I’m chuckling. “He wishes he was Big D.”

  “You guys wouldn’t know a big dick if it slapped you in the face.” Derek readjusts his junk, which is currently covered by a cup. “You finally official with her?”

  I nod. “Sort of. I will be.”

  Derek frowns. “What does that even mean?”

  “You’ll see.”

  The game is over and we won.

  No surprise. I was that confident going into it and it was an easy accomplishment. They fumbled the ball in the first two minutes of the game, allowing one of our defensive linebackers to snatch it up and run that ball all the way in for a touchdown. That set the tone for the entire game. We felt unstoppable.

  We became unstoppable.

  It was great and I’m still feeling high from the game, but I’m nervous. I’m out on the field in search of Blair, but when I spot the ESPN reporter heading my direction, I come to a stop, realizing this is my chance.

  The moment where I can make my declaration.

  “Camden, great game today. You were on fire,” she says in greeting, signaling to her cameraman to come closer. She thrusts the microphone she’s holding in my face. “Tell us what it feels like, being one step closer to the divisional championship.”

  “The team came together and we played like a well-oiled machine.” The words fall from my lips and I don’t even have to think about them. I should probably coach Ace on this sort of thing. He’ll have to deal with it next year.

  “Your accuracy was stronger than ever,” the reporter points out.

  “I’ve been working on myself,” I say truthfully, resting my hands on my hips, my gaze still scanning the people milling about. “But this isn’t all about me. We’re a team and they pulled it out today. Especially Rhoades. Did you see that catch he made? He’s the MVP of this game.”

  The reporter laughs, a gasp escaping her when Joey Rhoades himself appears by my side, throwing his arm around my neck and giving me a squeeze. “You bragging about me, Fields?”

  “You know it.”

  The reporter talks to Joey for a few, while I stand there and nod, adding my opinion here and there. I spot the familiar face just when Rhoades is about to take off and the reporter is ready to wrap it up.

  I glance up at the screens that hang above the field, my face on it, recording this moment live. It’s time.

  Clearing my throat, I send the reporter a pleading look. “Can I say one more thing?”

  She shoves the mic back in my face, eager to get more film for their aftertime show. “Go for it.”

  “This is something a little more personal.” I tilt my head to the side, coughing a little like I’m a nervous wreck.

  Which I am.

  The reporter frowns. “Where are you going with this?”

  “I just—I need to tell everyone how I’m feeling and what better shot do I have than right now?” I swipe the mic out of the reporter’s hand and turn, so I’m looking straight at Blair, who’s about twenty feet away, watching me with confusion in her eyes, Natalie right by her side. “Blair Maguire, I’m in love with you.”

  The reporter gasps. Blair’s mouth drops open. Natalie grabs her arm, her eyes wide.

  Even the stadium seems to go quiet, and it’s still full of a lot of spectators. All of them with their eyes on me.

  Shit.

  “I know I’ve been a jerk to you and you’ve had to put up with a lot, dealing with me, but just know that over these last few months, I’ve changed for the better, and it’s all because of you. You’ve made me realize that there’s more to life than just myself. There’s you, and you make my world so much brighter when you’re in it. When you’re with me. I don’t want to do this without you, and I swear on everything I’ve got that I will be the best man I can be for you.” I pause, letting the words sink in, my gaze on her and no one else. I bring the mic closer to my mouth and murmur, “I promise.”

  “Blair Maguire?” the reporter asks. “You mean Knox’s sister? Owen’s daughter?”

  “The one and the same.” I hand her the mic. “Thank you for letting me do that.”

  And then I’m off like a shot headed for my girl—woman—the reporter yelling after me, “I want an exclusive interview with you two, Fields!”

  I ignore her, but she’ll get her interview. It’s the least I can do for her letting me say what I just did.

  It’s only when I’m standing directly in front of Blair when I realize everyone is cheering. They’re as loud as if we just scored a touchdown or won the game—and we’re not even at home. I stop and take it all in for a moment, absorbing their shouts of encouragement. Seeing the smiling faces of my teammates, even Knox, who’s got Joanna wrapped up in his arms not too far away from where we are. He lifts his arm, giving me a thumbs up, and when I finally meet Blair’s gaze, I see that she’s teary-eyed, her lips trembling.

  “Bumblebee,” I start, and a sob escapes her, cutting me off.

  Worrying me.

  “I can’t believe you just did that,” she practically wails. “You told everyone.”

  I’m frowning. “Was that a bad move?”

  “You said you loved me on national TV.”

  “I wanted everyone to know how I feel about you.”

  “They all definitely know now.” She wipes at her face and I go to her, moving her hand aside, so I can gently wipe away her tears. “Cam.”

  “Blair.”

  “You said you loved me.”

  “I do. I love you.” I grab her hands and hold them against my chest, my heart thundering. “I’m in love with you.”

  “I’m in love with you too,” she whispers, and I can’t hold back any longer.

  I grab hold of her face, smearing the already streaked face paint on her cheeks, and kiss her.

  THIRTY-NINE

  BLAIR

  The team went out for dinner after the game in celebration of their win and I went too. So did Joanna. Even Natalie came along because, where else was she going to go, and she was having the time of her life, surrounded by football players and flirting it up with every single one of them. Even Cam, though I didn’t mind.

  I’ve basked in his love and attention all evening. Out of nowhere, he’d just lean over and kiss me on the lips, not caring who was watching. At first, the gesture always set off a reaction from someone on the team, usually Derek. But after he did it a couple of times, it’s like they all grew used to it and didn’t even acknowledge Cam’s gestures of affection.

  Me? I’m not used to it at all. I’m a little shocked every time he leans in, those delicious lips finding mine in a soul-stealing kiss. He’s the sweetest man.

  And he’s all mine.

  When dinner is over, we cling to each other in front of the bus, Cam seemingly reluctant to let me go.

  “I have to ride back with the team,” he murmurs close to my temple before he kisses it.

  “I understand. I get how this works.” I tilt my head back, smiling at him. “I’ve got a lot of experience with this sort of thing.”

  “How’d I get so lucky?” He kisses the tip of my nose and I squeeze him tight.

  “Will I see you later tonight?”

  “I’ll text you when I get back to the apartment. Actually, just go there with Joanna. She has a key.” He smirks. “Knox made the suggestion.”

  “This is weird,” I immediately say, not wanting to think about Knox with Joanna in any sort of way while they’re alone.

  “Get used to it,” Cam says. “They’re together. We’re together. And Knox and I share an apartment. Things are bound to get awkward.”

  Ughhhhhh.

  “Fine. I guess I can handle it.” I shrug, acting nonchalant, and Cam starts tickling me, which has me giggling.

  “Fields!” One of his coaches is standing in the open doorway of the bus and I realize Cam is the last one still outside. “Get your ass on this bus so we can head home.”

  “Wait for me.” He kisses me, his mouth shifting to my ear to whisper, “Naked in my bed. Preferably.”

  He pulls away and I’m blushing. I can’t help it. It’s been a while since we’ve been together, and I’m a little anxious. Things have shifted between us. He’s completely on board. We’re in love. I get the sense things might be a little intense later.

  But I’m more than okay with that.

  Joanna, Natalie and I make the long drive back together, listening to my game-time playlist I put together only last night, singing along with the songs as loud as we can, the music playing full blast. We’re laughing and screaming as we sing, and once the playlist ends, another song starts playing.

  “Mad Woman” by good ol’ T. Swift.

  “Oh my God, I love her.” Joanna turns it up even louder, making Natalie groan.

  “Me too.” But we already know this about each other. I know about the Taylor Swift lyrics tattooed on her skin and think they’re perfection. “But this song isn’t it.”

  It was it a month ago, when I was so pissed at Cam I couldn’t see straight. Couldn’t imagine wanting to be with him. I was that frustrated. That mad.

  That hurt.

  Joanna’s gaze meets mine, her expression serious. “Let’s change it.”

  She hits next and the most perfect song starts playing instead. It’s on the dirty side, but I love it. Plus, Brent Faiyaz’s voice is so smooth.

  The song is called “Dreams, Fairytales, Fantasies” and oh my God, that’s exactly how I feel when I’m with Cam. Like he’s my very favorite dream come true.

  Natalie is singing along with the rap parts, impressively knowing every single word, and Joanna is laughing, bopping her head to the beat. It’s only when the song gets to the chorus for the second time that I realize I’m crying.

  Bawling, really.

  “Oh my God, Blair! Are you okay?” Joanna’s voice rings with concern and she turns down the music, the only sound in the car my sobs.

  “Holy shit, get it together girl,” Natalie mutters, making me laugh in the middle of my sobs.

  “I’m j-just s-so h-happy,” I explain.

  “Yeah, you sound thrilled,” Natalie says.

  Joanna reaches over and tries to smack her, which ends with them struggling. Natalie reaches around me from the back seat, a couple of tissues clutched in her fingers and I take them from her, murmuring thank you as I wipe at my face and nose.

  “I’m serious, guys,” I say once I’ve got myself together. “I’m happy. I swear. I just—that song got to me. The lyrics.”

  “Was it the ‘I’ll put you on a leash’ part? Or the ‘hit it from the back’ part? Because that one is my personal favorite,” Natalie says.

  I’m laughing again, and so is Joanna.

  “I know it’s not what anyone would consider a romantic song, but the entire chorus is just so good. That’s how I feel when I’m with Cam. It’s like a dream.”

  “A fairytale,” Joanna says.

  “A fantasy,” Natalie finishes.

  We all sigh dreamily, and I know Joanna is thinking about my brother, while I’m sitting over here dreaming about Cam.

  “I need to find myself a steady man,” Natalie finally says. “You two are convincing me it’s the right move.”

  “Despite my total emotional breakdown?” I ask, teasing.

  “Hey, what he did for you today was pretty sweet. And a little overwhelming,” Natalie points out. “I’d be a wreck too.”

  “I’m a wreck in a good way,” I admit.

  “Totally,” Joanna chimes in. “I know what you’re going through. It’s the best.”

  I smile to myself, thinking of seeing Cam later. In his room. Waiting for him naked in his bed. Clutching the steering wheel, I bounce in my seat, giddy with excitement.

  Joanna turns the music back up to a normal decibel and we continue chatting, Natalie making us laugh when she keeps telling us stories about the guys during dinner. How she came on to Ace and scared the shit out of him. How she thinks the assistant offensive line coach is hot.

  “He graduated a couple of years ago. Knox and Cam played with him when they were freshmen,” I tell them, which, of course, only excites Natalie even more.

  “I should go after that dude. He’s only a couple of years older. And hot as hell.” Natalie leans in between our seats, fanning herself.

  The music stops, Siri letting me know I have a text from Hottest Quarterback Alive.

  Oh hell.

  “Hottest Quarterback Alive says, ‘can’t wait to see you later’.”

  “Ooooh,” Natalie croons. “You going to answer him?”

  “Do you want to reply?” Siri asks.

  “Yes!” Joanna shouts.

  “Okay, what do you want to say?” Siri asks.

  Before I can respond, Natalie screams, “Can’t wait to see you too, hot stuff.”

  I’m dying. “Hot stuff?”

  “Let it happen,” Joanna encourages. “Send it.”

  I tell Siri to send it when she asks and we’re all still giggling. I don’t think I’ve laughed this much since…when? Forever?

  A few minutes later and there’s another text from HQA.

  “Hottest Quarterback Alive says, ‘I’ve changed my mind. Don’t wait for me in bed naked. Keep my jersey on and nothing else.’”

  Oh God.

  I’m beet red.

  My entire body is hot.

  This is so embarrassing.

  But also funny.

  And a little bit sexy.

  Joanna and Natalie are howling in near hysterics. I check on Nat in the rearview mirror and she’s literally rolling around the back seat, clutching her stomach. Until our gazes meet and she sits up straight, her laughter dying.

  “That’s hot. I want that in my future.” Natalie is dead serious.

  Joanna and I share a look. Even though I want zero details, I think we both have that already.

  “Do you want to respond?” Siri asks.

  “Yes,” I tell her, clearing my throat as she asks me what I want to say. “We’ll see.”

  “Ooh, playing it cool,” Joanna teases.

  “It’s an inside joke,” I tell them, wondering if he’ll get it.

  Deep down knowing without a doubt…

  He will.

  FORTY

  BLAIR

  It’s late and I’m half-dozing, half-awake when I hear Cam’s bedroom door open. I crack open my eyes to watch him creep into the room, closing and locking the door behind him before he leans against it and just watches me.

  My heart threatens to burst. This man.

  I pretend I’m asleep as he makes his way to the bed, removing items of clothing as he does. He bends over me, whispering my name, and I shift a little but otherwise don’t respond.

  I want to see what he’s going to do to wake me up.

  More clothes are removed and he rounds the bed, climbing under the covers until he’s directly behind me, yanking the comforter over us. He’s big and warm and mostly naked, his chest pressing against my back as he carefully slips his arm around my waist, his big hand slipping under his jersey and pressing against my stomach.

  I rest my hand over his, letting him know I’m awake, and he nuzzles my neck, his lips moving against my skin as he murmurs, “You wore my jersey.”

  His hand slides down lower, over my bare ass.

  “And nothing else,” I whisper.

  “I’ve missed you,” he confesses.

  “It’s only been a couple of hours.”

  “No, I mean over the last month.” He pauses. “I thought I lost you.”

  His voice is so serious, and I’m wide awake now. “You didn’t.”

  “Thank you for waiting for me, even when I probably didn’t deserve it.”

  I go stiff in his arms. “Don’t start with that kind of talk.”

  “You’re right.” He kisses my neck. Then my shoulder. “Hard habit to break.”

  I slowly turn in his arms until I’m facing him, streaking my fingers down his bare chest, impressed with all the hard muscle I feel there. I scoot backward, wishing the light was on so I could really check him out, but I can tell. “You are bigger.”

  “I told you.” He sounds proud of himself. “I’m working out all the time.”

  “It shows.” I trace my fingers down the center of his pecs. “Are you tired?”

  “Exhausted.” He kisses my forehead. I like how he can’t seem to keep his lips off me. “But never too tired for you.”

  “We don’t have to—”

  “I have been thinking about you in my jersey, waiting in my bed and nothing else for the entire ride home. We’re doing this.” His voice is firm and he sits up, reaching over to turn on the lamp that sits on his nightstand.

  I hold my hand up in front of my face like I’m a vampire. I’m even hissing. “That is so bright.”

  “I wanted to look at you.” His touch is gentle when he grips my wrist. “Come on.”

  He removes my hand from my face and I let my arm drop to my side, sitting up. Letting him look his fill. His gaze roams over me. My messy bed hair, my sleepy face. The jersey hanging on me. I probably don’t look great. I wonder if he’s disappointed.

  “You look sexy wearing my number,” he practically growls.

  Oh. Wrong assessment on my part.

  “Even though it’s gone from here.” He reaches for me, his thumb streaking across my cheek.

  “I had to wash my face.”

  “I know.” He cups my cheeks, bringing me in for a kiss. “You’re so pretty. I love you.”

  The tears threaten and I try to blink them away. But it just feels so good, hearing him say the words so easily. “I love you too.”

  He frowns. “Why are you crying?”

  “I’m emotional.” I take a heaving, shuddery breath. “It’s been an emotional day. We’re back together. You won your game. You told me you loved me on the Jumbotron.”

  “Pretty epic, am I right?” He raises his brows, his thumbs drifting across my face as he still holds it in his hands.

  I nod, my gaze locking with his. “You didn’t really check to see what I was wearing under the jersey.”

  His frown returns. “Yeah, I did.”