Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 128156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
“Angel,” he murmurs against my ear, his grin wicked as his hands linger on my waist.
Behind us, a throat clears, but I barely hear it.
Chase kisses my hair and steps back, but not before his palm slides along my lower back on its way to take my hand. He’s not so subtly claiming me in front of the man he felt wanted a chance, letting him know he won’t be getting one.
It’s… Yeah. Maybe his show of possessiveness shouldn’t be so endearing, so alluring, but it is. Maybe because it’s not in a malicious or arrogant way.
It’s not a warning. It’s just a fact.
I am his.
I look over and find my grandpa watching, his gaze steady and unreadable, but there’s something in his expression that shifts. Something quieter, something older. Something that looks almost like…regret? Maybe even longing.
I don’t know, but when Chase steps toward him, he blinks and it’s gone.
“Prescott.” Chase dips his chin, holding his hand out to my grandpa.
He takes it immediately.
“Good to see you again, sir,” Chase says kindly.
My grandfather offers a small smile. “You too, son. I hope they didn’t give you too much trouble at the gates.”
“No, sir. At least, not after I mentioned who I was here for.”
“That will do it.” My grandpa chuckles, nodding his head. He turns to me, and his chest falls with a heavy exhale. “I guess you’re off then?”
I nod and he nods back, his hand finding my back as he presses a kiss to my head.
“Bye, sweetheart,” he says softly, his voice carrying a hint of something unknown.
Together, Chase and I walk back to his truck. He opens the door for me, and I slide in, my gaze out the window as I look over the course once more. The manicured greens, the shining cars, the life I could easily step into.
His hand grabs mine and my eyes fall to where we’re touching, my chest expanding at the warmth behind it. I look over at Chase and his smile is…wow.
Can a man’s smile be blinding?
“Ready?” he asks.
My throat grows thick with unexpected emotions, but I nod. Somehow, his lips tip up even higher.
Chase kisses my knuckles and then off we go.
Tomorrow, Chase is going to show those scouts how hard he’s worked and his future is going to be set.
Please let there be room for me in it, too…
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Chase
I’ve been riding on a natural high all week—hell, for the last few weeks—ever since the much-needed R & R over Halloween weekend. I woke up with nothing but this overwhelming sense of determination and excitement, and it carried all through the afternoon.
Me and the boys went for a jog and stopped for lunch on the way home. Our walk-through with the team went flawlessly. I went and picked up Paige, and we met Payton at her place so she could head to work, and we loaded little D up for a trip to the park so Mase could drive Ari somewhere in town.
The day ended with everyone going over to Mason’s. He made chicken and veggies and these green smoothies to set us up right for tomorrow’s game.
But it’s a little after eight now. The girls ran back to their dorms to get their bags, having decided to stay here tonight and get ready for tomorrow’s game together, and I’m starting to lose it.
Every time I look at the clock, which happens to be every three and half minutes even though it feels like thirty, a little more panic sets in.
Doubt clouds my mind, but I force it away.
I can’t let those thoughts in or they’ll drown me.
I can fucking do this.
I will do this.
But what if I can’t?
Shit!
I push to my feet and start pacing.
The guys are in the kitchen, and I make a split-second decision to leave.
I can’t be where they’ll see the mess I really am.
I need… I don’t know what I need.
I sneak outside, wincing when I close the door a little harder than necessary, and spin, my legs carrying me away as fast as they can.
Down the narrow cement path, across the parking lot, and onto the grass.
This is too fucking much.
I—
“Where do you think you’re going?!”
My feet freeze so fast I almost fall.
My heart clogs my damn throat and slowly, so fucking slowly, I turn.
My hazel eyes meet an identical pair, and my body seems to deflate completely.
“Dad,” I choke.
And then he’s right there, wrapping his arms around me in the tightest hug.
I clench my eyes closed, my limbs shaking slightly as I breathe in the man who gave me everything.
He doesn’t say anything, just holds on and lets me lose my cool.
Not sure how much time passes before I pull back, a low chuckle leaving me. “You’re here.”
His smile is wide, but there is no missing the exhaustion in his eyes. In his entire being, really. But he works hard to only show me the love and support he’s feeling. “I wish I could be here a lot more, but I’m glad the opportunity came along for the big one.”