Shay stood off to the side of the football field watching Josh run plays with his teammates. She had just arrived at the Sacramento Vipers’ practice field, having finished her shift at the Green Thumb Nursery. It was her third full week working there, and she loved it. And she was learning so much about gardening.

When it had been time for Josh to move back to his Sacramento house, he’d invited her to move in with him, but she had decided it was time to be on her own. With his help, she’d found a small apartment, and it hadn’t taken long to find the job at the nursery. And though she’d argued that she would be fine taking the bus to work, Josh had insisted on buying a car for her. His one concession had been to let her choose the car, and she’d chosen an inexpensive used car. So far it had worked fine, and as it turned out, the car made it easy for her to stop by Josh’s practices from time to time.

Between working and taking care of her little place, and especially spending time with Josh, her life was full. Even so, she had decided to enroll in classes at Sacramento City College and work towards a degree that had something to do with gardening. She hadn’t decided yet if she wanted to focus on landscape design or horticulture, but either way, she was filled with optimism about her future. Especially when it came to Josh. She’d fallen more in love with him every day.

She tried not to think about Will, but she didn’t feel threatened by him any longer. He was in jail, and with any luck he wouldn’t be out any time soon.

Now, as she watched Josh throwing the ball, her heart soared with happiness. Being with him was a dream come true, and she was grateful everyday to have him in her life.

* * *

Josh saw that Shay had arrived, which brought a smile to his face. Every time he saw her it seemed as if the day was brighter. Though he would have preferred that she move in to his place, he respected her need to be on her own. Knowing she didn’t need him so much but rather had chosen him made him love her all the more. And he chose her. No other woman interested him in the least.

Moving his right arm in a circle, he assured himself once again that his shoulder was one hundred percent healed. Grateful that there were no lingering problems, when the coach called an end to that day’s practice, Josh jogged over to Shay and pulled her into an embrace.

“Hi there, beautiful,” he murmured in her ear.

“How was practice?”

He pulled back and smiled at her. “Fantastic. What about you? How was work?”

“Great.” She gazed at him a moment. “You know, every time someone talks about starting a garden, I think of our garden at your cabin.”

He laughed. “We’ll have to get up there and check on it sometime.”

“Good thing we were able to automate that soaker hose, but I’m sure there will be a few weeds the next time we go there.”

Chuckling, he said, “Yeah. Just a few.”

“But think of the bounty of produce that’ll be waiting for us.”

Her endless enthusiasm always warmed him, and he pulled her in for a lingering kiss. “I sure love you, Shay.”

Her emerald-green eyes were steady on his. “I love you, Josh.”

* * *

Savoring the moment, Shay gazed at him, her heart singing with love. She was so grateful for him and all that he’d done for her, for the amazing place she was in her life. She was certain she would have gotten there on her own eventually, but she was thrilled that Josh had helped her along and that they were on this journey together. Their future held endless promise, and as she smiled at him, she knew her life couldn’t be any more perfect.

* * *

Thank you for reading Illegal Procedure, the first book in my Fair Catch sports romance series. The next book will be about Brock Remington. Sign up for my newsletter so that you’ll know the moment it’s available. You’ll also receive my two standalone suspense novels for free. Sign up by clicking .

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