by Kaylee Ryan
I smile after him. I was on fire tonight. My hands like glue every time the ball came my way. With every catch, after every play, I would look up in the stands where I knew she was sitting. I couldn’t always make her out in the crowd with no time to sit and stare up in the stands, but I knew she was there. I could feel her. It makes me sound crazy as fuck, but it’s the truth. It’s like she was out there on that field with me today.
My teammates rush past me, clapping me on the back, and I join in the masses, putting one foot in front of the other. I need to shower and get the hell out of here.
Twenty minutes later, after a speech from Coach, and the fastest shower ever, I’ve got my bag over my shoulder as I hustle to my Jeep. I’m meeting everyone at the hotel just down from my house. I made reservations for a private dining room. I didn’t want to waste time cooking or dealing with fans when all I want to do is spend time with my family. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for my fans, but tonight, I just need to not be Cooper Reeves the running back for the Defenders. I just want to be Cooper.
The drive to the hotel ends up taking twice as long with all of the game-day traffic. I would have thought it would have been cleared out by now, but no such luck. Grabbing my phone, and making sure I have my wallet, I lock my truck and rush inside. A few people call out to me. I give them a wave and otherwise keep my attention on the hostess, who is leading me back to the private dining room.
“What would you like to drink?” she asks me as we step into the room.
“Water is fine, thank you,” I say without looking at her. No, my eyes are locked on Reese. My parents stand and greet me with hugs.
“I’ve missed you so much,” Mom says, wiping her eyes.
“Mom, it’s no different than college.”
“I missed you then too.” She smiles through her tears.
They take a step back as Garrett and Eve stand, waiting to greet me. Garrett shakes my hand, and like my mother, Eve hugs me tightly. “Good game, Cooper.”
“Thanks.” I kiss her cheek and step out of her hold. My eyes find Reese as she slowly stands from the table and walks toward me. I keep my feet planted on the floor, afraid my knees that are weak from the sight of her might give out on me. When she’s within reaching distance, I snake my arm around her waist and pull her into my chest. Both of my arms wrap around her like a vise, and I feel emotion clog my throat. It’s been too fucking long since I’ve held her. I bury my face in her neck and breathe her in. The scent of her favorite perfume invades my senses.
My Reese.
“I fucking missed you,” I say, not bothering to lower my voice. I don’t give a fuck who hears me, not even her boyfriend.
She pulls back and wipes at her eyes. “I missed you too.” She steps back out of my hold and turns to look over her shoulder. “You remember, Hunter,” she says as he stands and walks toward us. He stops behind her, placing one hand on her waist and the other reaches out to shake my hand.
“Good to see you again, Cooper.”
“Yeah, you too.” I have to force the words as I accept his handshake. I watch him closely as I squeeze with everything that I have. His eyes widen, but other than that, nothing. When I drop his hand, he places it on her waist as well. My eyes are glued to how intimately he holds her. I fucking hate it. I hate that he’s here. I hate that she’s his.
“Let’s sit,” Mom suggests. She loops her arm through mine and leads me to the table.
I pull her chair out for her and take the one next to her, Dad sits on my other side. Across the table, Reese is in front of me. Hunter is next to her. I watch as he leans in and kisses her cheek before whispering in her ear. I reach for my glass of water for something to do. I avert my gaze, staring down at my plate. I can’t watch this. I can’t watch them together.
Mom and Dad start talking about the game, with Garrett and Eve chiming in. I answer their questions and do my best to join the conversation without looking at Reese and Hunter. When she giggles, I look up to find him smiling at her. The lovesick look on his face should make me happy that she found someone who seems to worship her. Instead, it does nothing but piss me off. I’ve waited for this day for months. Months. And he’s monopolizing all of her time. This was supposed to be my time with her. I’m aware that my inner self sounds like a five-year-old child throwing a fit, but dammit, I fucking miss her.
All through dinner, he’s touching her. His arm on the back of her chair, pushing her hair out of her eyes, wiping the corner of her mouth. He’s attentive, and in any other circumstance with any other girl, I’d commend the guy, but she’s not just any girl. She’s Reese. My Reese. And he’s hoarding my chance to spend time with her. I just need a minute or two with her, just us before she leaves. Dinner has long since been cleared, and the dessert plates are empty. It’s now or never.
“Reese.” I hate the crack in my voice as I say her name. I take a sip of water and try again. “Take a walk with me?” It’s a dick move, pulling her from our family and Hunter, but fuck it. I need time with her.
She looks at Hunter, and he nods as if giving her permission, and that pisses me off. She’s a grown-ass woman and can do whatever the fuck she wants. She stands, and I rush to do the same, offering her my arm as we leave the room.
“Where are we going?” she asks, looking up at me.
“I’m not sure,” I admit. “I just needed some time with you.”
Her gaze softens when she looks up at me, a gentle smile on her lips. “You missing me that much?”
“Like a fucking limb.” Her eyes widen at my confession. She opens her mouth to reply, but nothing comes out.
I walk down a dark hall until I find a room marked supply closet. This will have to do. Testing the knob, the door opens. I hold it open for her, feeling along the wall for the light switch. The lighting is dim, and we’re surrounded by takeout containers and other supplies.
“Are we going to get into trouble for being in here?” she asks, looking around the room.
“No.” I’m not certain we won’t, but I’ll use my spot on the Defenders to get out of it if I have to. I’m not usually one to pull clout, but desperate times call for desperate measures. “Come here.” I open my arms and love that she doesn’t hesitate to walk into them. I wrap them around her and hold her close. “I’ve missed you so much,” I whisper, my voice thick.
“I’ve missed you too. It’s been… harder than I thought it would be.”
“I’m glad it’s not just me.” I hold her a little tighter, because she’s here and I can. My heart is racing, and my palms are sweaty. I wish I understood what was going on, why I feel this need to keep her close to me, and never let her go.
I don’t know how long we stand here, locked in each other’s embrace. But the ringing of my cell phone has her pulling away. Reaching into my pocket, I pull it out to see my dad’s name. “Hello.”
“Cooper,” he says in his “dad” voice.
“Yeah.”
“Bring her back.” That’s all he says before he hangs up.
“I guess we should get back,” Reese says.
“Yeah, that was Dad. They’re ready to go. Thank you, Reese. For coming today. It meant the world to me. I missed you.” I reach out and tuck a loose strand of hair out of her eyes, tucking it behind her ear. Similar to what Hunter did earlier tonight.
She turns and opens the door, and panic sets in. I don’t want her to leave. I can’t lose her again. I can’t go months without seeing her. I just… can’t. I force my feet to follow her. One foot in front of the other, we make our way back to the private dining room. Hunter eyes us, but he’s nothing but smiles as Reese goes to him, and he wraps his arms around her. I have to fist my hands at my sides to keep from pulling her away from him.
“Have a safe trip,” my mom says, leaning into me. She looks up at me and subtly motions her head toward Reese and her parents.
“Thanks for coming,” I say, my voice tight. “Merry Christmas.”
“You know we love
watching you play,” Eve says, coming over to give me a hug. On autopilot, I wrap my arms around her. “Follow your heart, Cooper,” she whispers before pulling back.
“Cooper.” Garrett holds his hand out for me. “It’s an honor to watch you play, son.” He shakes my hand, and there is something in his eyes, but he moves away before I can describe it.
Then there she is. Reese is standing in front of me, Hunter beside her. “Great game, Coop.” Standing on her tiptoes, she hugs me. I close my eyes and memorize this moment. I don’t know how long it will be before I get to hug her again.
“Thank you,” I choke out.
“Good to see you again, Cooper.” Hunter sticks his hand out for me to shake. I stare at his offered hand for several heartbeats. It’s not until Reese clears her throat that I push my hand toward his and accept the shake.
“Yeah, you too,” I say, and the words feel like sandpaper in my mouth. With another round of waves and promises to see each other soon, the four of them disappear, leaving just me and my parents.
“Cooper.” My dad’s deep voice pulls me from staring at the closed door. I turn to face him. “When are you going to man up and face the facts?”
“What?” I shake my head. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re in love with her.”
“Who?”
“Reese,” Mom says, laying her head against Dad’s shoulder. “You’re in love with her. We can all see it.”
“She’s my best friend.”
“Your mother is mine.” He gives me a pointed look.
“You guys ready to head out?” I ask, ignoring him.
“I’m going to run to the restroom before we go.” Mom gives my arm a soft squeeze as she passes me.
“I’ve watched you with her for years,” Dad says. “We all have. Your mom and I as well as Garrett and Eve. The four of us always hoped the two of you would end up together.”
“What? We’re best friends. It’s never been like that between us.” Except that one night in my room. The one night I’ve replayed a million times since.
“You can be more than that, Cooper. You’re miserable, and, son, I hate to see you like this.”
“I just missed her, that’s all.”
“If you say so. Just think about this. How are you going to feel when he’s more than just her boyfriend? You can’t go pulling her out of the room and disappear with her. You need to listen to your heart. Decide what you want and go after it. I never want you to have any regrets.”
“It’s fine, Dad. It’s just been so long since I’ve seen her. I wanted a minute with her.”
“You keep telling yourself that, and your fists might explode.” He motions to my hands, and I look down to see them tightly gripped at my sides. I release them and stretch out my fingers.
“Ready,” Mom says cheerfully.
“Let’s go home. I’m beat.” I lead them out of the hotel and to my Jeep. The drive to my place is quiet while I think about everything he said. I’ve had people tell us for years they thought we were more. We spent just as much time defending our friendship as we did actually having one. However, it’s never been our families. I’ve never heard my parents talk about Reese and I like that. And Dad telling me they all wanted us to end up together. Have I been wrong all this time? I mean I overheard our mothers a few times. But this… this is different. My heart rate accelerates as I let my mind drift to a dream of living the rest of my life with Reese by my side. She’s all I’ve ever wanted. I always knew, but living without her, well that makes you realize that she’s more than just my best friend. She’s my heart.
At my condo, I say goodnight and disappear into my room. I stare at the ceiling for hours, as thoughts of my time with Reese is on a loop. Every moment I’m dissecting and looking at it from a new angle. I know that I love her, she’s always been special to me. Could we be more than just friends? Grabbing my phone, I flip through pictures of us, and my heart begins to gallop in my chest. Is it finally time for me to admit that I’m in love with my best friend?
Chapter 26
Reese
It’s Super Bowl Sunday and the Defenders are playing. I’m bursting with pride for Cooper and his team. They’ve fought hard this season, and they deserve to play this game. They’re playing the Georgia Panthers. Both teams have gone undefeated this year, and it all comes down to tonight’s game. I called Cooper earlier to wish him good luck, but he didn’t answer. That’s why I’m packing my phone like a pistol waiting for him to call me back.
“Waiting on a call?” Hunter asks.
We’re sitting in my parents’ basement with Cooper’s parents and mine, waiting to watch the game. There are a few other friends of our parents who are here as well. The small kitchenette is covered with food and flows over to a small folding table. There are coolers full of beer and any other drink you can think of. My mom and Ann really went all-out to celebrate Cooper’s first Super Bowl. “Yeah, I called Coop, but he didn’t answer. Just wanted to wish him good luck, you know?” I say, smiling up at him.
“I’m sure he’ll call.” He presses a soft kiss to my lips and goes off to talk with Dad and Cooper’s.
Glancing at my phone, willing it to ring, I sigh and slide it in my pocket, but as soon as I do, it vibrates. I can’t contain my smile when I see it’s him. “Hey, you. I was a little worried I wouldn’t get to wish you good luck.”
“Nah, we had a team meeting. You should know I never miss a chance to talk to my good luck charm.”
“You ready for today?”
“Yeah. I wish you were here, and my parents, but I’m ready.”
“I know. You should see my parents’ basement. Our moms went all-out.”
“I wish my parents could have been here.”
“I know your mom was really upset that they couldn’t make it either. They wanted to be there… but your grandma.”
“Yeah, I know. They’re where they need to be. Close to her. How is she? Have you heard today?”
“Yeah, I went to visit her at the hospital with your mom. There’s no change, really. She’s pretty much out of it. I’m not sure she even realizes that we’re there.”
He sucks in a deep breath and slowly exhales. “Thank you for going with her. I’m going to catch a flight this week and come out to visit. Will you be there?” There’s hope in his voice.
“No. I have to go back to work on Tuesday. Hunter and I both took tomorrow off. We knew we would be here late.”
“Hunter’s there?”
“He is.” Silence greets me. “Good luck today, Coop. Not that you need it. You all have kicked ass all season.”
“Thank you. The season’s over, so we need to plan some time to visit. Maybe a long weekend or something.”
“Sure, we can probably make that happen. I have to give two weeks’ notice for time off at the office, but that shouldn’t be an issue.”
“Reese, I—” He stops. “There are a lot of things that I need to say.”
“Everything all right?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a few things I need to get off my chest.”
“Sure, I’m all ears. Kick ass out there. I’ll talk to you after?”
“Definitely.”
“Bye, Coop.”
“Bye.” He sounds subdued. I don’t know what’s bothering him, but whatever it is, I’ll be there to help him work it out. I’m sure this year has been full of changes and he just needs to talk about them. I mean, he’s in the freaking Super Bowl. He’s living his dream, and I’m sure that comes with a whole host of emotions.
“Hell yes!” Trevor, Cooper’s dad yells as he stands from the couch as we watch Cooper run in his fifth touchdown of the game. With twenty seconds left on the clock, this run secures the win for the Defenders. My best friend is a freaking Super Bowl Champion.
The basement erupts in cheers, and we’re all being so loud I’m surprised it’s not rocking the foundation of the house. He did it. The Defenders did it! Gah! I can’t wait to
hug him and tell him how fucking proud of him I am.
“Can you believe it? He won!” I cheer, leaping into Hunter’s arms. He catches me easily and spins me around.
“Like there was ever any doubt,” he says, smiling down at me.
“You’re incredible, you know that? You support me, no matter what.”
He bends down and presses his forehead to mine. “That’s why you love me.”
“That’s one of the reasons,” I admit.
“Yeah? You have a list?” he inquires.
“We don’t have enough time,” I counter, making him smile. Hunter is a great guy. He’s supportive in all aspects of my life, from work to spending time with my family, and even Cooper and his family. He never questions how close we are. He just accepts it.
“Try me.” His grin is wide.
“Let’s see. You’re handsome, smart, caring. You support me, stand beside me always.”
“Not bad,” he says, nodding. “Can I try?”
“Oh, sure, I mean, if you think you can do better,” I tease.
He smiles. “You’re beautiful inside and out.” He cradles my face in his hands. “You never cease to make me smile, and waking up next to you is something I want to do every day for the rest of my life.” He pulls away and drops to one knee.
“Oh my God. Hunter, wh-what are you doing?” I ask, rattled. My eyes dart around the room, and I see that we now have everyone’s attention. “Reese Latham. You are the love of my life. Will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?”
I hear a gasp and look over to find my mom and Ann, their arms locked and tears in their eyes. I look back down at Hunter, and he’s holding up a round solitaire diamond ring. “Reese, I’ve been carrying this ring with me for weeks, waiting for the right time to ask you. This moment, it felt right. I love you now and will love you always. Marry me?”
My heart is pounding so hard, I’m sure he can hear it. Hell, I think everyone in the room can hear it. Hunter is a good man, and I’d be lucky to call him my husband. I love him, maybe not like I love Cooper, but he and I don’t have that history. In time, we’ll get there. We have a lifetime to figure that out.
