First Down (Beyond the Play, #1)

by Grace Reilly

“And I’m hoping to add new routines, anyway.” My heart does a somersault; I can’t help smiling. “Oh yeah?” “Waking up next to my girl can’t hurt.”

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. We’re still pressed tightly together when I hear her breathing begin to even out. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, I slip out of her. She turns into my chest, yawning, nestling her head against me. No, we’re not alone in the world, but right now, underneath the covers—it does feel like we’re in a world of our own. “One day I will tell our kids that,” I whisper. My heartbeat quickens at the thought. “Because I’m yours, forever.”

“Because he scared my girlfriend. He forced himself on her. And as much as I love football, I love her more.”

“I’m going to marry Bex one day,” I say. “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.”