Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 121095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
He looks wary, like something I’ve said has surprised him. “Okay,” he manages, but it’s clear I’ve thrown him for a loop.
What we feel.
Surely, that’s the turn of phrase that made his eyebrows lift sharply like that. But I think it was only fair for me to let him know my feelings for him aren’t totally locked down. He’s hurt me deeply. And while I’m ready to forgive, I’m not yet ready to forget.
When I’ve fantasized about this moment, I’ve imagined Luca confessing his love for me and me returning his sentiment. But now that I’m here, I’m suddenly realizing it’s probably premature for us to take that leap of faith. Can either of us truly be in love if we can’t even hold hands in public yet? It’s that sliver of doubt that makes me want to be a touch more careful with my heart than I’ve been in the past. Slow and steady will win the race this time around. If we do wind up professing our love for each other and going public with our relationship one day, I want to be damned sure I’m totally ready for whatever negative fallout that might bring to my career.
“For now, you’ve got plenty of other things to focus on than holding my hand in public,” I say with a soft, affectionate swipe of Luca’s cheek. “Don’t let anything distract you from your mission.”
“You know they only called me up to play this week as a marketing ploy, right? To hype up a Maguire-on-Maguire smackdown.”
“That’s not true, Luca. You’ve earned this, fair and square. But, hey, if it turns out that was a tiny part of the equation, then so what? However you got here, you’re going to play so well on Sunday, they won’t even think about sending you back down. Especially now that Moriarty’s struggled in two consecutive games, you’ve got a huge opening to turn some heads. You need to maximize this opportunity, no matter what.”
A lopsided grin spreads across Luca’s face. “Yes, Coach.”
I peck his lips and then his cheek. “I’ve got to run to a meeting, and you’ve got to start prepping for Sunday.” I peck him again. “Take Satan down for me twice in the game on Sunday, boy toy, and I’ll fuck you senseless four times—twice for each sack.”
Luca chuckles. “And she’s back! Wait, does that mean you’re not planning to fuck me senseless tonight to celebrate my good news?”
“Nope. Sorry. I promise I’m every bit as horny for you as you are for me. But as your personal coach, I need to do everything in my power to get you ready for Sunday—and that means we can’t change a single thing about your current training regimen.”
“You’re my personal coach again?”
“Of course. I already cleared it with Raul before coming here.” With a wink, I slide off him and rise to standing, leaving him on the floor with a massive boner and a look of pure excitement on his gorgeous face. “Bye for now, boy toy with a boner.” I float toward the door and unlock it. But before opening it, I turn around again. “Congratulations, Luca. Never doubt you deserve this.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you, Coach.”
“No, you’re the one who did this for yourself, Luca. This was all you.” I blow him a kiss. “Thanks for the epic two-part grovel. It was delightful.” With that, I glide out the door, feeling alive, unbroken, and capable of feeling happiness, once again, for the first time in a very long time.
CHAPTER 37
Luca
“YOU SHOWED EVERYONE what you’re made of today, brother.”
As Roman speaks those words of praise into my ear, he pats the name on the back of my jersey for emphasis—and, of course, the horde of reporters, photographers, and camera operators surrounding us captures every detail of our highly anticipated exchange.
It’s week eight of the season, not quite the halfway point, and the Mastodons have a losing record while the Thunderbolts are soaring. And yet, today’s matchup at our packed home stadium felt as close to a Super Bowl as I’ve ever been lucky enough to sniff. Partly because of how much was at stake for me personally. It was yet another do-or-die opportunity. But also because of the way everyone hyped up our brotherly rivalry throughout the week.
The Rebels, Levi’s team, have played Roman’s several times over the years, including earlier this season, so the league has already witnessed two Maguires in opposing jerseys. Also, whenever Marco plays Roman, there’s always commentary about their close bond, too. But both of those guys are offensive players, so they’re never on the field at the same time as the other team’s quarterback, whereas I’m a defensive player who’s specifically tasked with trying to take the opposing QB down. That unique circumstance made today feel especially exciting—like a true first in the world of the NFL. One that garnered an insane amount of attention from both sides. Even people who don’t care about football kept posting thirst trap compilations of Roman and me this week on social media—all of which Levi religiously shared in our family group chat with glee.