“What ever you’re having.”

  She brought us both a glass of champagne. When she took the seat across from me, I watched her. A former model, she moved with elegance grace and elegance. She gave up her career when she meet his dad. They were the original Tom Brady and Giselle Buchen, sort of.

  “We have always been fond of you Carrington.” She took a sip of her champagne and I followed her lead. “Even back at FSU, we could see how Jackson felt about you. Josh was like a son to me. He spent so much time with us growing up. He and Jackson were inseparable. So, when Josh got involved with drugs it broke our hearts. Although he wasn’t our son, we felt a bit responsible. Second guessing if there was anything more we could have done for him, especially after his mother died.”

  She touched the corner of her eye with a napkin and I got teary eyed. I tended to reduce Josh’s legacy to only the part of his life I was involved with. I sometimes forget, Josh had a life and a history well before we met.

  “Mrs. Mitchell,” I reached out and touched her hand. “I can understand that.”

  “We feel a little guilty …thankful that our son turned out the way he did.”

  “I feel guilty because, in a way I’m relieved that Jack doesn’t have to deal with having Josh as a father.” I grabbed a napkin and rubbed my eyes. “Isn’t that awful? To be happy about someone you cared about dying.”

  “Oh sweetie. I understand. It comes with being a mother. You want to save your son from any hurt or pain. That’s natural.”

  “I’ve cause your son so much pain, I’m so sorry.”

  She waved hear hand. “That’s different. It what you two needed to go through to get where you are today. When I saw him, I knew every thing had changed. The only thing you can ask for as a parent is that your children are happy and Jackson is happy.”

  Jack let out a laugh and we both turned and smiled.

  “He really is a good kid. He has such a kind nature.”

  “He can be stubborn and a little spoiled.”

  “Well, he is a Griffin.”

  I laughed and turned to watch my son with Mr. Mitchell. It’s funny how Josh’s death, allowed Jack the opportunity to have even more people in his life who love him and care about him. I wanted to thank her for that and let her know she raised a pretty terrific son herself.

  My face dropped.

  “Carrington, what’s wrong?”

  “As Jack get’s older, I know it only a matter of time before he asks me about his father. I don’t know what to say to him.”

  “Oh, dear. You have to be honest with him.”

  “Yeah, but how honest. I don’t want my anger and pain over Josh to transfer to him. I don’t want to be the cause of any sort of negativity in his life. He’ll get enough of that from the outside world.”

  “You could not tell him, but with the hyper media day we live in and the fact that your dating someone who I have a feeling is going to get even more famous, it’s going to come out. It’s up to you to prepare Jack for when that happens.”

  “Mrs. Mitchell, I love your son, so much. I feel so fortunate that he didn’t give up on me. I want you to know that everything that has happened between us has been all me. Your son has been beyond amazing to me.”

  “Carrington, I know my son. He’s not a saint.”

  “I know, but I didn’t want you to think Jackson did anything but help me heal even if it meant he had to let me go for awhile.”

  “Sweetie, I know my son. He is stubborn and can get dug in on something harder then anything. He has an irrational need to have order in this chaotic world, but he will love you.”

  The way she emphasized the verb loved made me blush. I think she realized how it sound and her face turned red. She sipped her champagne.

  Patrick walked into the suite and grabbed a beer out of the cooler before making a bee line for his mother.

  “Hi Mom.” He hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Hi Carrington.” He gave me a side hug.

  He stood in front of us, took a sip of his beer and we bursted out laughing.

  “What?”

  “Now Patrick on the other hand is a go with the flow kind of guy.” She pinched his cheek.

  “What are you two ladies conspiring about over here?”

  “Nothing,” I said. “We are taking about how great the Mitchell men are.”

  “Damn straight we are?” He held his beer up. “When you date a Jackson, you get all of us. You get that, right?”

  “I’m beginning to understand that.”

  We all headed down towards the seats in the suite to watch the game. I sat next to Jack who sat next to Patrick. By the end to he night, he called him uncle Patrick. It didn’t seem to phase anyone except me. We cheered for Jackson together and I relaxed and looked around the stadium thinking maybe I could get used to this. I felt a great sense of pride when Jackson did well and took on his frustrations when his teammate dropped a ball and his disappointment when he got intercepted in the fourth quarter.

  The team pulled it out in the end and with only one loss on these season, they broadcasters where talking Super Bowl for the Arizona Cardinals. Mrs. Mitchell called it. Being with Jackson was about to get way more complicated. For the first time, I felt I could handle it.

  ***

  After half time, I received the strangest text messages.

  Adam: Wow, I guess you don’t have a problem with football players.

  Mom: You and Jack look so happy today.

  David: Looks like fun. When can I come out for a game?

  Mr. Griffin: Well, that was fast?

  I dialed my mother’s number.

  “Hey, Sweetie, you look nice today.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “At the game, they showed you on television.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah, they were talking about how a member of Jackson’s family have attended every single one of his game and the other guy said, yeah, it looks like he’s adding to his family, too. Sitting next to his mother is his girlfriend Carrington Butler, a local attorney. From what I understand, they met at FSU and recently reunited once he got traded at the beginning of the season.”

  “How do they know that?”

  “Well, I’m sure it didn’t take much research it’s not like you’re invisible and when were you going to tell me you and Jackson were back together.”

  “Mom, I can’t talk about this right now. I’ll call you later.”

  I stood up and walked to the back of the suite. Now the world not only knew Jackson and I were together, but they had a visual evidence as well. I looked over at Jack cheering for the next play. I called my mom back.

  “Did they they mention Jack?”

  “No, he was sitting next to you, but they didn’t mention his name. You think this is going to turn into a problem?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll call you later and tell you what’s going on?”

  “Ok.”

  After the first game, Jackson took his family to Mastros for dinner. Since they started winning, he declared it part of the ritual and they had a table in back reserved for him every home game. The manager, greeted Mrs. & Mr. Mitchell as we arrived. I stood behind them and he did a double take, pushing the Mitchell’s out of the way with his hand extended.

  “Ms. Carrington. It’s so lovely to see you.” I shook his hand and he extended his other hand and grabbed my elbow. The man smiled way to big and winked at me as if in on a secret.

  It seemed the entire world were let in on to a big secret, my secret. We took a seat and I took out my phone.

  Carrington: Text me when you get here. I want to talk to you before we join the others.

  Jackson: Pulling in now. Are you ok?”

  “Will you guys excuse me?” I waved my phone. “I have to handle something real quick.”

  “Sure,” Mr. Griffin said.

  Goosebumps popped up all over my skin as I walked through the restaurant. The world was watching me.

  I found Jackson outside talking to some people and signing an autograph. My nerves disappeared. Her wore a dark grey suit with red pen strips in it. The coat fit him so well. It must have been tailored. He wore a white shirt and a dark red tie. I watched him deal with the people with grace. He answered all their questions and sighed a program from today’s game and a jersey. As he signed, he looked over at me and winked.

  “Excuse me guys,” he said as he approached me.

  He leaned over and kissed me on the lips and then pulled me into a hug.

  “You ok?” he asked.

  “I am now,” I said and sighed in relief inhaling the sent that is unique to Jackson. I held him tighter.

  “Come one, let’s go inside.”

  I wasn’t ready to join the group yet, but we couldn’t talk out here. If he stayed out here any longer, we would never get in side as people worked up the nerve to approach him. He laced his fingers in mine and pulled me into the restaurant.

  “Hi Jerry,” Jackson said to the manager as we entered.

  “Jackson, hell of a game today, my friend. Hell of a game.”

  “Thank you.” He shook the guys hand, “listen, is their some place private I can talk to my girl.”

  “Sure. Follow me.” He leaded us down a hall way and we entered a private dining room.

  “I’ll make sure you’re not disturbed.” He winked and closed the door.

  “Oh my God, that guys thinks were going to have sex in here,” I said.

  A grin spread across Jackson lips and my insides tingled. It might not be a bad idea. Jackson approached me and as soon as he had me in his grasp, he pulled me to him and placed a kiss on my lips that I felt in my toes. I moaned as his tongue and hand explored me like new land to discover. He had touched my body everywhere, but it felt different every time.

  He cradled my chin in his hands and tilted my head to kiss me deeper, slower and more deliberate. He ended the kiss with a series of little packs on my cheek and my ear.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I blinked and leaned back against the table.

  “I just all of a sudden realized you were famous.”

  “What?” He pulled back.

  “And, now I’m famous, too.” I sat on the table and I looked into his eyes feeling confident to continue to tell him my issues and I knew he wouldn’t judge me, only do what he could to help. I smiled a grin, which he liked because he leaned over and kissed the side of my lips.

  “What happen?”

  “They showed us on television and introduced me to the world as your new girlfriend.”

  “Oh, baby. I am so sorry. I didn’t know they were going to do that.”

  “I know, but it makes me nervous. Like now that the whole world knows we are together, they are going to feel free to make comments about it.”

  “I’m sure no one even paid attention to it.” I unlocked my phone and showed it to him.

  He read the text messages. Another one came in while he read.

  “Wow, Kayla’s pissed.” He showed me her message.

  Kayla:

  I should have called her, but she’s the one who hung up on me.

  “Besides that, did you have a good time at the game?”

  “I did. Your parents are awesome. They made me feel welcome and even though you told them too, it seemed sincere.”

  “I didn’t tell them to exactly. I told them how I felt about you. They had no choice. You’re not going anywhere,” he said as he stood between my legs.

  “You told the suite attendant you’re in love with me. I bet that was super awkward for him.”

  “Yeah, no, with him, I promised him cash if he was nice to you.” I placed my hands inside of his jacket and around his waist. I pulled him close. “You know we could.”

  Jackson pressed into me. As I opened my mouth to protest, he kissed me.

  I pushed him away, “You’re family is waiting.”

  We had a great time at dinner. I loved hearing stories about Jackson. Jack wore himself out, he feel asleep as soon as we got him to the car.

  Jackson hugged his parents who were catching a flight this evening. Patrick and Brenden where heading out and begged Jackson to join them, but he had other plans.

  Jackson followed me home. He carried Jack upstairs and put him to bed. When he leaned over and kissed Jack on his forehead and whispered, “Sweet dreams, buddy.” I melted into the floor.

  Back downstairs, we headed straight to my room. I undressed him, removed his jacket and tie. I unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. He had a red bruise on his left side. I touched it an he winced. I leaned over, “What happened?” I kissed it.

  “That final tackle when I scrambled in the fourth quarter.”

  “Yeah, you should have thrown it away.” I smiled and kissed his bruise.

  “Now you’re giving me game advice.”

  “Maybe.” I tilted my head up and watched his eyes glaze over as I touched him through his pants.

  I unbuttoned his pants and they fell to the grown. Jackson kissed me as he reached down and pulled my dress up over my head. As our lips separated, he pushed me down on the bed. He kneeled at the foot of the bed and pulled me to the edge. He removed my my panties and touched me.

  “God I love the way you feel.”

  He pressed them inside of me and I groaned as he kissed my thigh.

  I sat up and his fingers plunged deep her, “Come here.”

  I grabbed his chin and he leaned up to kiss me and his fingers worked me and brought me over the edge. I moaned into his mouth as he kissed me. I collapsed onto the bed and felt Jackson kiss me as he worked his way up my body.

  “I love the way you taste, too.”

  I squeezed him tight as he laid on me, but he winced. “Oh God, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s ok.” He lifted himself up. “Roll over on your side,” He said as he guide me to face away from him. He entered me from behind and we both laid our heads on the pillow and remained still. Jackson kissed the back of my neck, I took his hand and kissed it and let his hand rest on my breast. He squeezed it and started moving inside of me. I whimpered with every thrust. I tried not to move to much. I didn’t want to hurt him, but he didn’t seem to care. He got fast and harder and it didn’t take much to push me over the edge. I felt Jackson breath increase as he got close and I guided his hand down to touch me and that all it took.

  “Oh God.” He played with me and brought me to orgasm again.

  I turned around and found his lips and kissed him even while my orgasm subsided.

  “Thank you.” I whispered.

  “What are you thanking me for?”

  “For today, for loving me. For ensuring I don’t grow into a bitter lonely old lady.”

  “Are you proposing to me?”

  “No, I’m serious.” I pushed myself up to look into his eyes and draw the comfort they offered. “Thank about it. I was a little upset abut the television thing and as soon as I say you, we talked about it and I felt safe and secure and if this is a glimpsed into what life will be with like, I want it. All of it. I want you.”

  Jackson searched my face. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for.

  “What?”I asked.

  “I’m sorry. You just continue to surprise me.”

  “Is that too much? Did I say too much, too soon.” I lowered my head and tried to breath through the anxiety attack building in my brain.

  He placed his hand over my heart and I looked back up. There is something about when he places his hand in that exact spot, all is right with the world.

  “I love you, Carrington. I’ve been waiting for you for seven years. It’s never too much, too soon when it comes to you and me.”

  I leaned in to kiss him. He fell back on his back and I cuddle up next to him and we both feel fast asleep.

  The alarm woke me. I rolled over and Jackson had already left. I crawled towards the edge of the bed and unlocked my phone. It opened on the notepad.

  He beautiful. I didn’t want to wake you, but I wanted to see Patrick before his flight at 7 am. I didn’t get a chance to thank you, too. Look at how far we’ve come. I love you. I’ll call you later.

  I leaned back and read the message. Lingering over the I love you part. We had come a long way. Being open and honest convinced me we could handle anything together.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jackson Latre Mitchell

  I pulled myself out of bed and away from Carrington’s nakedness pressed against me. I would rather wake up to her then the sound of my phone, ringing in the other room where I left it. I kissed her on the forehead, put on my clothes and walked out to the other room to catch it before it work anyone up.

  Michael: Jack, call me a soon as you can.

  It was two am.

  “Hey Michael, don’t you sleep?”

  “Hi Jackson, it could have waited until morning?”

  “Well, why didn’t you say that in your text message.”

  “Oh, yeah, sorry about that.”

  “Well, I’m up now. What’s going on?”

  “Listen, this is probably nothing, but someone contacted our office from the Democrat. You know that piece I told you they were doing on you, local college hero made it to the NFL type of stuff. We’ll they sent us the questions a few days ago, but last night I got additional questions. I guess triggered by Carrington national television debut. Thanks for telling me by the way. Anyway, the questions leaned towards the story of you and Josh and Carrington and how you all met.”

  “Well decline the interview.”

  “I can, but you know. Maybe we can spin this to make it come out good for you … and for Carrington. I’m afraid if we decline or ask them to stick to the original questions they will kind of run with the story and they are in Tallahassee, they may find it worth it to dig more.”

  “I don’t believe this.” I thought about Carrington telling me how great we were and how she wanted me for the long haul. My status brought up her past, the thing that threaten to keep us apart in the first place.

  I headed over to Carrington’s office after the team film session.