Fourth and Goal (40 page)
Authors: Jami Davenport
He pulled her through the crowd, not allowing them to be separated. She protested every step of the way but was no match for his strength and determination. No way was she going up on the podium with him. She dug in her heels but didn't slow him a bit. His teammates waved him up there. He towed her up the steps to stand among these hulking men. Derek glued her to his side. He smelled of sweat and dirt, but she didn't care.
Official speeches were made and the Lombardi trophy was presented. Tyler spoke and pumped his fist in the air, raising the trophy high for the fans to see, his beaming face transmitted to televisions all over the world.
"You're on, buddy.” Tyler tossed the microphone to Derek. As if rehearsed, his teammates stepped back, giving Derek space.
He gripped the mike and looked out at the sea of faces. Rachel followed his gaze. It didn't appear anyone had left the stadium. Derek let go of her hand and took something from Tyler. Seeing an opportunity to escape, Rachel started backing up. She hit something solid.
"Oh no, you don't.” Bruiser stood behind her, blocking the exit route. She looked to the side. Mountain Morris grinned down at her. She wasn't going anywhere.
Accepting her fate, she focused her attention on Derek. As soon as his victory speech was over, she was outta here.
Derek's speech was short and sweet. “This one is for the fans who stuck with us through all the lean times. And for Ryan. We love you, buddy."
Instead of passing the mike to another player, Derek turned to her. “Rachel, I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for you. In fact, I'm not sure any of us would be. I'm not one to do things halfway, and you need to know how serious I am."
She swiped at the tears that fell down her cheeks. He handed Tyler the mike and took her hand. Her eyes grew big as he dropped to one knee in front of his entire team, a stadium full of fans, and the world. Her heart pounded in her chest. Somehow her knees held her upright. Derek's brown eyes met hers, full of love and the promise of a bright, happy future.
"I love you, Rachel Anne McCormick. Will you marry me? I'll wait for you, however long it takes.” He spoke into the microphone Tyler held near his lips.
Rachel's mouth dropped open. Tears flowed down her cheeks. She stared down at this man, her man. He looked so nervous and earnest gazing up at her like that. Did he really think she'd say anything but yes?
The crowd momentarily hushed, holding their breath for her answer.
"Rae? This is killing my knee. If I'm down here much longer, I won't be able to get up, and I'd like to walk out of here on my own."
That brought a cheer from the stadium. Rachel caught herself on the big screen, then looked back at him. “I love you, Derek Ramsey. Of course I will."
He opened his palm to reveal a diamond engagement ring. It wasn't overly large or gaudy. It was just perfect. He slid it on her finger.
She threw her arms around him, and the din faded as they became the only two people on earth.
"You don't have to wait for me, you know."
Derek chuckled and drew her close. They sat together in a booth in the back corner of the hotel bar. Several of his teammates were scattered around the room at the tables. Cass and Tyler had disappeared an hour ago after making out like teenagers in the booth opposite them.
"I think I do. That ring says as much."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"You aren't? What about the job?"
"I turned it down. I'm working on a deal with a local college to do some volunteer scouting of high school players. I'm also going to expand my business. Your agent wants to contract me to organize several of his clients. This'll give me great ins, and eventually I'll work into a pro scout position. Actually I'm hiring Cass to help out."
"Cass? Organize?"
"I'll do the organizing; she'll do the charming."
He nodded. “Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want to trap you."
"Honey, if this is a trap, throw away the key."
"I promise. You'll be handcuffed to my bed for the rest of your life."
"Oh, baby, make me hurt. I'm in for the long haul."
"So am I."
"Does your family know?"
"About the handcuffs?"
Derek chuckled. “About your decision?"
"They do. They're okay with it."
Derek grinned. “That's a start. We have the rest of our lives to straighten out those relationships."
Cupping his hand behind her head, he pulled her into a long, deep kiss and sealed the deal.
On fourth and goal with the clock ticking down to the last second, they'd pulled out a victory.
Jami Davenport has been writing since she was old enough to know the alphabet. An advocate of happy endings, Jami writes sexy romantic comedy, sports hero romances, and equestrian fiction. Jami lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her husband, a former Green Beret turned plumber, a Newfoundland cross with a tennis ball fetish, a prince disguised as an orange tabby cat, and an opinionated Hanoverian mare.
She works in IT for her day job and is a former high school business teacher. In her spare time, Jami rides and shows her dressage horse and grows roses. An avid boater, Jami has spent countless hours in the San Juan Islands, the setting for her first two books. In her opinion, it is the most beautiful place on earth.
Links to reach Jami Davenport:
Main Web site: www.jamidavenport.com
Blogs: jamidavenport.blogspot.com and equestranink.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamidavenport