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)
“Nice, Coswell. A fake scene bootleg. I like it.” Coach nods.
Me and the guys make our way out to the line of scrimmage. Getting into formation, I then get under center and give the signal call. I put Lattimore in motion toward Stern. Once Lattimore reaches Stern, he sets his feet and looks toward the end zone.
I look over the linebackers in the middle of the field then call a fake audible. This causes them and the safety to shift over to Stern and Lattimore.
I call a hike, drop back, then pump fake toward the scene. I roll out to the left side with no defenders in sight. I run as fast as I can. All I see is the end zone.
As I get closer, I notice a defensive back charging toward me from the middle of the field. Darity comes from my blind side and blocks him at the one-yard line as I hurdle into the end zone.
I lie on my back, staring up at the sky. This one feels different. It’s like I can feel my father looking down on me. I’m finally the man I know he would want me to be.
Overwhelmed with emotions, I allow my teammates to pick me up and lift me into the air. We won. I’ve got a ring with my home team.
“Yeah, Coswell. That’s what the fuck I’m talking about,” Darity croons as I’m placed back on my feet.
None of this feels real. I know I promised Zah I would do it, but standing here with the mission accomplished is surreal. I always get a high from a touchdown, but this one will forever have a special place in my heart.
Zahirah
“How does it feel to be the MVP?” I ask with a smile on my face as we step off the hotel elevator and head to our room.
I’m so proud of Bentley; he earned that MVP trophy. He played his ass off all season, but tonight. Tonight was something special.
That game-winning touchdown was perfection. I held my breath the entire time. I couldn’t breathe until I saw Bentley walking to shake hands with the other team.
“My heart was in my throat while you just lay there after that touchdown. I thought something was wrong,” I say as we enter our suite.
We’re finally here after all the press and celebrating with his team. Mom has Aaron back home in Arizona. I had a feeling my man was going to bring home the chip, and I would have to make good on our bet.
I have a little surprise for him tonight. We’ve come a long way in the last seven months. Our therapist has praised us on our progress repeatedly.
I’m proud of us too. We’re able to communicate so much more effectively. If there’s a challenge, we talk it out.
Bentley shows up for me day in and day out. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. I know if we had to go through everything we went through in college now, we’d come out of it a lot different today.
“I had a moment. This one wasn’t like all the others. I know Dad is always with me, but this time it felt like he was smiling down on me. I can’t explain it, but I felt it,” he says.
“I know he’s proud of you. You played your heart out.”
He tugs me into him and captures my lips in a searing kiss. I moan into his mouth as I wrap my arms around his neck. The amount of passion he kisses me with takes my breath away.
“I had something to play for. I love you so much,” he breathes when he breaks the kiss.
“Is that right? What exactly did you have to play for?”
He growls into my neck and nips at my skin. Goose bumps rise and a chill runs through me. I can feel how hard he is as he pulls my body into his.
“You know what I was playing for. I’m not allowing you to back out of your promise, Zah. It’s all I’ve been thinking about all day.”
I laugh and shake my head. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been thinking about it too. I’m actually excited about trying for another baby.
Things will be so different this time. Bentley will be there with me, and our family will be a part of the entire process. I can never give them all back what they lost with Aaron, but this feels like something I need to do for our family and us.
“Is it okay if I take a shower?” I tease.
“Sure, take all the time you need. However, once I get my hands on you, you’re mine for the rest of the night,” he croons.
“Um, I’m not complaining at all. I love you. I’ll be right back.”
He dips his head and pecks my lips. Knowing if I stand here any longer, I’ll never get to my surprise, I turn and head into the bedroom of the suite. Grabbing my bag, I then retrieve the little outfit I placed inside with tonight in mind.