Page 66 of The P*ssy Next Door

Willa tilted her head, her brow furrowed. “Oh. Right. I hadn't really thought about how there's always football on Christmas Day. I guess that's your family playing. So you don't do Christmas?”

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “We do. The whole family gathers in the suite at the stadium, whichever we're playing in. We watch the game, exchange gifts, eat way too much food. It's kind of our thing.”

She smiled, her eyes soft. “That sounds amazing. I love that you all have that tradition.”

“It's silly, but... we have this white elephant gift exchange. And everyone always saves the worst gifts for whoever is playing, as a kind of joke. We save them for when everyone is together that night.”

Willa laughed, her nose crinkling in that adorable way I loved. “Okay, that's actually hilarious. What kind of gifts are we talking?”

I grinned, memories of past Christmases flashing through my mind. “One year, Declan got a singing fish trophy. Chris ended up with a 'Buns of Steel' workout DVD. And Everett... let's just say there was a bedazzled jockstrap involved.”

She snorted, her body shaking with mirth. “No way. Please tell me there are pictures.”

“There are definitely pictures. Blackmail-worthy pictures.” I sobered, my smile fading. “I guess I'm just feeling a little left out, knowing I'm going to miss all of the fun up in the suite, while I’m on the field, this year.”

I cleared my throat, my heart pounding. “And I was hoping... I mean, I would love it if you were there. With me. With us.”

Willa's smile faltered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “Hayes, I... I don't know. It's just, my family...”

I reached out, taking her hand in mine. “I know, and I understand how important your family is to you. I would never want to take you away from them, especially during the holidays. They're invited to come too.”

She relaxed slightly, her fingers intertwining with mine. “Thank you for understanding. It's just, it's been so long since we've all been together for Christmas. My mom's been planning this big family dinner, so I don't think they'd...”

I fought back the sinking feeling in my stomach, Trixie's and Jules's words echoing in my head. “Of course. I get it. But Willa, I want you to know that you have a choice here. You don't have to do anything that doesn't feel right to you, even if it means disappointing your family.”

Willa blinked, surprise flashing across her face. “What do you mean?”

I sighed, gathering my courage. “I just... I've noticed how much pressure they put on you sometimes. Xander with all his last-minute plans, your mom with her expectations. It's like they don't want you to have a life outside of them.”

She stiffened, pulling her hand away. “That's not fair, Hayes. They're my family. They love me.”

“I know they do,” I said quickly, trying to backtrack. “And I'm not saying they're doing it on purpose. But sweetheart, you deserve to be happy, to make your own choices. Even if those choices don't always line up with what your family wants.”

Willa was quiet for a long moment, her expression conflicted. “I hear what you're saying,” she said finally, her voice soft. “And maybe you're right. Maybe I do let them pressure me sometimes, let their needs come before my own. I just don't want to be a disappointment to them.”

I reached out, cupping her face in my hands. “You have such a big heart, Willa. It's one of the things I love most about you. There's no way you could ever disappoint anyone. But you have to take care of yourself too.”

She leaned into my touch, her eyes glistening. “I know. And I want to be there for you, Hayes. I want to start our own traditions.”

I felt a rush of relief, of love so strong it stole my breath. “Yeah?”

She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah. So here's what I'm thinking. I'll go to my parents' house in the morning, do the whole presents and breakfast thing. But then I'll come to the game, be there to cheer you on and kiss you senseless when you score the winning touchdown. And save the best worst white elephant gift for you.”

I laughed, joy bubbling up inside me. “That sounds perfect. And Willa? Thank you. For hearing me, for being willing to find a compromise.”

She leaned in, brushing her lips against mine.

I kissed her back, pouring all my love, all my admiration into the press of my lips. “Always,” I murmured against her mouth. “I'm always going to fight for us, Willa. For you. No matter what.”

Part of that fight meant that I let her family have her as much as they wanted Christmas morning, knowing I'd get her at the Christmas Day game and that night. Our next game was away, and I didn't even ask if she could travel with me. But you'd better believe we fucked like rabbits the days I did get her.

Maybe there was something to the idea of playing better being in love. Christmas morning I texted Willa, who'd stayed over at her parents the previous night, that I loved her and to have a good day. And then I ran onto the field ready to have a killer game.

And a tough one it was. The Dawgs were out for blood, specifically mine. Their defense was a wall of muscle and aggression that seemed impenetrable. We were well into the fourth quarter and tied at three each.

But I was in the zone, my mind crystal clear and my body humming with adrenaline. I hoped Willa was having fun with my family and loved knowing she was watching, like a warm glow in my chest urging me on.

The clock was ticking down, and it was time to make something happen. In the final seconds, with everything on the line, Chris called the play.