“Hey, Mr. Heisman Contender.” He killed it today. Sienna and I cheered the team on as we watched the game with Poppy.
A quick glance over his shoulder tells me the rest of Charming knows the boys are back because their driveway is filling up with cars.
“Hey, babe.” As he stalks in, he picks me up for a kiss. I breathe in the scents of cold Texas air and the leather from his varsity jacket before he spins me around.
When he sets me down, I laugh. It feels so good to see him this happy. “Missed you,” I say quietly.
He nuzzles my jaw. Drops soft kisses along my neck. Runs his hands up and down my back. “Mmm. Missed you too, baby.”
Closing my eyes, I rest my forehead on his chest, absurdly pleased. When I’ve heard other people use that endearment, I’ve rolled my eyes, but having Rider use it? Well, that’s a whole different story.
I can’t help the huge smile that tugs on my lips.
“What?” His grin matches mine.
I shrug, reluctant to explain how giddy I am because of one little word. “Just happy to see you, that’s all.” I push up on my toes and kiss him again before I pull him inside, grateful that we have the house to ourselves since Sienna is out for the night.
“Did you see the press conference after the game?” he asks as he slips off his jacket.
The media finally broke the story about Poppy. “I can’t believe they only asked a few questions.”
“Coach got wind of it and the staff prepped me.” He looks like a weight has been taken off him.
“You must be so relieved to have it out there and done.”
He grabs his chest. “I didn’t even know I was freaking out about it until the press conference was over and I could breathe again.”
When they asked if it was true that Rider had a daughter, he very politely said he did but wouldn’t be discussing any details so he could maintain his and his family’s privacy. And then the press went right back to asking him about the game and being in contention for the Heisman.
“They used a photo of you walking around with Poppy in that Bjorn carrier, but you couldn’t see her face, just that pink beanie.”
“That’s fine. It could’ve been worse, right?”
“God, yes.” I was terrified the press would rake him over the coals for this, but that was when I thought they’d learn about how his whole household had to take paternity tests. One player having a baby apparently isn’t a big deal. They just noted how an elite college athlete has a lot to juggle. They’re not lying. Rider has been going nonstop since Poppy landed in his life. “You handled it like a champ.”
“Thank you again for going with me to talk to Hank. My father would’ve lost his shit if he’d learned about her fromSportsCenter.”
To think what actually happened was Hank being calm. No wonder Rider is sensitive about his dad.
Changing the subject, I fill him in on Poppy and how she now says ‘nana’ for banana and, praise Jesus, how she slept through the night. He tiptoes into my room to check on her and then collapses next to me on the couch.
“Were you planning on going back to your party?”
He tosses an arm behind my head and toys with my hair. “Just wanted to hang out with you, if that’s okay.”
Wow, Rider is turning down a football party after an epic win?
And when I say epic, I’m not exaggerating. I could hear my neighbors cheering. Down the street.
I sit up and press my hand to his forehead. His head tilts as he watches me, confused. “Just checking to see if you have a fever.”
“Shut up. Get over here.” He scoots me onto his lap and kisses my neck. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m over parties. Wanna watch a movie or something?”
Or something, I think, as he runs a big palm up my hip.
But the tender look in his eyes tells me this isn’t just a booty call.
“Have you eaten yet? We could get a pizza.”
