First Down (Beyond the Play #1)

by Grace Reilly

I’ve always been self-conscious when it comes to kissing, especially in front of others. But this guy . . . he made everyone and everything else disappear.

If I had to pretend to date anyone, I’d choose her a hundred times over.

I want to gather her up into my arms and hug her so tightly she knows I’m never letting go.

Not while he’s looking at me like I’m the only person in the world and holding me like he wishes we could meld into one.

“I’m not in love with her,” I reply. But my heart jumps into my throat.

But when he looks at you . . . his whole face lights up and he just relaxes. It’s beautiful.”

If I could only pick one person to be around, one person to know, one person to love, for the rest of my life—I’d choose her.

I can usually put on a mask when necessary, and this isn’t any different . . .

“This is my present, but she’s my future. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. Maybe it’s wrong, but I’m going to defend her. I couldn’t just give the ball to him.”

“If I have to pick, I’d pick her. So maybe instead of football, I can teach and coach somewhere around here. If she really wants to stick with the diner, I’d rather be there with her than off somewhere else alone. Playing football isn’t worth losing her. It just isn’t.”

I know that everything will be worthwhile if I get to call you mine.”

“You’re my princess, you’re worth the whole world.”

“Wherever you go, I’m following.”