Chapter Twenty-Four

 

Reece's magic on the field always impressed Ian. His quick reflexes stopped the other team from scoring numerous times with cheers from the bleachers to encourage his performance. Aubrey brought her camera and snapped a few shots, promising Reece beforehand she'd email him the copies so he could share them with his friends. The park where Reece's team played had bleachers situated at both sides of the field for the parents and onlookers to sit on as they watched the game. With both teams evenly matched, the tension rose a few notches as both teams' onlookers cheered and stomped his or her feet in anticipation of who would win.

The referees weren't letting anything slide today. They called everything and anything they deemed a foul. The referee with the dark hair stationed on their side of the field raised the flag and the game skidded to a halt.

"Oh come on, Ref!" Ian stood and shouted when the referee pointed to Reece, claiming he purposely stepped on a player. "Are you blind? The guy tried to trip Reece and ended up underneath him," Ian offered his opinion with a few of the parents around him clamoring in agreement.

The ref turned and pointed to him, his eyes pinning him down. "You in the bleachers. One more word out of you and your team will forfeit. Am I clear?"

It had only been the third time he spoke his opinion and it was duly needed, but Aubrey placed a hand on his arm, hoping to quiet him.

He glanced at her. "You saw it, didn't you?" He pointed toward the field.

"I did." She tugged on his arm again, and he plopped down with a huff of indignation. She slipped her arm through his, giving him a nudge as she leaned into him. "Don't worry. Reece's team is still ahead even if the other team makes this kick."

Every muscle in Ian's body was tense and ready to spring. He took a deep breath and let it out again. "Sorry for being so riled up," he apologized as he waited to see how the other team faired.

"No need. It's fun to watch you."

Ian's gaze riveted to hers and found her grinning at him. "Yeah, is that so?" She looked cute with her floppy straw hat and wisps of golden hair peeking out. His gaze shifted to her lips, pink and soft and too tempting to ignore. He leaned down and kissed her, not caring who watched them.

Shouts of encouragement and stomping feet pulled them apart. They both stood to find out what happened. Reece stole the ball and was high-tailing it down the field. He kicked the ball and it flew by the goalie, scoring. A roar of shouts rose. The man behind Ian pounded on the bench and whistled with two fingers in his mouth. The long high-pitched trill rang like a blow horn, deafening them. Aubrey didn't seem to care as she jumped up and down and clapped her hands.

"That was unbelievable."

It was. Ian stared at her, loving the sound of her laugh and loving the way she genuinely enjoyed being here to cheer for his brother. He could imagine more days like this one, with them together as a…family. He swallowed the lump in his throat. It had been a long time since he thought of having a woman in his life, one who would accept his brother, too. He raised Reece as if he was his own child. If he settled down with one woman, she'd have to be willing to accept the whole package.

Would Aubrey stay if he asked? She lived in Seattle, too far to commute. Would she even consider relocating? Would he? Yes, if he could hire someone reliable to help out his granddad at the inn. Aubrey loved her job, the passion showed in her writing. There was always the possibility she could keep her job and live here, too. She told him how she loved California's weather. Couldn't most of her work be sent by email?

He was probably getting ahead of himself here, but the excitement of the game and her sharing the day with him had him hoping for the future.

She turned and threw her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. God, she felt so warm and soft and her special scent, all hers, filled his senses.

She didn't leave his embrace but pulled back to look at him, still grinning from ear to ear. "Thanks for letting me share this with you."

"You're welcome." But it was he who should be thanking her. He couldn't remember the last time he felt contented to have a woman at his side.

They didn't move, her incredible eyes studying him with solemn interest. Their bodies were pressed together, and for a moment, the cheers and cries of triumph receded until all he could hear was their breathing. All he could feel was the beat of her heart thudding against his chest. He tipped her hat back and leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. He recognized the rugged heat, the sweet roll of desire and deepened the kiss.

"Hey, Quinn, do you mind taking a seat, pal."

Brian Duffy's gruff voice broke the spell and they pulled apart. Aubrey chuckled and covered her mouth with her hand.

Ian turned toward Brian with his palms up. "Duffy, give a guy a break, will you?"

Brian waved an annoyed hand at him. "Not when you're blocking my view, I won't."

Aubrey yanked on his arm and pulled him down to sit next to her. She leaned against his arm and looked up at him with a wide grin. God help him, he still loved this woman.