It seems both of my parents have come to an understanding on pushing me. They’ve been silent and by my side since our tango in the hospital room. Ryder hasn’t been by, but again it’s only been one day, and I didn’t expect him to.

I’m pretty sure he was having empathy pains once he was forced to come to the meet. This knowledge was brought to my attention from Baylor and then seeing me hurt. I know the man has a heart and is very caring. The problem has always been he’s selfish and scared to make waves. Dating the coach’s daughter has been our biggest crux.

Going through airport security in a wheelchair isn’t as complicated as I thought. It’s quite accommodating. My father hasn’t left my side even though he’s knee deep in recruiting season. Probably one of the most crucial elements to creating a winning team. And he’s nothing but a championship coach.

“Gate 8B.” I hear my mother’s voice from behind me.

As we roll down the long corridor all the faces blur into each other. Everything is numb inside of me including my emotions and thoughts.

“Head to the gate. I’ll grab us some coffee.” My mom leans down kissing my cheek. “Want anything, baby?”

“Just water.”

I don’t even make eye contact when answering her. I know this funk clouding my every move needs to be lifted, but I have no idea how or even where to begin. The silver lining being I can fall back on my college degree…ugh. My life without gymnastics is something I can’t even start to think about right now.

“Going to use the bathroom.” Dad brings the wheelchair to a stop in front of the gate, pointing to the restroom across the way.

“‘Kay.”

His eyes are tired and sad, but again I don’t have it in me to reassure him I’ll be okay. Because the fact is I don’t know if I ever will be.

“Hey, been waiting on you.”

I peer up from polish chipped nails to come face to face with Ryder. His dark hair slicked back, black backpack on his shoulders, and a bag of mini fried doughnuts. He passes the greasy bag over to me.

“These still your favorite?”

I nod taking the bag from him. Even though I don’t have much of an appetite, the fried rings of dough mean more than I can begin to explain.

“You remembered?” The two words tumble off my lips with no thought.

“Of course.” He bends down placing his palm on my healthy knee, not the one wrapped and sticking straight out. “Wasn’t it the only reason you’d go to the football games?”

I blush brightly feeling my cheeks heat up with fire.

“Yes,” I nod. “But how did you get them?”

“I have a few connections at the stadium. Let the mini-doughnut owner know that my girl needed some before her big flight.”

“Your girl?”

“My girl, that’s right Shayne.”

I don’t have the time to process any of this or even rip him a new asshole before my dad joins us as well as my mother with two hands full of coffee. They all greet each other like it’s just another fucking day on a family picnic. My mind nearly explodes with all the craziness, but I chose to just stuff a fucking mini doughnut in my mouth. Damn, they’re good.

Ryder remains bent on his knee with his palm on my thigh even while talking football with my dad. The big draft is coming up. It’s the Olympics of his career. He’s healthy and excited, and I should be for him as well, but I’m not. Not even one ounce.

When there’s a slice of silence, I ask the questions that are weighing heavy on the tip of my tongue.

“Aren’t you going to miss your flight?” I ask Ryder staring into his deep blue eyes.

He rises slowly to his feet, placing a tender kiss on my forehead. I want him. No, I want him so fucking bad it hurts. It’s worse than the pain in my half-fixed knee. It rips through my soul with a torrid current. But the harsh truth is he’ll always choose football over me.

“No.”

A one-word simple reply. Another doughnut down the hatch to clear away the confusion I’m trying to process.

Our flight is called, and of course, the flight staff is more than accommodating getting me on the plane and settled into a first class seat that allows my leg to extend out under a pile of pillows. My forehead pressed against the cold window with eyelids finally growing thick enough to find sleep.

When sleep nearly takes over, there’s rustling in the seat next to me. I know it’s him before I even look up. Ryder slings off his black backpack then reach up placing it in the overhead bin. That asshole. His Henley rises giving me a view of his tanned abs. My mouth waters on cue.

“1A?” He asks bending under the overhead storage.

“That’s what it says,” I spat back.

I’m not sure if it’s the drugs or his nearness, but it’s getting harder and harder to remain cold against him. It used to come naturally, but now it’s a struggle.

“What are you doing, Ryder? Seriously, enough of the bullshit.”

He takes his time settling his large frame into the over-sized first class seat, even makes sure his seat belt is buckled firmly. Then seductively he leans an elbow on our shared armrest then gives me the full-out Ryder smolder that could destroy any woman.

“Here’s the gig, Shayne. Time’s up. I’ve fucked up so much already, and I’m done. I should’ve done this months ago. I made a mistake and am going to fix it right now.”

He leans closer until his silky lips brush mine. I don’t recoil, and that fact surprises me. He presses into me sexily moving his lips. His tongue darts out lining my lips. A moan escapes me. I’d crawl in his lap if I could. After long moments, I open up to him. Our mouths meld together like long lost friends. Reuniting without a hitch. His taste is one I’d never forget and need more of right now.

My skin prickles with excitement coming alive the only way one person has ever made me. Ryder’s teeth sink into my bottom lip followed by a growl.

Someone near us clears their throat, and we part slowly and hesitantly. Old insecurities flair up, I don’t want to pull away or let go. Our history is going to be one hell of an obstacle to get over.

“Sir, would you like a drink before takeoff?” An eager flight attendant asks.

I can’t help but notice her perfect figure that drives men wild. Her breasts large and waistline slim. Her blonde hair pulled up into a sleek ponytail. Her brilliant blue eyes screaming for Ryder’s attention and it makes me feel insecure in the worst possible way.

My baggy gym pants, oversized university hoodie, and dirty hair piled up in a messy bun. Shit, I was lucky that I was able to brush my teeth this morning.

“Screwdriver, please with an extra shot.” Ryder glances right back to me ignoring the attendant.

My heart swells with an odd feeling. Ryder must sense my unease nearing his lips back to mine again.

“Whoa.” I hold up a hand to him. “We need to talk. Explain the whole gig, Ryder.”

His large palm cups my cheek. “The NFL draft, my career, the game of football, anything to do with football is on the backburner until I win you back. You are my priority. Period. End of.”

“Why? Why now? Is this a pity party because of my knee and the Olympics?”

“No.” He reaches in kissing my lips quickly. “Absolutely not, Shayne. Not one day went by where you weren’t on my mind. The regrets were on auto-pilot haunting me. When I saw you out on the mat in your light, I knew it was the point of no regrets. I fucked up, Shayne. I’ll be the first to admit to it. I’m here now. Forever.”

“You don’t even know if we’ll work out. We hid out for months. There are so many factors in a relationship, and you’re dropping all of the football for me? What if we don’t work out then you’ll blame me…”

He shuts me up with his lips. This time it’s even more searing as both of us put everything into it. Our tongues dancing, lips moving against each other, and our hands pulling at each other’s bodies. Neither of us can get enough. It may be a train wreck waiting to happen or a beautiful love story, and there’s only one way to find out.

Ryder pulls back just enough to whisper into my lips. “I’m certain of this because I love you, Shayne. I’ve always loved you.”