“You’ve been all over ESPN today. I DVR’d it for you.” Her voice lowers to a whisper like she’s saying something sacred when she tells me, “They’re even talking about you being in contention for the Heisman.”
I play it off because I don’t want to think about all the things that could go wrong. Sometimes I feel like if I take one wrong step, my whole world is gonna crash down on me.
“The press is just blowing smoke up my ass right now. There’s still a long road ahead.”
“Rider.” She gives me that stern teacher look that makes my dick twitch. “You have ten freaking wins. You’re undefeated. You’ve played tough teams all year. Let yourself feel good about this and celebrate.”
As uncomfortable as talk of the Heisman makes me, this fierce woman in my arms makes me smile.
She glances over my shoulder, and her brows pull together. I know what she sees. The party that’s about to go down. “Did you, uh, want to hang out with your roommates?” Stepping out of my hold, she pulls her sweater over herself and crosses her arms. “It’s okay if you do. I can… I can watch Poppy tonight. Sienna’s here. She’ll keep me company.”
I consider it for all of two seconds. As much as I’d love to hang with the guys right now, I realize how much I wanna spend time with Gabby. This is the person I want to celebrate with.
Her roommate’s head pops out of the door. I almost laugh at her eager expression.
“Rider! Hey! Hi! Listen, kids, if you wanna go across the street and have a few beers or whatever, I can watch Poppycakes for you. I’ll take the baby monitor into my room while you’re gone. Just be back in the morning because I have brunch plans.”
“What happened to your guy?” Gabby asks. “I thought you two were going to grab a late dinner or something?”
Sienna shrugs, but she looks disappointed. “Can’t make it. He says he has to hang out with his family.”
“Are you dating one of my teammates?” Because I guarantee you, none of them are “hanging with their families” right now.
She shrugs again, but she obviously wants to say yes, and I debate whether to tell her the truth. I’ve never seen her with any of my roommates, so that makes me feel marginally better. I’d hate to have that kind of drama in my house.
Before I can say anything, she waves us off. “Go celebrate. Both of you.” She gives Gabby a look. “Have a beer for me. Enjoy your senior year.” Flinging her arms in the air, she yells, “Be wild and free!”
I laugh. This girl is crazy, but fun. I’m glad Gabby has such a cool roommate. Sienna is a thousand times nicer than Wednesday Addams.
And Sienna raises some good points. I have my whole life to be serious. What’s one night to relax a little? I know she’ll take good care of the baby.
Turning to Gabby, I grab her hand. Sure, I’d like to go to the party, but if she’s not in the mood, I’d be happy to hang out with her here. The party suddenly doesn’t have any appeal if she’s not going with me. “What do you say? Shall we hit up the football house? I promise to bring you home at a decent hour.”
Gabby smiles shyly, and my heart pounds. I haven’t seen this particular smile from her since she was a freshman and we would study together. I fucking love it. “Think I could meet you there in twenty? I’d like to change. Pretty sure I have baby food in my hair.”
“Whatever you want.” I motion behind her. “Would you mind if I check on Poppy real quick?”
Her eyes warm. “Of course. Come in.”
When I peek into her bedroom, I find my nugget curled up and sleeping like a little angel.
I love this kid.The realization hits me so fucking hard, I can barely breathe.
She came out of nowhere and kicks my ass in so many ways, but Gabby was right. Everything—all of the sacrifice and sleepless hours and exhaustion—will be worth it in the end. Poppy has wormed her way into my heart, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ignoring the tightness in my throat, I reach down and gently rub her back. Her perfect bow lips do this motion, like she’s sucking on a bottle. It’s adorable.
“I really like that machine,” I whisper to Gabby.
She ordered a sound machine that fills the room with ocean waves and the cry of gulls. I’m guessing that’s why Poppy didn’t wake up to the noise we made on the porch a minute ago.
When I turn, Gabby’s so close, I can’t help myself. I tug her into my arms and kiss her forehead. “Want me to come back and get you in fifteen?”
She blinks up at me, and I wonder if she knows how much I want her. “I’ll meet you there.”
I can’t fucking wait.
33
