Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
***This is a Standalone
Award winning, Bestselling, Author Blue Saffire presents
Touchdown
Bentley
When I step on the field I know what my job is. Get my team to the red zone and get the touchdown. I’m great at what I do on the field.
However, off the field I’ve been struggling, doing my best to find my way. Especially when it comes to Zah, I’ve always managed to mess things up with her.
She’s the girl next door who has always had my heart. I just never acted on my feelings because she’s two years younger than me and my sister’s best friend.
Then my Junior year of college she shows up on campus and everything changes. She becomes the love of my life. Our future is all planned out by my senior year and I feel invincible until the hits start coming and don’t stop.
Zahirah
I’ve loved Bentley Coswell since I was a little girl hanging out with his sister, getting on his nerves. I never said anything and hadn’t planned to until that one summer when I was pretty sure he was going to kiss me.
One almost kiss and I made up my mind to follow him to college. I worked my butt off to get my track scholarship. However, my first day on campus wasn’t what I thought it would be.
The boy I’ve crushed on for forever has changed and I don’t think I like him very much. That is until he wears me down and takes me on my first date.
I fall in love with Bentley all over again and everything is perfect until it’s not. No one could have told us how much life would place on our shoulders.
Will we be able to handle the life altering events we face? Will love be enough to carry us through? Will our hurt and pain be enough to take the life right out of our love? Will our love be intercepted by hate or will Bentley find a way to run right into my heart for the Ultimate touchdown
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Life will hit you hard. Love can hit you harder as it heals.
―BLUE SAFFIRE
CHAPTER 1
The Return
Bentley
I walk out of the tunnel onto the field and inhale the scent of the freshly cut grass. So many memories wash over me. Though the stadium is currently empty, I can hear the roar of the crowd like it’s my first game all over again.
I’ve had a great career. It’s the one thing in my life I’ve done almost perfectly. My personal life, not so much. I’m still making mistakes there. However, when I’m out on this field, I have it all together. I know where I fit and what I’m supposed to do.
My heart belongs in the end zone. That moment when I get my team in the red zone gets my blood pumping every time. Getting close to scoring is as heady as making the touchdown.
I wish I could apply the rules on the field to my life. Heck, I wish I at least knew the rules to play by. Maybe then I’d know how to get this right once and for all.
My biggest dream was to get to the pros. I did that despite all the obstacles that got in the way.
The one thing I didn’t see coming was her. I should have. She has always been there.
Zahirah Nickels was the girl next door. Being an only child, my family drew her into our crew. I’m the oldest of six.
As much time as Zah spent at our house, I should say I’m the oldest of seven. Zahirah and my sister Erica became friends almost from the moment they met. As a result, Zahirah became a fixture in our home.
“Hey, mister.” I turn to look down at the little boy peering up at me.
“You’re Bentley Coswell, right?”
I squat to get eye level with the little guy. His green eyes light up in his little face. Reaching out, I ruffle his blond hair.
“That’s me, kid,” I say.
His eyes grow wider. He’s a cute kid. I can only hope to have my own someday who is just as cute as he is.
“Can you sign my football. You’re my favorite. I want to be a quarterback too when I make it to the pros.”
“Sure, of course,” I say and take the ball he has tucked under his arm. “Love the confidence, kid. Never let go of that. What’s your name, little guy?”
“Sean.”
“Nice to meet you, Sean.”
“You’re coming home, right? I mean, you’re here to win us a championship. My dad says we can do it with you here. I think he’s right. Besides, I hate rooting for you when you play against us.”
I burst into laughter. Signing the ball, I hand it back to him and ruffle his hair again. I give him a wink.
“Can you keep a secret?”
He nods his head and mimics zipping his lips and throwing away the key. I stifle more laughter. This is the lightest I’ve felt since stepping off the plane.
“That’s the plan. While I’m here to visit with family, we’re looking to see if this is a fit for me. I might just get you that win.”
“You will. I can see it. You’re going to deliver the game-winning touchdown too,” he says excitedly.
“Thanks for the support, bubby.”
He gives a sage nod. I look up to see Christian Darity, an offensive lineman the team has been trying to re-sign in order to entice me. He places a hand on the boy’s head and looks down at him.
The boy looks up at him with a smile. “Hey, Dad. Look, it’s Bentley Coswell.”
“I hope he’s not giving you any trouble,” Christian says.
“Not at all, man. He may have sealed the deal for the organization,” I chuckle and stick my hand out for him to shake.
We shake hands and he grins. This team has done a lot to get me to sign. Christian was on my list of players it would take to get me to come here.
“That’s good to hear. The ink is just drying, but I’m hoping to play with you this coming season. You were a big deciding factor for me.”
“Yeah, I was amped to hear they were in talks with you for a new contract. They’re putting together a strong squad. It’s kind of hard not to consider taking the leap.”
“Do you mind if I ask what’s stopping you?”
I pull a hand down my face, then fold my arms across my chest. Placing my weight on my right leg, I try to figure out the best way to say this. I want to come home.
It’s long overdue. My family has been through so much and it’s time I get my shit together to be there for them. My mom’s words exactly.
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I don’t want this to be another one. Coming home might not be the right thing to do,” I say.