The Crush (The Wolves: A Football Dynasty, #3)

by Karla Sorensen

He spoke against my ear, a delicious rumble that had my eyes fluttering shut. “Go inside, Adaline, unless you want them to see this.”

Adaline wasn’t fireworks and lightning. She was something softer, sneaking up on me until I couldn’t look away. A sunrise, maybe. A beginning point that changed so gradually you hardly noticed until the brightest, most vivid colors you’ve ever seen dominated the entire horizon.

“I am in love with you, Adaline Wilder. And if it is within my power to give you what you want, I’ll do it.”

I wanted to be with her. Wanted to marry her. Have kids with her. Wanted to love her, hold her, kiss her, take her to bed—every fucking day for the rest of my life—because I’d be just as good at that as I was playing this game. Better, actually.

For the first time in twenty-six years, I had someone who was mine to take care of. And that mattered.

“You … you chose to be there for us. Most men w-wouldn’t have. I’m not going to choose to leave you.”

“The best part of any day is you,” I told her. “No matter what happens, no matter where I am, or what else is going on.” I slid the metal ring over her knuckle, grinning when it fit.

“And I want to spend the rest of my life doing what I do best—loving you. Adaline Wilder, will you marry me?”