Scoring the Quarterback

by SM Soto

  Fuck me. What the hell is she doing here?

  “Hey,” I rasp.

  “Can I come in?” she asks hesitantly, which makes me smile. I open the door and move out of her way so she can enter. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a white fitted t-shirt—she looks casual, yet gorgeous. She can make the simplest things look beautiful. That’s just Natalia.

  “Sam told me everything,” she blurts once the door closes. “About what you did for me.”

  I turn around to face her and shrug, playing off the seriousness of my decision that day. I could’ve thrown away everything for her, and I wouldn’t even mind. That’s really saying something. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, and if I’m being honest, Natalia means so much more than football. She comes in first place. She always has. It just took me a while to realize it.

  “You punched my dad in the face for me.”

  I wince, tamping down the urge to scrub a frustrated hand down my face. Fuck, I knew that one would bite me in the ass sooner or later.

  “Yeah, I…I…fuck, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  She stares up at me, unblinking, with an odd expression on her face. I can’t place it. My brows knit together as I try to gauge her next reaction. Fuck, I hope she doesn’t try to punch me or something. Although, I’m sure I’d deserve it. That would really throw my winning her over plans out the window.

  I’ve just about set everything up. I have this elaborate plan to get her to forgive me, but seeing her here, in my place? It’s throwing me for a fucking loop.

  “Why?”

  Her question catches me off guard and I frown in confusion.

  “Why did you do it? You could’ve lost everything. So, I want to know why?” She places firm hands on her hips and I stifle a chuckle. Still the same Natalia.

  “Because it was the right thing to do.”

  “Bullshit.”

  She narrows those brown eyes at me, and it feels like she’s looking right through me.

  “Tell me the truth for once, Luke,” she pleads with those big brown doe eyes encased among long, thick lashes—and I cave.

  “Because it was the right fucking thing to do! That’s what you do when you love someone. You give up everything for them. I needed to know you were okay. Nothing else mattered but you in that moment,” I grind out in frustration. There go my elaborate plans, out the goddam window. Her eyes begin to water, and I sigh.

  Fuck me.

  “You love me?”

  I stare down at her, my jaw clenching. She takes a tentative step toward me, then another, slowly closing the distance between us. The air rushes out of my lungs when she cautiously lays her hand against my chest.

  “Please say it,” she whispers, looking up at me with tears dropping down from her lashes. I swallow thickly and close my eyes.

  “I….” I blow out a deep breath and clear my throat. “I love you.”

  When I open my eyes, I find her staring up at me, more tears rolling onto her cheeks. Then, suddenly, she does the unexpected and smiles, throwing herself into my arms. Feeling her body flush against mine, I almost choke on a sob like a little bitch. Wrapping my arms around her tightly, I dig my fingers into her back and I inhale her fruity scent, loving everything about her.

  “I love you, Luke Alexander Caldwell. Even if you are fucking idiot.”

  I chuckle, dropping my chin down and resting it on her head. She burrows her face into my chest, and I never want to let go. Nor do I ever plan on it.

  Pulling away, Natalia grips the back of my neck, bringing my lips down to hers. The second her lips touch mine, I feel whole, like suddenly, everything is right in the world again. The warmth of her mouth makes me groan. I’ve thought about these lips ever since the last time we kissed. She’s all I’ve been able to think about. She tastes like honey and feels like a fucking dream beneath my hands.

  Fuck, I’ve missed her.

  Gripping her face in my hands, I kiss her roughly, like a man starved. I tangle my tongue with hers and relish in her soft mewls of approval. Resting our foreheads together, we both take a second and try to catch our breaths.

  “God, I’ve missed you,” I whisper hoarsely. Her hands tighten around my midsection.

  “I missed you too. So much.”

  She pulls away, looking up at me, and says the last thing I was expecting.

  “Take me to your room, Luke. I…I want to feel you.”

  I freeze, staring down at her with wide eyes. “Natalia…I don’t think—”

  “I want to be with you, Luke,” she says, cutting me off. I blow out frustrated sigh, hating myself for what I’m going to say next.

  “Let me just hold you first. We can get to that later, if you want. I just want to feel you next to me for a while.”

  She smiles up at me. Like really smiles up at me, with eyes shining and lips spread wide into a beautiful, bright grin.

  “Okay,” she whispers, with a slight nod, never once taking her eyes off mine.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Natalia

  “Well smack my ass and call me Judy, look what the cat dragged in,” Sam says with a smarmy smile as Luke and I walk hand in hand into the Bar and Grille. I roll my eyes, flipping her the finger, and continue ignoring her.

  “This makes me so happy,” Aliza says with a big smile on her face. I can’t help but smile back. Luke squeezes my hand, and I know he feels the same way.

  We decided to get lunch together before I start my shift. The last two weeks have been amazing. Things are almost back to normal, but better too. After I came to my senses and drove to Luke’s house two weeks ago, the confrontation went better than expected. We cuddled in his bed and talked for hours. It all came so easily, almost like no time had passed at all. We talked about what happened that night with Gina, and why he felt he needed to tear us apart. Then we talked about where we were supposed to go from there. We both obviously love each other, but how would we build our trust back up? So, we took it slow. We’re still taking it slow, trying to get back to the friendship we once had and still be the couple we want to be.

  He even told me about his elaborate plan to win me over. I was almost sad that I came to my senses so soon. I would’ve loved to see him serenade me while on stage at the Bar and Grille. Apparently, he already had it all worked out with CJ—don’t know how they came to an agreement on that. On one of the nights I was working, he would take place, center stage, and proceed to pour his heart on the line, in front of a bunch of strangers, and beg for my forgiveness. I would’ve paid to see that happen.

  Luke and I sit at a table and order while talking to Aliza. CJ stops by at one point to give Aliza a kiss on the cheek before heading to his office. I’m so immersed in our conversation that I don’t hear the arguing a few feet away from our table until it gets unbelievably louder. Turning around, I internally groan when I see Sam arguing with Alex.

  Here we go again.

  “Oh yeah? Well you’re a stupid fucking asshole! How about that?” Sam shouts to Alex, who’s leaning casually against an empty table, looking as cool as a cucumber with his arms crossed over his broad chest.

  “Samantha, I’ve told you, calling me names won’t change the way I feel,” he says in a sing-song voice, making me smile. Go Alex!

  “Don’t fucking call me, Samantha!” she yells, digging her hands into her hair, yelling like an insane person.

  “Do you think they’ll ever get their shit together?” Aliza asks from her seat across the table. Her eyes are trained on Sam and Alex’s fight too. I cock my head to the side and stare at the two of them thoughtfully.

  “To be honest, I don’t know. But for Alex’s sake, I hope they do.”

  “Don’t worry,” CJ says, sliding into the seat next to Aliza, his eyes also trained on the volatile couple. “Alex is close to sealing the deal. Or so he says.”

  I chuckle as I watch Sam and Alex’s angry hand gestures. “Yeah, looks like he’s real close to sealing that deal, CJ.”
>
  “So, what’s their story anyway? Seems interesting,” Luke says. CJ, Aliza, and I all share a look before we laugh. Luke frowns, and I pat his thigh in a placating manner.

  “Oh, baby, interesting doesn’t even begin to uncover the story between those two,” I say with laughter.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  Two years later

  Natalia

  “So how is everything going with you guys?” Aliza asks from her end of the line, and I sigh contentedly. Lounging back on the bed, I cross my feet at the ankles and stare at the ceiling.

  “Everything’s so great…I met my family.”

  “I’m sorry, what was that?” she asks, sounding completely shocked, and I can’t help but laugh.

  “Luke talked me into it, but I’m so glad he did. I met my mom’s family…well my family, actually.”

  “Wow. That’s just…wow, Natalia. That’s so great. How did it go? Tell me everything!”

  I sigh into the receiver. “Well, Luke was away for football and I couldn’t fly out to see him, so he surprised me by coming home. Before all the contracts and stuff, he wanted to get out and do something one last time without his agents telling him what to do, so we went to Mexico. I don’t know how he did it Aliza, but he found out where my mom’s family lived. I was so scared the day I called, I felt like a complete idiot when I couldn’t talk back to them in Spanish. But all I had to say was my mother’s name and the lady on the other line gasped. She turned out to be my grandma. Long story short, I met up with them, and they’re the sweetest people I’ve ever met.

  “At first, I was so angry at my father for keeping me away from them because we’ve missed out on so much time together, but they explained that he did what he thought was best. I was so emotional Aliza, looking at all the pictures of my mother…having them all tell me I look just like her resonated deeply. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more at peace.”

  Aliza sniffles on her end of the line.

  “That’s beautiful Natalia. I’m so happy for you. Your mom would be so proud of the woman you are today.” I can’t help the smile that tugs at the corners of my lips because I know she’s right. “Have you spoken to your dad at all?”

  I blow out a breath. “Yes. I actually did. After I met my family, I made some time and called him. It was awkward at first. So much time had passed since the last time we talked but…I’m glad I did it. All family, no matter their mistakes is better than no family.”

  “Now that’s what I like to hear!”

  “Except Gina.”

  Aliza laughs. “I figured that much.”

  “How’s everything with you and CJ?” I ask, changing the subject. When she’s silent, I check my end to make sure the call hasn’t dropped.

  “Aliza?” I prod.

  “I’m scared,” she whispers, making my heart drop.

  “Of what, hon? What’s going on?”

  “What if I’m not enough for him?” she asks, and I sigh in relief. Aliza always thinks she isn’t good enough, which is utter bullshit. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to CJ.

  “Aliza, stop it, you know—”

  She cuts me off. “Just listen to me Nat. I know Chase loves me, I really do, but not being able to give him a family…it’s just really starting to get to me. I see the way he looks at other families and it just….” A choked sob erupts on the other line, making my eyes sting with tears.

  “Aliza, you listen to me. That man loves you with or without a family, and you know that. Sometimes having kids isn’t in the cards for everyone. You can always consider adoption, but please, please don’t for a second think he doubts you or his decision to marry you, because I know he doesn’t. CJ loves you, Aliza.” She sniffles into the line then blows out a breath.

  “I know he does. I’m just being stupid and insecure. What’s new?”

  I laugh at her response and hope my best friend can continue living through her happily ever after with no problems—she out of everyone deserves it the most. She’s lived through hell and still made it out unscathed. She’s an inspiration to everyone.

  “When are you guys coming to visit us? We miss you.”

  I can practically visualize Aliza’s pout. It makes me laugh. “Why don’t you guys ever visit us? We’re only in San Francisco. It’s not that far away.”

  “CJ and I have been thinking about it, but Sam would be pissed if we went without her. She’s been super busy lately.”

  “Yeah, I know,” I grumble into the phone. “Too busy to even return my phone calls.”

  “Oh, c’mon. You know she misses you like crazy. I’ll make sure she calls you soon.”

  “Okay.” I sigh. “I guess this is where we’re supposed to hang up now, right?” I laugh awkwardly.

  “I promise, we’ll talk again soon, maybe see you guys even sooner. I love you.”

  “I love you too. Give Sammy my love.”

  “I will.”

  The line goes dead, and I slouch back onto the couch, closing my eyes. This is always the hardest part. Being five hundred miles away from my best friends—my family—my sisters.

  A little over two years ago, Luke was drafted, and picked up by his dream team. The San Francisco 49ers. Since he grew up in Frisco, Luke always dreamed of playing for their team, and I guess, dreams really do come true. We made the successful move from San Diego to San Francisco, with teary goodbyes, but also excitement for future opportunities. So far, Luke has become a shining star on the team. No more than a few months ago, he was considered a rookie, but after his winning catch in the last four seconds of one of his games, landing his team in the playoffs, he’s become somewhat of hero to his teammates, and everyone else in the NFL. He’s now referred to as Luke “The Catch” Caldwell.

  Warm hands slide up my thighs, prompting a smile to spread across my face and my eyes to open. Luke, dressed in basketball shorts, and nothing else, is leaning in front of me with his knees on the floor, and mischievous glint in his eye.

  “You look like you’re up to no good.”

  He chuckles and continues running his hands up and down my thighs in a seductive manner, clouding my brain. God, this man.

  “Who was that on the phone? The girls?”

  “Yeah, well, no. It was Aliza, not Sam—we were just catching up. I’ve missed them.”

  Something flashes across Luke’s face, and he blows out a sigh. “I’m sorry, Babygirl. I know you never wanted any of this.”

  “Hey, hey, hey,” I say, cupping his handsome face in my hands. “I do want this Luke, more than you’ll ever know. If I didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t, and you know that.”

  His full lips purse, like he’s thinking about objecting, so I place a finger over his plump lips, stopping him from saying anything else. “Moving here has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Yeah, it sucks that the girls live so far away now, but nothing beats being with you. I have my dream job here at the university counseling students who want great careers. All my dreams are coming true, babe, so don’t think I’m not happy here, because I am.”

  Whiskey eyes stare at me intently, sending heat shooting throughout my body. The corners of Luke’s mouth tip into a crooked smile. “Have I told you how much I love you lately?”

  I purse my lips, feigning a look like I’m deep in thought. “Hmmm, not entirely enough.”

  “I love you,” he says, trailing kisses up my jean-clad thighs.

  “Still need more,” I taunt playfully. He cocks an eyebrow and that playful glint is back in his eye.

  “What if I did something else to show you I love you?” he asks a in a husky voice that hits me straight between the thighs.

  “That might work,” I breathe. Smiling up at me, Luke undoes the button of my jeans and slowly pulls them down my thighs. For the rest of the day, he proceeds to show me just how much he loves me.

  EPILOGUE

  Seven Years later

  Natalia

  I lean onto the edge of the plush seat, squ
eezing the tiny hand in mine for support as I stare down at the action happening below the glass windows.

  “Mommy?” My daughter’s calm voice penetrates my nervous fog.

  “Hmmm?” I look away from my husband running across the football field down to my daughter. She pointedly looks down at her hand in my vice grip. I immediately let go and wince apologetically.

  “Sorry baby, Mommy’s just really nervous for Daddy.”

  “Don’t be nervous, Mommy. He’s gonna win. He promised me,” Eliana, my youngest daughter says. I force a smile and try to calm my nerves.

  She’s right. He’s got this.

  I shift my gaze back to the game and squeal in elation as Luke catches an interception, taking off down the field. He dodges the other players with speed and agility on his side.

  “Go baby!” I yell shooting to my feet. Luke gets closer to the end zone. The win so close I can taste it. “Come on, come on,” I chant. He crosses the end zone and my heart explodes. I scream in pure elation.

  Holy shit. He did it. He fucking did it.

  Down from the field, my husband points to our viewing box and rests his hand on his chest, over his heart. Tears spring to my eyes in pure happiness.

  He did it.

  “We won right, Mom?” Junior asks from the seat beside me with a huge grin on his face. I nod my head, unable to find words. I’m so proud of my husband.

  “I told you, Mommy! Daddy’s first ring! He won the big bowl,” Eliana squeals happily.

  I look down at her and laugh. “You mean Super Bowl, baby.”

  We gather our stuff and head down to the field to congratulate Luke. The timer goes off and the crowd in the stadium goes wild. Confetti drops from the sky, and “We Are the Champions” blares throughout the stadium. Our kids practically run across the field straight to their daddy. I take my time getting to him, taking everything in. I want to remember this moment for the rest of our lives.

  His first Super Bowl win.