Derek

The guys were pumped and so was I. It was our first division game, against Seattle, and we were determined to win. All I wanted was to get to the Super Bowl again and win but we had a long hard season to get through before the play-offs. We were closing in on the third quarter, and I was determined to make a move to the end zone. It wasn’t very common for a guy in my position to make a touchdown, since I was on defense; I just had to keep the other team from scoring.

Seattle threw the ball and it headed in my direction, toward their receiver, Bryce Nichols. Along with Evan, Nichols was one of the best wide receivers in the league. My muscles burned, but I ran as hard as I could to stop him from making that first down. The score was fourteen to thirteen, with us in the lead. It could be anyone’s game. As soon as Nichols caught the ball, I wrapped my arms around his waist and tackled him to the ground. I landed hard on my knee, but I blocked the pain out of my mind.

“Fucking prick,” Nichols grumbled under his breath.

All I could do was smile. “Just wait,” I replied.

I’d gotten into a fight on the field only once, and that was right after Brianna died. I was ejected from the game, which began my downward spiral into the shithole. That wasn’t me anymore. Watching Hayden on the sidelines was my reminder that things happened for a reason. I woke up every morning for her, and one day I’d let her know just how much I loved her. I still felt like I had something to prove, like I needed to show her I was worthy of her.

Seattle’s quarterback, Chance Hughes, got into position. We all knew he was going to throw it to Nichols; I was ready. As soon as the ball flew in the air, I had one chance to get it. It sailed closer, but it was so high I didn’t know if I could reach it. I jumped in the air and left everything to fate. Once I felt the ball touch my fingers, I pulled it in tight to my chest. The crowd’s cheers were deafening, and I got one glimpse of Hayden jumping up and down before I took off down the field. Adrenaline pumped through my veins as I passed the fifty-yard line and ran on to the forty. Chris ran with me, blocking the fuckers who tried to take me down. The end zone was so close.

“Go! Go! Go!” Chris shouted. I knew there were three guys on my heels, ready to take me down. I crossed the ten-yard line and then felt the weight on my back as Seattle tried to take me down. I could barely breathe, but I had to push through the last couple steps. Another hit came from behind, but it was too late. I crossed into the end zone and collapsed. The fans cheered and hollered my name, and all I could do was laugh.

Chris held out a hand and helped me up. “I fucking love you,” he shouted. He handed me the ball and I raced over to the sidelines, where Hayden stood with Kate.

“What are you doing?” she squealed, beaming with excitement.

I took off my helmet and handed her the ball before lifting her in my arms. I kissed her long and hard. “It’s for you, love. It’s because of you that this is possible.”

“You’re going to have every woman out there hating me,” she said, laughing.

Holding her tight, I couldn’t help but be in awe of how amazing she was. Cameras flashed, and I knew we’d be front and center in the sports section come morning. I wanted everyone to know she was mine. “You’re wrong, Hayden. It’s every guy in the world who hates me right now.”

The rest of the game went by in a blur; we scored another touchdown, which gave us the win, 28–13.

“Dude, that move was fucking epic,” Chris exclaimed, clapping a hand on my shoulder.

“Thanks, man. It felt good.”

“No shit. The crowd loved it, too.”

“McLaughlin!” Coach Joel shouted.

“Uh-oh,” Chris laughed. “What did you do now?”

I ran a towel through my damp hair and threw on my shirt. Joel was by the door with his arms crossed. “What’s up, Coach?” I asked.

His lips pulled back into a smile and he slapped my shoulder. “There’s someone here to see you.” He nodded at something over my shoulder, and when I turned, my eyes went wide. It was Shelby Reynolds, a well-known journalist for Physique Sports and Fitness.

“No fucking way. Are you really here to see me?” I asked her. She’d done stories on Cooper and Evan but never me. All the guys dreamed of the day she’d come and pick another of us to interview.

Shelby laughed and held out her hand. “Good game today, Derek. And yes, I’m here to see you. I thought maybe I could interview you if you’re not too busy.”

“Are you kidding? I’m never too busy for you.” There was no way in hell I’d pass up the opportunity to be in her magazine. Her husband was UFC royalty and a legend in the MMA world; I’d met him one time at a fight in Vegas. Shelby was known for picking MMA fighters, football players, and baseball players to interview. I guessed it was easy to see which sports were her favorites.

Hayden walked toward us, still holding the football in her hands, with a questioning look on her face. Shelby was a beautiful woman, but she didn’t compare to Hayden. Before I could speak, Shelby beat me to it. “Hayden Hunter, I’m Shelby Reynolds,” she said, holding out her hand.

Hayden smiled and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Shelby turned back to me. “Derek, if you don’t mind, I was kind of hoping Ms. Hunter could sit in on the interview. A lot of my readers are women, and I feel like they’d connect to the story I have in mind.” She glanced between us. “Is that okay?”

Hayden looked up at me and shrugged. “I’m fine with it if you are.”

I put my arm around her shoulder and turned to Shelby. “We’re ready.”