Page 77 of The Way We Touch
My heart jumps to my throat, and a breath hiccups in my lungs. Nobody knows it’s for me, but my ears are hot anyway. Automatically, I twist my fingers at my side, even though he can’t see me.
They talk to the coach and the quarterback before sticking a mic in Logan’s face and asking if he’s going to make history this season.
“That’s the plan.” He grins, and his voice squeezes my stomach.
His eyes glitter, and he’s so sexy. I can tell he’s riding the high of their win, and I think for the first time, it would be so good to be there with him.
“Everybody get together for a photo!” Craig calls, and we bunch up with the screen behind us as he takes a selfie. “I’ll send it to the group chat.”
“We’ve got to get home. School tomorrow.” Allie gives me a hug. “See you there.”
“Thank goodness for afternoon classes.” I’m only half-joking.
The way my heart beats out of my chest, I don’t know how long it’ll be before I’m calm enough to sleep, and I have a phone date with Logan.
“One down, sixteen to go.” Craig wraps an arm around my shoulders. “And that’s not counting the playoffs or the big game.”
“Sixteen…” My chin drops, and he rolls me into his chest. I can’t help it. I start to laugh. “I’m going to need medication.”
“You okay?” Jack’s deep voice is optimistic, and he puts a hand on my shoulder.
“Why do I feel like I just played football for four hours?” I laugh, and he grins, giving me a squeeze.
Kimmie is asleep on her daddy’s shoulder. “Danielle was always on edge during the games.”
“That’s because everyone hated her,” Craig quips, and I elbow him in the side.
My brother is unfazed. “Try not to let it get to you. We live for these games. It’s a high you don’t find anywhere else.”
“You did it right, though.” I put my hand over his.
I don’t elaborate how my brother retired before any serious injuries out of consideration for Zane. He’s not quite “in the light” yet, although working for Miss Gina seems to have improved his spirits. He still disappears at times.
“I had more important things to consider.” Jack puts a large hand on his daughter’s back, and I know what he means.
My oldest brother has always prioritized taking care of his family.
“You’re a good daddy.” I grin, giving him a hug and rubbing my niece’s little back.
“Glad you finally came around and joined us.” Zane limps up to where we’re standing, a welcome grin on his handsome face. “We’ll get you through the season, don’t worry.”
“You’d better.” I tease, sliding my hand in the crook of his arm. “I’ll see you back at the house.”
They all head out, and I fall back to close up the restaurant. Then I have a FaceTime date with my man.
17
Logan
Energy surges through my lungs, and I’m surrounded by my brothers on the field. We’re hot and sweaty and fired up and starting off strong. I caught ten passes for two touchdowns, but only 190 yards. It’s not the best, but it’s pretty damn good.
A few of their linemen tried to play dirty, but Garrett was right with me the whole time blocking them.
Craig made a group chat and sent a photo of all the gang watching at Cooters & Shooters. Dylan was right in the middle wearing a huge smile and my Number 12, and pride surged in my chest. Damn, she looks good in my jersey.
I’m fast on the field, but I’m even faster getting cleaned up and changed and in the black SUV taking me to my place. The guys are all going out tonight to celebrate our win, but I’m headed to my apartment for a date with my girl.
I grab my iPad Pro and quickly pull up her number. When her bright smile appears on the screen, my entire body relaxes. She’s sitting in her bed still in my jersey with her hair down and her legs crossed. Her pretty eyes shine, and when she smiles, she steals my breath a little.