I smile widely and can’t help but sigh as he turns away to talk to some of the other guys.
“You have it bad, girl.” Tasha nudges my shoulder with hers. “And it looks like it’s mutual.”
I shrug smugly and take a sip of my diet soda. “I’m surprised how many fans travel this far.”
Tasha follows my gaze up into the crowd. There are thousands of fans in blue and green gear, cheering loudly.
“Oh yeah, the die-hards follow the team all season. And the groupies, of course.” She smirks and takes a sip of her soda.
“Groupies? Like rock star groupies?” I ask in surprise.
“Oh, honey, you haven’t had to deal with the groupies yet?”
I just frown and shake my head.
“Girls be trippin’,” she mutters and snorts. “It’s disgusting how far they’ll go to try to score with the team, pun intended.”
“Do some of the guys… um…”
“Sure, some do, most likely. Especially the rookies.” Tasha rolls her eyes. “But most of the guys are smart enough to steer clear of those women. They’re just bad news.”
“I had no idea.”
“Well, honey, they’re famous. Not to mention, hot, athletic and rich. Of course women are gonna wanna fuck them, and hopefully catch a ring on her finger.”
“Gross.”
“And dumb,” she nods in agreement. “Which our guys aren’t. Will’s never gone in for that scene, Meg.”
Surprised, I look over at her. “I didn’t think he would.”
“I’m just sayin’.” She applauds as we get another first down. “Are you guys coming out with us tonight?”
“I don’t know, I just got to town last night. I’m not sure what the plan is.”
“Well, the guys usually have to travel back with the team, but since they have the week off for the bye-week, they can do what they want. A bunch of us were gonna go to dinner and maybe if they’re not too sore, do some dancing.”
“That sounds fun.”
* * *
We won, 21 to 7.
I just can’t stop smiling. God, what a rush, to be there in that stadium, watching Will lead his team. He’s so commanding and strong.
Just the way he is with me.
We are waiting in the hotel lobby for our guys. They had to go back to the locker room to shower, deal with the press, and because they’re off for the week, have a short meeting before being turned loose.
I’m texting with Jules when I hear someone shout, “There they are!”
Unfortunately, the press followed us back to the hotel, so photographers are snapping photos of the guys as they push their way into the lobby. There are also fans standing around, hoping for autographs and photos with their favorite players.
Will comes through the doors, looking fantastically delicious in a grey button down shirt and black slacks, his hair still damp from his shower. Flashes are going off all around him, and fans are pushing their way toward him, and to my surprise, he has about four security guards flanking him, holding people back.
His bright blue eyes are searching the crowd for me. When he sees me, hanging back from the crowd, his shoulders relax and he offers me his cocky grin and shrugs. I just nod and wait as he signs some autographs and poses for a few pictures. After pleasing everyone, he stalks toward me, wraps his arms around my middle and lifts me off my feet in a huge hug.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes, babe.”
“Congratulations!” I bury my face in his neck and breathe him in. “You did so great! I am so proud of you!”
“The best part was having you there.” He sets me on my feet and gently tugs the sleeve of the jersey I’m wearing.
“Nice shirt.”
“Thanks.” I smile shyly. “I bought it last week, for just such an occasion.”
Will grins and leans down to murmur, “I especially love that you’re wearing my name on your back.”
“Hey, Montgomery, who’s your lady?”
We pull apart and glance over at the photographer taking our photo. I cringe up at Will and try to slink away, but he holds me tightly against his side and smiles confidently down at me.
“This is my girlfriend, Megan.”
“What’s your last name, sugar?” the photographer asks, but I shake my head.
“Just Megan.”
“Thanks, man.” The guy nods at Will and heads off to snap more photos of the other players.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur up to Will. He frowns down at me, and cups my face in his hand.
“For what?”
“For you being cornered into calling me your girlfriend.”
“You are my girlfriend, Meg.” He laughs down at me and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear.
“But last week, you said,,,”
“Stop.” Now he’s holding my face in both of his hands, and I grip his wrists in mine. It’s as if we’re the only two people in the room. Will’s eyes are sober as he stares intently at me. “I made a stupid judgment call last week. I don’t care who knows that you’re mine. In fact, I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
“But…”
He leans down and kisses me softly, stopping the words, and then whispers against my ear so only I can hear, “You are mine, sweetheart. Get used to it.”
“Ditto,” I whisper back. I feel him smile against my cheek before he kisses my dimple and pulls away, takes my hand, and pulls me toward the elevator.
“I’m hungry. Let’s order room service.”
Chapter Fifteen
“Tiny donuts!” I exclaim as we pass Café Du Monde, a famous place for beignets and coffee. In fact, that’s all they serve.
Will and I are exploring New Orleans. This is where he decided he wanted to bring me for our short vacation. For the past two days, we’ve been exploring the city; the rich history of music and food and culture.
It’s freaking awesome.
“Hell, yes, let’s get some.” Will leads me inside, his hand linked with mine. “Coffee too?” He looks back at me with a smile on his lips.
“Yes, please.” I nod and wait while he orders. “Three orders?” I ask dryly.
“They’re really good,” he answers simply and leads me to a table outside in the shade. Even in the fall, it’s hot here. And humid. But I don’t care.
“So,” I sit across from him at a tiny bistro table and perch my sunglasses on top of my head. “What do you want to do today?”