy place as we lay together in the soft morning light. I feel fortified in our love, as if nothing can change how we feel now.
