Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 85743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
As if he can read my mind, he rips his practice jersey and the compression shirt he had on underneath over his head and wipes down his face. I tune out the conversation around me as I take him in. My eyes roam over his muscular chest as I work my way down to his abs. I count silently in my head. Eight. I lick my lips as I imagine what it would be like to run my hands over them, maybe trace them with my tongue.
“Hey.” Autumn bumps her shoulder into mine, pulling me out of my fog where it was just me and number eighteen’s abs.
“Sorry.” I turn to face her.
“The food’s set up. We’re going to head over and eat.” She points over my shoulder where, sure enough, the catering staff has brought an array of picnic-type foods to several tables on the field.
“Definitely.” My eyes dance back to Landon, where I find him watching me. “I’m suddenly starving.” I lick my lips for emphasis before turning back to Autumn. “Let me take JJ while you and Jeremy make your plates, then I’ll make mine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” I reach my arms toward Jeremy to take JJ from him, and he practically jumps into my arms, laughing when I snuggle him close, then settle him on my hip. Having JJ in my arms will keep Landon at bay. At least, that’s the hope. Not that I wouldn’t have offered all the same, but it’s an added bonus that he’s now our buffer.
Jeremy and Autumn walk toward the tables, and I stare after them. “Did you have fun today?” I ask JJ.
“Daddy.” He points to where Jeremy and Autumn are filling their plates.
“Look.” I point up to the Jumbotron that has Jeremy’s smiling mug on display, trying to distract him. He’s daddy’s boy through and through. Slowly, each member of the coaching staff gets their turn before it moves on to the players. Of course, the first player would be their starting quarterback, Landon Barker. His dark hair, those ocean blue eyes, and his cocky smirk are enlarged on the screen. I stare at him and take in his features. The hint of his dimple winking through his beard and the sparkle in his eyes. “Lucky Bastard,” I mumble under my breath. He was born with good genes that I’m sure has panties dropping all over Los Angeles—hell, all over the world if I’m honest.
“Maybe you should pull out your phone and take a picture,” a deep voice rumbles from over my shoulder. His hot breath dances across my skin.
Turning my head, I see Landon. “Nah, just comparing your stats to Holland’s. You’ve got some work to do.” I have no idea if what I just said is true. I love football, but I’m not one of those keep-all-the-stats kind of football fan. I’m more of a kick back, drink a beer, eat some wings, and yell at the TV kind of girl. Oh, and don’t forget the pants. I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of football pants. Not just the pants, but the asses that fill them. Trust me, ladies, if this is not something you’ve witnessed, tune in on Sunday afternoon and see for yourself. I promise that you won’t be disappointed.
“You’re something else, you know that?” There’s a smile playing on his lips, and part of me feels relieved I haven’t offended him, and the other part is irritated that I didn’t. It doesn’t make any sense, and I can’t believe I’m letting him have this kind of effect on me. “Why don’t—” he starts, but I step away from him when Autumn turns to wave at me.
I don’t stick around for whatever lewd comment I’m sure would have come out of his mouth. I’m not here to take part in a sparring match with the sexy quarterback. No, I’m here to support Jeremy and be the sidekick to my best friend. That’s where my priorities lie today. One step after another, my feet carry me to Jeremy and Autumn.
“You hungry?” Autumn asks JJ as I set him in the chair beside her.
He doesn’t answer her but reaches for a piece of fruit from the plate she placed in front of him. “I’m going to go grab a plate. You guys need anything?”
“Maybe a few extra napkins.” Jeremy chuckles as he watches his son shove another handful of sticky fruit into his mouth.
“Got it.” Making my way to the tables filled with food, I’m impressed. I may be a Mavericks fan, but the Cougars obviously know how to go all out. Today has been fun. To see how the other side lives, bumping elbows with professional football players and their families. Sure, they’re not my team, but I can accept this day for what it is, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.