"I have to get home before my first class."
He slumped against me as if I'd crushed him. I laughed and pushed him away.
"You will just have to wait, stud muffin."
"You are a cruel, cruel woman. Did you know that?"
I smiled and pulled my shirt on.
"You keep telling me so."
He stood again and pulled me close, cradling my face.
"But I love you anyway."
I opened my mouth to tell him I loved him too. But no words came out. I couldn't even be sure why I hesitated. He noticed, I was sure of it. But he didn't say anything. He just kissed me.
"Come on Princess. Let me take you home."
Chapter Fourteen Kyle
I watched Belinda's fine little ass as she scurried down the block towards her street. We always parked a few blocks away. And I always snuck down the street behind her to make sure she got into the house safe and sound.
That was my woman.
My fine little ass.
I sat there, grinning at her back and then I popped out and jogged down the block, waiting to make sure she got inside. I knew it was broad daylight but it didn't matter.
I took care of what was mine.
The whole rest of the day I was walking on cloud nine. Now I knew my purpose and direction. I was going to marry that woman and raise a family with her.
And we were going to start as soon as fucking possible.
Everything else was just gravy. Football, school, my career... all of that would work out. I knew I'd land on my feet because I was a Marine. I had the discipline to succeed at any endeavor. Belinda was the one thing I couldn't live without.
Oh yeah, I was going to put a ring on it.
ASAfuckingP.
I walked into practice with a shit-eating grin on my face. Before I even changed I went straight to Ben's locker. He was fastening his shoulder pads when I slapped his back.
"You were right man. You're new nickname is Nostrafuckingdamus."
"Right? About what?"
"About the girl. I'm going to marry her."
I saw his meaty paws coming before they landed and braced myself. Getting a hug from this guy was like getting tackled. I smiled through the pain.
"So, where the hell do I go for a ring?"
"Did I hear that right? My new quarterback is getting hitched?"
I turned and the blood drained from my face. Coach Carmichael was standing behind me. I stood at attention, my military training taking over. The man wasn't just my coach. He had served. And he was my superior.
Not to mention he would kill me when he realized I was fucking his daughter. Not just fucking, I was putting her through the ringer. I hoped the fact that I loved her might count for something, but I wasn't counting on it.
Of course, that wasn't going to stop me from taking what was mine.
"Yes, sir. If she agrees, sir."
He grinned and slapped my other shoulder.
"She'll say yes if she has a lick of sense. You're a fine young man."
I smiled tightly. I wondered if he'd still be saying that in a week when I asked her. When she said yes.
If she said yes.
I knew that was a pretty big 'if.'
"I have something else to congratulate you on, son."
I waited for him to speak, as the other players all turned towards us. He was making an announcement. I had a crazy feeling that I knew what it was.
"I'm starting you this weekend."
I started to smile as the team crowded around me, congratulating me on the starting position. They never started Freshman. And the season wasn't even halfway over. It was unheard of, especially at the top football schools.
But it was happening today.
Fucking A.
Everyone seemed happy. Everyone except the other quarterback, who I'd just deposed. Everyone watched as Jason stood up and threw his helmet on the ground. Then he walked out of the locker room in his uniform. Three of the other starters stood up and followed him.
Coach tapped a few second stringers to take the place of the guys who'd walked out. Dennis, one of the linebackers I liked, was one of them. Some of the players were staring at me with less than friendly looks on their faces.
"Congrats, man. On the girl and QB."
"Thanks big B."
Ben nodded at me and shook my hand. At least I had him on my side. And the coach. For now, anyway.
Not for long.
I smiled grimly as Coach patted my shoulder.
"He'll get past it, Son. I have to do what's best for the team. You've proven yourself."
I nodded and geared up for practice.
Oh yeah, it was one hell of a day.
Belinda
I sat on the couch clutching my knees. I'd come home from classes to grab something to eat before my afternoon work-study. I'd already called to cancel.
Apparently, I wasn't going anywhere.
The poop had definitely hit the fan at Chez Carmichael.
My mother paced back and forth, practically rubbing a hole in the carpet. On the coffee table in front of me was the pamphlet from the women's center. I'd forgotten it was there when I switched back to using my book bag for everything. I must have left it in my good purse, the one I used for stuff like doctor's appointments.