“The love of my life,” Chance repeats as he and Aubrey join us.
“What about tomorrow’s game? Coach Bateman, any insight?”
“I’m sorry, but that’s a question I’m afraid I’m not willing to answer. The team looks good, and that’s all I’m going to say. Today is about the shelter, about these two amazing women who pour their hearts and souls into this place, and the animals who will hopefully find new homes today.”
A few more rounds of questions that Aubrey and Emma field and we’re free to go. The reporters stick around to get some footage of the animals and the guests arriving, but they leave us alone.
“Hey, you two.” I hear from behind us. I turn to see my parents wearing huge smiles. “Emma, this place is amazing. What a great turnout,” Mom praises.
“Carly, Bryan, this is Aubrey, my best friend and boss, and this is her husband, Chance. Guys, this is Landon’s parents.” Handshakes and “nice to meet yous” are exchanged.
“Put us to work,” Dad speaks up. “We’re happy to help.”
“That’s so kind of you. I think we have it under control right now, but I might have to look you up later,” Aubrey replies.
“Well, we’re going to go walk around. Let us know if you need us,” Mom says, linking her arm through Dad’s and walking toward where the animals are.
“Your parents are great,” Emma says, smiling up at me.
“They are,” I agree. “Back to business. What do you need?”
“Well, that tent over there”—she points to a white tent with tables underneath—“is for you and your teammates.”
“Yo, Barker!” I hear yelled, and I don’t have to look to know it’s Case.
“Speaking of,” I say with a chuckle.
“Oh, it’s the lovely Emma. So nice to see you again.” Case doesn’t give a single fuck that I’m standing next to her with my arm around her shoulders. He swoops in, lifting her off her feet and giving her a hug.
“Release my girl,” I tell him. My voice is gruff, but he knows I’m kidding. Mostly. By the time he puts her back on her feet, Thomas, Kaden, and Jack all step in and do the same thing. They know it’s going to irritate the fuck out of me, which is why I bite my tongue. It’s not until Case mentions Corey that my hackles truly rise.
“My brother’s been asking about you,” he tells Emma.
“Nope. Not happening.” I pull Emma into my chest, her back to my front and rest my chin on top of her head. “She’s taken.”
Case grins. He knows she’s taken. Fucker wanted to get me riled up. Payback’s a bitch, though. I’ll remember this.
“Now that the pissing contest is over, I’ll show you where you’re all going to be.” Aubrey steps in and takes charge. I’m sure she thinks she’s diffusing the situation. It’s not like I’m going to start a fight with my teammates. Although if they were serious, I wouldn’t hesitate. Not when it comes to Emma. I know they’re razzing me to try and ruffle my feathers. It worked.
Bending my head and placing my lips next to her ear, I whisper, “I love you.” I follow it with a kiss to her neck before releasing her and following after Aubrey, Chance, and my teammates.
It’s been over three hours since I’ve talked to Emma. I’ve seen her, my eyes scanning the crowds looking for her, but as far as getting any time with her, that’s been nil. Bad for me, good for the shelter. The turnout has been incredible and from the looks of the smiling kids’ faces packing animals with them to their cars, a huge success.
“So, Emma.” Case grins when there’s finally a break in the action. We’ve been signing autographs for three solid hours.
I nod. “Emma.”
“I told you we should have put bets on it,” Jack grumbles.
“What are you talking about?”
“You see, QB, we knew you were toast the minute you laid eyes on her. We could all see it. We knew it was just a matter of time before she wore you down.”
I throw my head back and laugh. “You think she wore me down? I wish it were that easy. She fought me every step of the way. As far as me being toast, I’ll admit that. At first I was blowing it off that she turned me down. I was persistent and the more time I spent with her….” My eyes scan until I find her. She’s kneeling next to a little girl who has a kitten in her hands.
“He’s a goner,” Kaden chimes in.
“Yeah,” I agree. No point in denying it. There’s not a damn thing wrong with me being in love. I’m not embarrassed by it. If anything, I want to show her off. She’s incredible.
“Hey, guys,” Chance says, walking up to the tent. “Thanks for being here today. I appreciate your support of Aubs and Em.”