We made it to the semifinals before we met our match. Playing—and losing—that game in the frozen tundra of North Dakota hurt on every single level.
But when I arrived home, I discovered the Christmas present to rival all Christmas presents. Jamaica was in my bed, and all the hurts faded like melting snow.
“Thought you were headed home Friday after the dorms closed for Christmas break,” I said as I closed the door to my room.
“Someone gave me a key to his house and told me I was welcome to use it whenever I liked. I liked to use it Friday night.” She shifted up on her elbow to rest her head on her hand. “I would have enjoyed watching the game on your big TV a whole lot more if the score had been reversed.”
With a grunt, I tugged my hoodie over my head and tossed it over the chair. “I would have liked playing it a whole lot more if the score had been reversed.” My jeans joined my hoodie while my boxers landed somewhere on the floor. “But finding you here makes everything better.” Though I tried not to wince, when my back hit the sheets, it reminded me of the last series of brutal hits I took as both our coaching staff and the defense keyed on me.
“Where does it hurt?”
“Everywhere,” I groaned.
She burrowed beneath the blankets, and my skin rippled beneath her lips as she started kissing her way up my body, beginning with my ankles. By the time she reached my cock, I’d forgotten all about football, hits, bruises, and a lost chance at a national championship. First, she took me with her mouth, demanding that I lie back and let her make me feel better. When I calmed down from the first climax, she started over with those soft kisses, and I thought I’d lose my mind with wanting her. When she climbed on top of me again, she demanded I let her do the work.
Afterward she collapsed on my chest and whispered into my neck, “I never expected to fall in love. Certainly not with a football player. But you had my attention from that first day in Dair’s class when you opened with that cheesy line.” I sensed her grin on my skin. “Win or lose, I love you, Callahan O’Reilly.”
“When I met you, Jamaica Winslow, I scored the most important touchdown of my life.” Wrapping my arms around her and cradling her close to my side, I said the words I knew I’d be saying to her for the rest of my life. “I love you.”