Lucky Catch: A Quick Snap Novella

by Lea Coll

  The referee yelled, touchdown.

  I surged to my feet, breathing hard, and a little stunned. Will ran toward me, yelling as he slapped my helmet.

  Will went into the short dance we’d choreographed. After a few seconds, I fell in step with him. Joy surged through me as I celebrated with my team. This was it. I belonged here. It had everything to do with me and the effort I put in.

  After the celebratory dance, I ran off the field for the extra point kick, clutching the football.

  I searched for Lexie on the sidelines. She hit me with a smile and a thumbs up. I wanted to hand her the ball. Tell her I’d done it, but it would have to wait.

  The rest of the game was surreal. I caught another long pass setting the team up for a touchdown on the next play. Coach Phillips was pleased. The feeling I was part of something huge persisted. It was my parents, my fans, my teammates, and Lexie. I needed these people in my life.

  I knew with stunning clarity that we’d made the right decision to not keep our relationship a secret anymore. Would it hit the headlines? Maybe. Would anyone care about it if we stayed together for a while? Probably not. We’d prove we were the real deal and any harsh words would fade with time.

  At the end of the game, we headed off the field. Will spoke to Lexie first as expected, but then he gestured for me to join him.

  Will put his arm around my shoulder. “Today wouldn’t have been possible without this guy.”

  “I have to admit you guys are magic together,” Lexie said, her smile contagious.

  “I don’t know about that,” I teased.

  “Believe it. Great game today, Keller.” Then Will was gone leaving me with Lexie.

  “Tell us what you thought when you caught that ball for your first professional touchdown?” Lexie turned as if she wanted to block the camera.

  “In that moment, I was only thinking of catching the ball and protecting it.”

  “Did the tackle from a few games ago enter your mind?”

  “I’m not going to lie, I thought about it, but my job is to go out there and catch the ball. Protect it and take the hit.”

  “And what about your victory dance—how long did you and Will practice that?” Lexie’s tone was playful as more players gathered around us anxious to talk about the win.

  “For a while, actually. Will is pretty serious about his post-touchdown celebrations.”

  Lexie smiled.

  I knew it was her. Not the act she put on for the camera. “I wanted to come over and celebrate with you.”

  Her eyes widened.

  “I want to tell everyone you’re my girl.” I hoped I wasn’t fucking everything up. We hadn’t discussed how or when to tell everyone about us.

  “So, you think now’s a good time?” Her voice was quiet, but she smiled and tilted her head. Her eyes filled with mischief.

  “Sorry about this.” Was the only warning I gave before I dropped my helmet on the ground, wrapped her in my arms, and lifted her like I wanted to do after my touchdown. She squealed and then she was laughing. Her hair fell down around us.

  I sensed Bill’s camera following our movements as I let her slide down my body to the ground. I held out my hand to cover Bill’s camera and cupped her cheek with the other. “I hope you’re not upset, but I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I’ve fallen for you, and I want the whole world to know.”

  “Oh, Gavin.” Her eyes teared up. “I’m not mad. I’m so happy.”

  “Good.” Then my mouth was on hers. Cheers erupted around us. It was only our first game, but I looked forward to many more victories. She made everything better. I could handle anything with her by my side.

  Epilogue

  Lexie

  It was the last game of the regular season. Gavin was riding the bench. All the starters were because no matter the outcome of this game, Seattle was in the playoffs. The season had been an amazing whirlwind.

  Between the interview and Gavin declaring his love for me at the end of the game, the fans adored him. A philanthropist and a romantic—he could do no wrong in their eyes. He was no longer referred to as Brooks Keller’s son or Jake Keller’s younger brother. He was Seattle’s starting wide-receiver and when the commentators referred to Will and Gavin, they used my word to describe them—magic.

  We grew closer over the last few months, proving we could handle the pressure of our first season together. I continued to prove my worth with each interview.

  Janine backed off after our public declaration because we weren’t hiding anything and our relationship fascinated fans and entertainment news outlets. Adam talked to me after the first game to say the front office was pleased with the interview and wanted to do more like it, highlighting each player, their personal life, and any causes they supported.

  We were the football sweetheart couple everyone loved. I didn’t let the attention get to us. I just wanted to be with him now and maybe forever. Only time would tell.

  When the clock ran out, the crowd erupted in cheers, excited to be going to the playoffs. Gavin high-fived his team, spouting encouragement, and praise. He was no longer keeping his head down. He was a leader. When the team drifted toward the locker room, I interviewed the veterans about their hopes for the playoffs.

  When I was done, I found Gavin waiting for me. “Hey, you. Want to be on camera?”

  “No. I literally did nothing to deserve any camera time today.”

  I tilted my head slightly and gazed up at him. “I’m glad you have your ego in check.”

  His lips tipped up in a smile, his eyes glinted as if he knew something I didn’t. “I do have one thing to say that might be camera-worthy.”

  “Oh yeah? What’s that?” I thought maybe he’d hand me the game ball or kiss me, but instead Clay slapped his shoulder, dropped a black box in his hand, and said, “Good luck.”

  Clay winked at me before he back away, leaving us alone.

  “What’s he talking about, Gavin?”

  “This.” Then he dropped to his knee, his helmet on the ground next to his foot, and he popped open the velvet box. My hands flew to my mouth as the ring sparkled in the afternoon sun.

  “Gavin—” Tears threatened to spill over as Gavin said, “Alexandra. The luckiest catch I made was meeting you in training camp. Nothing else can compare to the magic that is you and me.”

  I shook my head in disbelief.

  “I love you. I don’t want to wait another second to make you my wife. Will you marry me?”

  “Oh, yes. Of course.” I dropped to my knees in front of him and kissed him. He was sweaty and smelly, but he was all man.

  “I love you,” I said as I pulled back slightly so he could slide the ring on my finger. It was a diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds. “I love it.”

  “And I love you.” He kissed me one more time before helping me to stand. He turned to Bill, who’d I forgotten was there. “Did you get it on camera?”

  “Sure did.”

  “You planned this?” I don’t know why I’d asked when it was so obvious he had. I loved that even though football used to be the most important part of his life, he’d included me.

  “Of course. I wanted to propose in the same spot where I declared I’d fallen for you in September. I don’t think I’ll ever stop falling for you. I’ll never get enough.”

  “Me neither.”

  “You’re it for me. Whether we go to the championship game or not, I’ll always be a winner with you.”

  I jumped into his arms and wrapped my legs around his waist. I didn’t care who was watching. Gavin was mine forever.

  The Quick Snap Novella Collection

  To learn more about The Quick Snap Novella Collection, click here: https://www.ladybosspress.com/quick-snap

  Acknowledgments

  To Kristen Proby for giving me opportunities I would not have had otherwise, specifically to write about football (which I love) and to pick out a shirtless man for a cover. Also, for being great to work with, an amazing ment
or, and a friend.

  To my family for continuing to support me in this dream, especially my husband who continues to be my biggest supporter.

  To my beta readers, Pat, Kendra, and Christy who are brave enough to read my books before the final edits.

  To Tammy and Evelyn who take the last look at my words before I release them into the world.

  To all of the bloggers who read, reviewed, and shared my books. To those who’ve been with me from the beginning and to those who just discovered me. I appreciate your enthusiasm, your love for my characters, and excitement for the next book.

  To all of the readers who read and reviewed my books—I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know. There’s nothing better than connecting with readers. To know that something I wrote resonated with you. I read for an escape. I hope you enjoy being in the world I created for a little while.

  About the Author

  Lea Coll worked as a trial attorney for over ten years. Now she stays home with her three children, plotting stories while fetching snacks and running them back and forth to activities. She enjoys the freedom of writing romance after years of legal writing.

  She grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and currently resides in Maryland with her family.

  Books By Lea Coll

  All I Want Series

  Choose Me

  Be with Me

  Burn for Me

  Trust in Me

  Stay with Me

  Take a Chance on Me

  Annapolis Harbor Series

  Only with You

  Lost without You

  Perfect for You

  Boudreaux Universe Novel

  Easy Moves

  Download a free novella, Swept Away, when you sign up for her newsletter.

  To learn more about her books, please visit her website at:

  https://www.leacoll.com/books