Chapter Forty-Six

Blake

I am on cloud nine after doing the required press post-game, and now I'm waiting on the okay to leave the stadium. Coach Wallace is standing in front of the team, and we've all changed. We're all hanging on what he might say.

"Y'all did a great job tonight. I know it's a holiday and you're anxious to either go home or go party with your friends. Keep it safe—one more game before the playoffs start. I need you all to get it out of your systems tonight, and the come Monday, we're back on the grind. Got it?"

Everyone agrees with loud claps and cheers.

"Alright, go out there and have fun."

I'm out the door as soon as I can be, phone in hand. Willa's texted me that she'll be meeting me at the bar. They've got igloos set up on their roof. They're heated, and there are already-mixed drinks, along with a snack menu, then we'll be able to ring in the New Year. The best thing about it is we won't have to worry about everyone watching, or getting pictures that we haven't approved of. The only other people on the roof will be teammates.

W: Hey, I'm already here.

There's a picture attached. She's with some guy, and he's got his arm around her. She's wearing a black and white dress that sparkles brightly in the flash of the camera.

B: Who's that guy?

W: Just a fan who wanted a picture. I figured you might like to see my dress.

B: You're dress is beautiful, just like you.

W: Thank you. I can't wait to see you.

B: Can't wait to see you either.

Traffic is awful as I ride in the backseat of a SUV that she's sent for me. I'm willing it to go faster, and when we're just a few blocks away and stuck in traffic, I reach forward and tap the driver's shoulder. "I got it from here. Thanks for the ride."

On Broadway, I'm just another person who's swept up in the craziness of the upcoming night. It takes me a few minutes to get down the street, where I have to show my ID, and then I'm allowed upstairs to the roof. Once I get there, I look around, and that's when I spot my fiancée. Her dress is purple and full of sparkles, the skirt shorter than normal, and high-heeled shoes are on her feet. Even though we're outside, the atmosphere is warm because there are heaters everywhere.

"Blake." Her face transforms into a smile as she runs for me.

I grasp her around the waist, twirling us in a circle. "Hey babe, did you enjoy the game?"

"Yes, your touchdown was amazing. I'm so proud of you! I love you."

"I love you, too." I bury my face in her neck, inhaling her clean scent. "Why'd you send me the picture of you with the other guy?" I whisper. I know her well enough to know there's always something behind what she does.

She rolls her eyes, licking her lips as she pulls back. "I have this question about what it's like when you get mad. You've never gotten mad at me before. Does that change the type of man you are?" She runs a finger down the side of my cheek to my chin. "Is that how you get out the aggression from on the field?"

Somehow I understand what she's asking, what she's hinting at. "I don't get mad very often," I whisper. "And it's not often that I have aggression when I come off the field, but if that's what you want? Next time I'm feeling it, I'll definitely give it to you."

She smiles, her eyes lowering. "So as far as tonight goes? Your place or mine? Mine's closer."

"Your place it is." I capture her lips with my own, tasting the drink she had earlier. My mind is racing, wondering what's brought this on with her, but knowing I shouldn't question it. We head out into the middle of the party and when the clock strikes midnight, we ring in the New Year with a kiss.

"May this one be your best yet." She hugs me tightly.

"Our best one, Willa. We're in this together." I press a kiss to the ring on her engagement finger.