Axel
I breathe in the salt water and sunshine and plant my surfboard in the sand. Narrowing my eyes, I scan the ocean for my woman, and I grin when I see her. She’s clad in a sleek black wetsuit, but I know, underneath, she’s rocking a sexy-as-fuck green bikini. Maisy catches a wave and I pause to take it in. Damn, seeing her on that surfboard, riding the waves as fearlessly as she rides my dick—okay, sorry, that was a bit much. But man, she is a goddess.
So much so, that I lay my board down and sit on it, wanting to watch Maisy in her element. To appreciate her determination and soak up her joy. She pumps her fist in the air when she reaches the shoreline. I pump mine back.
She blows me a kiss before rushing back into the sea, wanting to set up for her next wave. Maisy is a natural at surfing. Well, she’s a natural at most things.
Much more so than I am. But that’s okay. I like hanging back and watching her. I like just being along for the ride.
Since Maisy and I made things official, everything in my life has improved. I learned to relax a little, to stop overthinking and overanalyzing every decision. It’s made me a better father, a better brother, a better teammate, and a better friend. All in all, Maisy has made me a better version of myself.
Isn’t that beautiful? Isn’t that the fucking point? If you’re going to share your life with someone, shouldn’t it be the person who pushes you to be more, to be the best, to grow into all you’re capable of?
She topples off her surfboard and I straighten. A moment later, her face breaks the surface of the water, and she shoots me a sheepish look, laughing at herself.
I smile and settle back down.
I had an incredible season with the Bolts. The team is gelling, the guys have become like family, and the future looks promising. Lola’s gearing up to start her senior year of college and is already fielding job offers from tech conglomerates and start-ups in Silicon Valley and Austin, Texas.
I love knowing that her hard work is paying off. That she has a sea of options and endless resources at her disposal. I love seeing the woman she’s growing into, but more than that, I love that she now feels the freedom to explore her options.
After Lola graduates, I don’t know where I’ll end up. With Maisy, of course, but I’m not sure where. Maybe here? I glance around at the stretch of sand and sparkling sea.
Leaning back on the board, I drink it all in. The truth is, I don’t care where I go if I’m doing it with Maisy. I think of the small ring box tucked into the side pocket of my suitcase. Tonight, I’m going to propose. I’m going to slide a delicate but beautiful two carat oval diamond ring on her finger. Tonight, I’m going to start the next chapter of our lives together by asking her to become my wife.
Tonight, it’s happening, and I couldn’t be more excited or hopeful for what’s in store for us. As my future fiancée says, good things are on the horizon.
Thank you so much for reading Brawler’s Weakness! I hope you loved Maisy and Axel’s story!
Curious about the Rookie? Beau Turner’s little sister is coming back to town… If a teammate’s sister trope is your jam, don’t miss Rookie’s Regret, coming September 8!