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Off the Sidelines (QuirkyQuill and MrPositive)

Adrian leaned back on his heels, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as he looked at her. Cassie's body was trembling, her chest heaving with the aftershocks of what he'd just pulled from her. Her skin was flushed, glowing in the soft light of the room, and Adrian couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the sight of her completely unraveled beneath him. This was the moment he lived for—her surrender, her vulnerability, the trust she placed in him as he coaxed every ounce of pleasure from her. His hands moved to her thighs, gripping them firmly as he leaned over her. The heat between them was palpable, the air charged with an intensity that hadn't dulled for a second. Adrian's green eyes darkened as he gazed down at her, taking in the way her lips parted, the way her body seemed to hum with the remnants of her release.

He let out a low chuckle, his voice gravelly with desire. "Confession, huh?" he murmured, his lips curving into a small, mischievous grin. "You fantasized about me back then?" His tone was teasing, but there was an edge of satisfaction in his voice, knowing that even years ago, he'd had this effect on her. Adrian brushed his fingers along her hip, his touch light but deliberate, tracing lazy patterns on her sensitive skin. "You know," he said, his voice dipping lower, "if I'd known back then, I wouldn't have been able to focus on anything else. Practices, games, classes—they wouldn't have stood a chance." He leaned down, brushing a kiss just below her navel. "And now, knowing what you were thinking about…" He trailed off, his lips traveling upward along her abdomen, his stubble scratching lightly against her skin. "Let's just say I'm glad I don't have a playbook to memorize anymore."

He shifted, his body pressing against hers, his weight balanced perfectly so she could feel him without being crushed. His hands slid up her sides, his thumbs brushing the edges of her ribs. He paused, his lips hovering just over hers, his breath mingling with hers as he whispered, "You're mine now, Cassie. Every fantasy, every thought you've ever had about me—I'm going to make them real. Every. Single. One."

Adrian kissed her then, deep and unhurried, his tongue claiming hers with a possessiveness that left no room for doubt. He'd waited too long for this, and now that he had her, he wasn't going to let a single moment slip through his fingers. Adrian pulled back slightly, his chest rising and falling as he looked down at her. Cassie was a vision beneath him—her hair splayed out on the bed, her skin flushed, her body completely open and vulnerable to him. For a moment, he simply let himself take her in, his green eyes roaming over every curve, every mark, every inch of her that now belonged to him.

He sat up, moving to remove this already open shirt, his movements slow, deliberate, as if savoring the moment. The fabric slipped from his shoulders, revealing the broad expanse of his chest and the taut muscles beneath his tanned skin. Adrian tossed the shirt aside without a second thought, his eyes never leaving hers.

His hands moved to his belt next, the metallic click of the buckle echoing in the quiet room. He could feel her eyes on him, feel the heat of her gaze as it traced the path of his hands. He couldn't help the smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips as he slid the belt free and let it fall to the floor. Hooking his thumbs in the waistband of his pants, he pushed them down along with his boxers, stepping out of them in one fluid motion.

Completely bare now, Adrian stood over her, his body cast in the soft glow of the bedside lamp. He was tall, powerful, every line and angle of him carved with strength and purpose. But there was no arrogance in the way he looked at her—only hunger, deep and primal, mixed with a tenderness that softened the edges of his intensity.

"You're so damn beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. Adrian climbed onto the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight as he moved between her legs. His hands trailed along her thighs, spreading them wider as he settled himself against her. The heat of her body called to him, the slickness of her arousal igniting a fire in him that he could barely contain. Bracing himself on his forearms, Adrian leaned over her, his face close to hers, their breaths mingling in the space between them. He pressed a kiss to her lips—slow, deep, and reverent—as if he were pouring everything he felt into that single connection. Pulling back just enough to meet her gaze, he whispered, "You're mine, Cassie. Always."

With that, he shifted his hips, positioning himself at her entrance. He moved slowly, deliberately, his breath hitching as he felt her warmth begin to envelop him. Inch by inch, he claimed her, his body pressing into hers until there was nothing between them, nothing left undone. A low, guttural groan escaped his lips as he stilled for a moment, letting her adjust to the fullness of him.

"God, you feel incredible," he murmured, his voice strained, his control barely holding. He began to move then, his rhythm unhurried, each thrust measured and deliberate. Adrian wasn't just taking her—he was savoring her, worshiping her with every movement, every touch, every whispered word of adoration.​
 
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There was still a part of Cassie's brain that had a difficult time comprehending that she was naked on a bed in front of Adrian. She understood the sentiment now behind songs that spoke of every time feeling like the first time. Granted it hadn't been that long since their first kiss in his dining room, but Cassie had absolutely no resistance or self-control against his touches. It was as if the thread that weaved their souls together intensified every physical connection, from the comfort of her hand inside his to the sweetness of his lips brushing against her forehead to the raw passion of his tongue sliding against her most intimate areas. It was like she was experiencing pleasure in an entirely new way because it was with Adrian.

“You fantasized about me back then?”

Groaning, Cassie reached up and covered her face with her hands, suddenly feeling heat burning her cheeks. “I don't know why I told you that.” Adrian awakened an honest vulnerability that she hadn't even realized she harbored; a need to communicate the secrets she kept tucked deep inside. The soft tone of his voice and the tender kisses he waltzed up her stomach eased the embarrassment from her face, replacing it with contentment and a slow, steady arousal.

"Let's just say I'm glad I don't have a playbook to memorize anymore."

“I’m not sure I’d recommend leading your next press conference off with that,” she said, grinning as her eyes lazily found his. “The press would eat you alive if they didn’t think you knew your own playbook. You know how feisty those reporters can be.”

Her hands immediately went to his back as he blanketed her with his warmth, and she slid her fingers along the ridge of his shoulder blades. There was still so much of his body she had left to explore, but it didn’t seem to matter how much she touched him, Cassie craved more. Her foot trailed along the side of his leg, her thighs feeling the power of his weight. As he closed the distance between them, she sank further into the mattress, his tongue gliding her into a state of oblivion from which she was content to not return. Moving her legs, she wrapped them around his, her pelvis pushing against his hardness, silently inviting him in.

The warmth between her legs was beginning to reignite, and as she watched him remove his shirt, his stare so intense on her, Cassie was mesmerized by him. Every motion he made, so confident and certain, made her insides tingle as she reminded herself that he was hers. She no longer had to be cautious around him, afraid to give herself away. The professionalism they had to portray in public, for all its complication, was easier to handle because she’d played that role through the entirety of their college career. In private, though, Cassie’s eyes could wander the entirety of his body without hesitation. He was hers to touch, hers to swoon over, hers to curl up against. Being with him in bed was so much more intimate because of the friendship and bond they had always shared. Not a day went by that Cassie didn’t offer up a thought of gratitude that the man before her had reentered her life and that mature adulthood had given them the courage to have the conversation that their college selves could never have.

Her stomach tingled at the sound of his belt coming off, and her eyes drifted from his face down to the v shaped muscles that disappeared beneath his pants. She watched his fingers work the button and zipper, her hazel eyes transparent with hunger as he finally removed his last article of clothes. There was no shame in her face as she drank him in, her admiration for every part of him evident on her face.

"You're so damn beautiful,"

The words broke the silence, and Cassie’s eyes moved back to his, her face devoid of any playfulness they’d earlier shared.

“So are you,” she spoke, her voice tinged with deference as her body welcomed him back to the bed. A shiver ran through her as his fingers sparked her inner thighs, the feeling a stark contrast to the hot wetness that had pooled between her legs. Adrian made her feel insatiable.

Mine.

What was it about that word that caused her to melt beneath him? Every time he said it, a firework shot off in belly, and she had to physically bite down on a moan. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. Despite having weeks to accept that, she still found it mind boggling that he was just as turned on by her as she was him. Adrian Stafford. The man who’d turned almost every head on campus. The man whose posters undoubtedly hung in young women’s bedrooms. The man who’d complained with her over an impossibly difficult math test. The same man who had started a popcorn fight in her and Meg’s dorm room at three o’clock in the morning when they’d all ceased to think rationally. The man who had shared his deepest fears as an athlete, and listened to hers in return.

Her face burrowed into his neck as he took his rightful place between her legs, her lips parting on an inhale as he pushed inside her. Sliding her hands from his back, she wrapped them around his biceps loosely, and she nuzzled her lips against his neck, feeding off his heat. There was no resistance to him, the walls of her sex tightening around him, urging him forward. His growl nearly undid her right then and there, her hands tightening on his arms as her entire body contracted in response.

With every movement, Cassie felt herself fall deeper into the feel of him, and she quickly found her head weighed too much to hold. Falling back onto the bed the rest of the way, a soft moan escaped her lips as her face exuded the desire twisting through every nerve. She allowed her body to simply take him in for a while, the slow dance bringing them closer to one another not just on a physical level, but on some unseen sacred plane.

Turning her head to the side, she opened her eyes as she leaned in and kissed the inside of his arm resting beside her head. Working her way along a vein, she snaked her tongue out, tasting him as her body continued to move beneath him. Removing her hands from his arm, she wrapped one around his neck as she pushed herself into a sitting position, her mouth claiming his. Twisting her body, she pushed her other hand against his shoulder urging him to move over on his back. When they rolled over, her legs straddling him, she looked down at him now beneath her. Her chest was heaving as she looked at her hands tracing their way down his torso, relishing every line of muscle. Pushing forward, she began to move against him, her back straight as she dug her fingers into his sides. She kept her eyes locked on his as she moved, her back arching against the movement.

Just as he had been in no rush to take them to their final destination, Cassie was in no hurry, simply wanting to feel his hardness stretching her, their movements deep. Leaning down she ran her lips over his chest, leaving slow kisses along her path, her tongue occasionally darting out to tease the skin beneath her.

Releasing his sides, her fingers trailed up his arms until her fingers intertwined with his, and she laid their hands on either side of his head, tightening her hold on him. Now that her body hovered above his, her nipples rubbed against his chest with every deep thrust of their bodies, their sensitivity to his body adding to her arousal. Turning her head to the side, she pressed a kiss against his cheek, lingering against the scratchy stubble as she moaned. Every push and pull she made on his hardened cock drove her clit against his body, sending a beacon of need to her sex that was beginning to pool in the depths of her senses.

“My soul drips for you, Adrian,” she whispered against his cheek, her hands tightening against his as her rhythm began to steadily increase.
 
Adrian's breath hitched as he watched her move. Cassie straddling him, her body so confident and alive with purpose, sent a deep thrum of need coursing through his veins. Every inch of her seemed to pulse with power, her skin glowing with the faint sheen of sweat that only made her more intoxicating. She was breathtaking. She was everything.

"Goddamn, Cassie," he growled, his voice low and rough as his hands gripped her thighs, feeling the firm strength of her muscles as they clenched with every movement. Her slow, deliberate rhythm was both maddening and divine, her body enveloping him in a heat that robbed him of coherent thought. She had him completely undone, stripped bare in every possible way. Adrian's green eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, he was lost in the swirling emotions he saw there—desire, passion, affection, and something deeper that felt almost spiritual. He couldn't look away, even as she arched her back, her breasts rising toward him like an offering he didn't deserve. But he'd take her all the same, every part of her. She was his now, and he'd never let her go.

"Do you have any idea how fucking incredible you are?" he rasped, his voice heavy with awe as his fingers dug into her hips, urging her to move faster, harder. But Cassie wasn't rushing. No, she was taking her time, savoring every moment, every sensation, driving him insane with her deliberate pace. She was in control now, and Adrian could do nothing but follow where she led him. When her hands trailed down his chest, her touch light and teasing, his muscles tensed beneath her fingers, his body responding instinctively to her. Every nerve in him was alive, attuned to her in a way that felt almost primal. She leaned forward then, her lips brushing against his chest, her tongue darting out to taste his skin, and he let out a guttural groan, his head falling back against the pillows as pleasure surged through him.

His hands slid from her thighs to her waist, his grip firm but reverent as he held her steady, grounding himself in her even as she drove him to the edge. "Cassie," he said, her name a broken whisper on his lips, filled with equal parts reverence and desperation. He couldn't hold out much longer—not with the way her body was moving against his, every roll of her hips sending shockwaves of pleasure straight to his core. When her fingers intertwined with his, pinning their hands beside his head, it only heightened the intensity of the moment. Her warmth was everywhere, her scent, her touch, the sound of her soft gasps and moans as they moved together. Adrian felt like he was drowning in her, and he didn't want to come up for air.

His body tightened as her pace quickened, her movements growing more urgent, more insistent. The friction of her against him, the sweet torment of her nipples brushing against his chest, the slick heat of her surrounding him—it was too much. His control, already frayed, snapped completely when she whispered against his cheek, her voice husky and filled with raw need.

My soul drips for you, Adrian.

Her words hit him like a lightning strike, igniting every nerve ending in his body. He let out a deep, guttural groan, his hands tightening around hers as his hips bucked up to meet her movements. The tension coiled inside him broke free, and a powerful wave of pleasure crashed over him, consuming him completely.

"Cassie!" he cried out, his voice raw and unrestrained as his release ripped through him, leaving him trembling beneath her. Every pulse, every shudder of his body felt amplified, intensified by the way she held him, the way she moved against him, the way she made him feel like he belonged completely to her. As the waves of ecstasy finally began to ebb, Adrian's body relaxed beneath her, his breathing heavy and uneven. His hands slipped free from hers to rest on her hips, his touch gentle now, filled with a quiet reverence as he looked up at her. She was his everything, and in that moment, Adrian Stafford knew he would spend the rest of his life showing her exactly what that meant.​
 
There was no sweeter victory for Cassie than bringing Adrian to a place of uninhibited pleasure. As she rocked against him, her hazel eyes watched the expressions that washed over his face. She wanted him to let go of control, to simply lose himself in their intimacy. Her movements responded to his body, his passion her only priority, and when she felt his grip on her tighten and his pace quicken, she met him stroke for stroke as she worked to drive him over that cliff.

The moment he lost all control, his hands tightening and her name filling the room, she felt her heart swell with adoration and satisfaction. She continued to milk him with her body, drawing out every shiver, her pace only slowing once his muscles began to relax and his shuddering eased. When he let go of her hands, she sank down on him further. Resting her head on his shoulder, her fingers gently brushed the other side of his neck as she planted a lingering kiss on his skin. Laying on top of him, her body rose and fell with every breath, her own breathing in sync with his. Reaching up, she turned his head towards her and kissed him deeply. There was no such thing as being too close to him, and she parted his lips with her tongue, still wanting to claim even more of him.

As her kiss deepened, her hand slid down his side, rubbing against him as she felt his cock slip from her as both their bodies succumbed to contentment. She had no intention of moving. Not yet anyway. The chill from the room danced across the damp skin on her back, making her appreciate the warmth of him still beneath her. Eventually, she pulled back from their kiss, her eyes opening halfway as she trailed his face.

“You are incredible, Stafford.” She spoke quietly, brushing her lips across his collarbone as she continued to leave a trail of kisses on the area near where she lay. Snuggling into him, she lay there quietly for a while, her eyes closed as she listened to the sounds of their breathing.

Finally, she pushed herself up just enough to look at him, her hazel eyes thoughtful as she reached up to run her fingers through his hair. He was truly the most beautiful man she had ever seen, and it wasn't just because he was universally accepted to be one of the sexiest men in the public eye. For Cassie, it was the way his emotions and passion came through the green sparkle in his eyes. It was the pure sweetness in his face when doing something thoughtful for someone he cared about. The teasing glint that ignited his mischievous nature drove her absolutely wild. The feel of his hands against her back.

“You truly are the best of men, Adrian.” Smiling at him, she kissed the tip of his chin, her fingers tangling themselves into his hair. Tilting her head, a more serious expression took up residence in her eyes. When she spoke, there was a hint of timidity in her tone, “I don't understand.”

Swallowing, Cassie felt as though she were stepping onto an icy lake, uncertain whether or not the ice would hold, or if she would find herself falling beneath the freezing surface because she'd tread too soon.

“I don't understand how any woman could have you for so long, and not treasure you as though you are the most precious gift this universe could have given her.” It was a touchy subject, Cassie knew that. They had not spoken about his marriage to Rebecca, but she found it difficult to believe that his ex-wife had not left behind a trail of damage somewhere under the surface. “You are part of the very rhythm of my heartbeat, Adrian.”
 
Adrian stared at the ceiling, his chest rising and falling in rhythm with the slowing beats of his heart, though his mind was far from calm. Cassie's body pressed against his was warm and grounding, yet her words echoed in his head with a clarity that cut through the haze of their intimacy. They had pierced a part of him he wasn't ready to acknowledge, a wound he had spent a long time covering up but had never truly healed.

Treasure.

Her use of the word left a bitter taste in his mouth. He couldn't remember the last time someone had said something like that to him—meant it, truly—without conditions or ulterior motives. Adrian clenched his jaw and closed his eyes, trying to push back the flood of emotions rising in his chest. But it was no use. The ghosts of his past refused to stay buried, not with her words pulling them to the surface. Her fingers wove through his hair, her touch as soothing as it was persistent. She anchored him in the present, though his mind drifted, pulled between the warmth of her affection and the cold memory of Rebecca's betrayal. Adrian inhaled deeply, his nostrils filling with the scent of Cassie—that intoxicating mix of sweat, skin, and something uniquely hers. For a brief moment, it grounded him, tethering him to the here and now. But the weight of her statement lingered, and he couldn't let it go.

Adrian opened his eyes and turned his gaze to hers, his green eyes shadowed by vulnerability he rarely allowed anyone to see. "You want to know why she didn't treasure me?" he asked, his voice rough, the bitterness in his tone cutting through the intimate quiet of the room. He hadn't meant for it to sound so sharp, but the words came out before he could temper them. He saw the flicker of concern in Cassie's expression, but he didn't stop. He couldn't. The dam had already broken.

"Because I wasn't enough," he said, his voice low but steady, each word carrying the weight of years of self-doubt and pain. "Not for her. Maybe not for anyone." The admission was raw, unfiltered, and it hung in the air between them like a heavy cloud. He ran a hand through his damp hair and let his head fall back against the pillow, staring up at the ceiling as if it held answers he'd never found.

A bitter laugh escaped his lips, devoid of humor. "I gave her everything I had. I thought if I just worked hard enough, loved her hard enough, it would be enough to keep her. To make her happy." He paused, his throat tightening as the memories surged to the forefront of his mind. "But some people…" His voice cracked, and he swallowed hard, forcing himself to continue. "Some people don't want to be kept."

The words felt like a confession, a truth he had carried for years but never voiced aloud. Adrian's thoughts drifted back to Rebecca, to the late-night arguments that had felt like pulling teeth, to the coldness in her eyes that had replaced the warmth he'd once loved. He remembered the night he found out about the affair—the text messages he wasn't meant to see, the lies that unraveled like a thread pulled too tightly. He had replayed those moments over and over, dissecting every detail, searching for where he had gone wrong.

"I spent so long trying to fix something that was already broken," he admitted, his voice quieter now, tinged with regret. "I thought if I just held on tighter, tried harder, it would get better. But it didn't. And by the time I realized that, it was too late."

Adrian exhaled slowly, his hand lifting to rest lightly on Cassie's back. Her presence was a comfort, but the memories still stung. He hesitated, his fingers tracing absent patterns along her spine as he struggled to put his feelings into words.

"I don't know if I believe in second chances," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. The vulnerability in his tone was almost unbearable, even to his own ears. "But being with you… it's different. You're different."

The admission felt like stepping off a cliff, trusting that she would catch him. Adrian's gaze softened as he looked at her, his green eyes searching hers for understanding.

"You make me want to believe again," he continued, his voice steady but thick with emotion. "But that part of me that was broken… it's still there. And sometimes…" He paused, swallowing hard as he fought to keep his voice from cracking. "Sometimes I'm scared that no matter how much I care about you, how much I want this to work… maybe I'll still screw it up."

The words hung heavy in the air, the weight of his fears and insecurities laid bare. Adrian turned his gaze away, his jaw tightening as he wrestled with the emotions threatening to overwhelm him. But even as he voiced his doubts, a part of him wanted to hold onto the hope that Cassie represented. She was his light in the darkness, the person who made him believe that happiness might still be possible.

"You deserve more than that," he said finally, his voice soft but firm. He turned his gaze back to her, his expression earnest, almost pleading. "More than me carrying around all this baggage, all this doubt. I don't want to hurt you."

Adrian's hand moved to cup her face, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek. For a moment, he simply looked at her, his heart aching with a mix of love and fear.

"But I can't lose you either," he admitted, his voice breaking on the last word. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, Cassie. You're the first person who's made me feel whole in a long time."

The vulnerability in his voice was matched by the intensity in his gaze. Adrian knew he was taking a risk by opening up, by letting her see the cracks in his armor. But if there was one thing he had learned from his past, it was that love required vulnerability. And for Cassie, he was willing to take that chance.​
 
Cassie felt the shift in Adrian's body the moment she'd spoken. A look of concern crossed her face when she felt his jaw clench, and she slid her hand down from his scalp and laid her fingers on his jawline. Running them back and forth gently, she made every attempt to help him relax. Even in college, Rebecca had been a sensitive area, and one that Cassie had always tried to evade at all costs. It was impossible back then because she was one of Adrian's best friends and one duty in the best friend handbook was to be a sounding board for relationship problems. It has been the one part of their friendship she'd loathed because what she wanted to say and what she knew she could say weren’t in alignment with one another.

Now, she remained quiet as she tried to physically soothe his discomfort, giving him the opportunity to either veer away from the subject altogether, or step into it. She listened, her face remaining neutral in the way that only someone who's professional life required, despite the way her heart shattered as he uttered those words.

“Because I wasn't enough."

Cassie knew first hand how vicious Rebecca's tongue could be when the mood struck the other woman. She wasn't just a mean girl. She was a mean girl who learned first where her opponent's weakness was, and then struck with precision to inflict the maximum amount of damage. During college, Rebecca had constantly gone after Cassie, assuming Cassie was after Adrian. What Cassie had never been able to figure out was whether Rebecca had actually seen those feelings or if she was simply being an over controlling, insecure girl and making an assumption. Had Cassie been head over heels with Adrian? Without a shadow of a doubt. But Cassie had meant what she'd said to Meg all those years ago, and recently. It never would have occurred to her that Adrian would have thought anything more of her than a friend. It hadn't stopped Rebecca's words from reaffirming those ideals, that she wasn't pretty enough for him, wasn't feminine enough for him, didn't have the body or glamour for someone of Adrian's caliber.

The fact that the other woman had turned that manipulation around on Adrian in such a catastrophic way angered her. He was the man who, even in college, truly saw people for who they were and went out of his way to show them how much they meant to him. The man who stayed up with her until the early hours of the morning when Coach had informed her the night before she'd be getting her first start on the mound the previous day, talking her down from a panic attack. How anyone could willfully make decisions that would crush him in such an intimate fashion truly made her see red. Furrowing her brows together, she continued to run her fingers over his skin.

Cassie didn't interrupt, but her eyes remained locked on his face as he continued to speak while she remained steady. When silence fell, she sat up a little further, her legs straddling his torso as she took his face in both her hands. Bending down, she kissed his forehead softly. She pulled back, but remained close to him as her gaze softened.

“Adrian,” she said his name softly, “you are right about one thing, but for the wrong reason. You were never going to be enough for her. Ever. But that's because she is only after the things in life that make her feel powerful and important. Rebecca is the kid who doesn't want the new toy, but she doesn't want you to have it. The only things she has ever valued in this life are shallow and material.

So, yes, Adrian Stafford was never going to be enough for her because you are worth so much more than she can even comprehend. You,” she emphasized the word when she said it, her hands momentarily increasing their pressure on his face, “are the type of man who puts his heart and soul into everything he does, and you value the things in this life that don't have a price tag. Rebecca will never understand people like that. She will spend her entire life looking for the next shiny diamond and never realize that she had the center of the entire universe willing to give her the world. That has nothing to do with your value as a person, and everything to do with her and her short sightedness. She has to live with that.”

Pressing her lips on the furrow of his brow, she nuzzled his cheek beside her hand with her nose before looking him back in the eyes.

“Yes, we are different. We have always been different,” she said emphatically, a smile crossing her face. “Adrian, you and I had something she never understood: genuine friendship. It sounds so trivial, but it's not. I'm a firm believer that there can't be a truly happy, successful partnership without a foundation of friendship, and you and I… that part came easily. Even back in college, it felt like my soul and your soul had always known each other, and that time and circumstance had just finally decided to throw us together.”

She spoke slowly as her thumbs stroked his cheeks, her eyes trying to see past the years of hurt in hopes of seeing some evidence that he believed her. That her words had an impact.

“The reality is that we are going to hurt each other at some point.” When she spoke, there was no judgement in her voice. “We're human, Adrian. We're going to make mistakes and yes, that means screwing up with each other. What I am completely confident about, though, is that neither you nor I would ever do anything to intentionally hurt one another. That is the material difference. You do know that, right? I would never do anything knowing it would hurt you.”

Tilting her head slightly, she left another soft kiss on him, this one on the corner of his mouth.

“You deserve to be loved and supported just for being you. You deserve to be seen, every part of you, even your scars, because they make you who you are. I need you to know that I love you, not just on the good days, but even more on the rough ones. I should have been there as a friend for all those tough moments, but I need you to believe that I am always in your corner. You are worth more than anything this world has to offer to the right people.”
 
Adrian listened to Cassie's words, her voice steady and warm as she laid herself bare before him. He tried to let her reassurance seep into the places he'd buried his pain, to believe in the unconditional love she was offering, but the scars from Rebecca's betrayal ran deep. The words "I love you" from Cassie should have brought nothing but joy, but instead, they stirred an unsettling mix of emotions in him: hope, fear, guilt, and an overwhelming sense of unworthiness. He inhaled deeply, steadying himself. Cassie's hands on his face grounded him, her touch soft and persistent, as though she could physically hold him together while his mind warred with itself. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to silence the echoes of Rebecca's voice that whispered in his memory, those sharp-edged words that had chipped away at his sense of self over the years.

"Cassie," he began, his voice rough with emotion. He opened his eyes, meeting her gaze. The warmth and sincerity in her hazel eyes almost undid him. "You have no idea how much those words mean to me. Hearing you say that you love me…" His voice faltered, and he swallowed hard. "It's everything I've ever wanted to hear from someone. But part of me—" He hesitated, running a hand through his hair, his frustration with himself evident. "Part of me feels like I don't deserve it. Not after everything."

He leaned his head back against the pillow, staring at the ceiling for a moment before continuing. "I hear what you're saying about Rebecca. I do. And maybe you're right—maybe it was never about me, but about what she needed to feel important, to feel powerful. But the thing is, Cass, when someone you love tells you, over and over, that you're not enough… that sticks with you. It doesn't just go away because someone else says it isn't true."

Adrian turned his head back toward her, his green eyes glassy with unshed tears. "Rebecca made me feel like I wasn't good enough—not as a husband, not as a partner, not even as a man. And no matter how much time has passed, no matter how much I've tried to move on, there's still this voice in the back of my head that says she was right. That I'm broken. That no matter how hard I try, I'll end up failing the people who matter most to me."

His voice cracked on the last word, and he clenched his jaw, willing himself to keep it together. "I don't want to fail you, Cassie," he said, his tone low but urgent. "I don't want to hurt you the way Rebecca hurt me. But the truth is, I'm terrified. Terrified that I'll screw this up, that I'll say or do the wrong thing, that one day you'll wake up and realize you deserve better than me."

Adrian reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His hand lingered on her cheek, his thumb tracing gentle circles against her skin. "But despite all of that, despite all the fear and doubt, I know one thing for certain." He paused, his green eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that left no room for misinterpretation. "I love you, Cassie. I've loved you for longer than I probably even realize. And I want to be the man you see when you look at me—the man who's worth loving, worth fighting for. I just… I don't know how to let go of the past."

His voice softened, the vulnerability in his tone matched by the raw honesty in his expression. "I want to believe that what we have is different, that it can withstand anything. And I want to believe that I can be the man you deserve. But there's this part of me that's still so broken, so afraid, and I don't know how to fix it. I don't know if I can."

Adrian closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a shaky breath. "But I'm willing to try. For you, for us, I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Because you're right—you've always been right. What we have is different. It's real. And I've never felt anything like it before. I don't want to lose that. I don't want to lose you."

He opened his eyes again, his gaze searching hers for some sign of reassurance, some indication that she believed in him even when he couldn't believe in himself. "I love you, Cassie," he repeated, his voice steadier this time. "And I want to give you everything you deserve. I just need you to be patient with me. I need you to help me believe that I'm enough."

Adrian let his hand fall from her cheek, resting it over hers where it still cupped his jaw. "I've spent so long thinking I had to do it all on my own—that I had to be strong, even when I felt like I was falling apart. But with you… I don't want to do it alone anymore. I want to let you in. I just hope I can figure out how."

His words hung in the air, the weight of his confession settling between them. Adrian felt a flicker of hope—a fragile, tentative thing—that maybe, just maybe, he could learn to let go of the pain that had defined him for so long. And as he looked into Cassie's eyes, he dared to believe that love, her love, might finally be enough to heal the wounds Rebecca had left behind.​
 
Cassie could see the pain etched into his features, the tightness stressing his muscles with every thought that went through his head and every word that came off his tongue. It physically hurt her to see the depth of Rebecca's maliciousness.

"Part of me feels like I don't deserve it. Not after everything.”

Furrowing her brows together, Cassie shook her head, looking genuinely flabbergasted. “After what? After not having the NFL go the way you’d hoped? Finding out that Rebecca was the worst type of person? Adrian, you don't have to earn love from the right people.” Resting her head against his forehead briefly, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before meeting his gaze, a pleading look on her face. “Marcus doesn't love you because of what the two of you accomplished on that field together a decade ago. The two of you accomplished what you did because you became like brothers and loved each other. You fought for each other. You have an entire football team and staff who love you, and they don't love you just because you showed up and taught them to train a little harder. They love you because you came in here and put your faith and heart into them as people and have built this family into something they will take with them for the rest of their lives. Adrian, you are the very epitome of love.”

Despite the emotion bubbling beneath the surface, Cassie managed to maintain her calm when she spoke. From an early age, it had been instilled in her what being on a team really meant, and because of that, Cassie had grown up protective over the people she loved. Her teammates, family, friends. Anybody who became part of her circle. When someone she loved was hurting, she wanted to make it better. She'd had to learn that she couldn't solve everyone's problems, though. Many times, they needed to work it out for themselves, and she’d had to teach herself to sit back and just be a shoulder. She also knew she was failing miserably at that right now.

“But the thing is, Cass, when someone you love tells you, over and over, that you're not enough… that sticks with you. It doesn't just go away because someone else says it isn't true.”

“I know,” she said quietly, her hand sliding down to his shoulder. “I don't know what it's like to have someone you put your whole heart into intentionally stomp on it, so I can't even pretend to. I do know what it's like to have thousands of strangers constantly telling you how awful you are, and it's impossible not to internalize it. I know how low I have felt from that negativity, and I know that it's a fraction of what you have endured because those are voices I don't know. Adrian, for you to come out on the other side of that still standing and open to someone else is such a sign of your character and strength.”

Cassie wished he could see him the way she did. She wished there was a way for him to feel the way her heart melted at the very sight of him. If she could bottle up the way he made her feel so he could get a taste of it, she would. She remained silent as he continued speaking, not interjecting despite her natural inclination to tell him how wrong he was about himself. When he did fall into silence, she sat up and took one of his hands in both of hers, bringing it to her lips. Kissing his knuckles, she brought it to her chest, her hands wrapped protectively around him.

“I don't know what moving forward has looked like for you for the last two years, but what I do know is that you were doing it without us. Without Marcus. Without Meg, and goodness knows she is a fantastic hype woman. And without me. I know we can't undo the last ten years for you. I should have fought for you back then, but I was so terrified of losing you as a friend. But I did that anyway. Adrian, I don't expect a few words spoken in bed to help heal the crater she left behind. I don't.” Squeezing his hand, she began to rub her hand across his. “But I am here. I will continue to be here. I will continue to be that voice in your head reminding you how cherished you are for the simple reason that you are you. I didn’t start telling you to go be you on the field because it was a catchy, cliche pep talk that could be understood from twenty yards away. I did it because I have always had faith in who you are as a person. I have always known that as long as you were leading with your heart, you were going to inspire the people around you, regardless of some numbers on a scoreboard.”

She kissed his hand again before bringing it up to her cheek.

“And of course I’m right,” she teased, a small impish expression crossing her face as she tried to lighten the mood just a little. “I'm a journalist who upholds the highest level of integrity. So, let's examine the facts. I think we can both safely assess that your manhood is very much intact and fully operational. Analysis confirms that your playbook is spot on and your target audience is thoroughly pleased. As a partner, you are batting a thousand given that you went out of your way to bring me soup even when we were still in that awkward friend stage, placing your own immunity in great peril.” Grinning at him, she leaned forward and planted a small, playful kiss on the tip of his nose. “Adrian, you are the man who ruined me for any other man. And you did that just as my friend. And now that I know what you feel like inside me and what that tongue of yours is capable of…forget it.” She leaned back with a dramatic exhale as she rolled her eyes before softening again.

“If I have to spend the rest of my days reminding you just how truly remarkable you are, then that is exactly what I plan to do. I know you feel broken right now, but you are still whole. You are still my kindred spirit. Despite the years apart, you immediately made my heart race the moment you walked into that press room on day one. You are the one that had the courage to take my hand and pull me to the edge of this cliff. We took this leap together, and if I now have to be the one to hold on tight with both hands as we fall for a little bit, that's exactly what I will do.”

Leaning in, she kissed him deeply, her lips taking his as she brought her hands back to his face. She wanted him to feel her reassurance, and she needed to feel his warmth. When she pulled back, her lips brushed against his as she spoke. “I love you, Stafford. I love all of you, even the messy parts. All I ask is that you keep talking to me. When those old hurts crop up and that voice is in your head, tell me. Tell me what you need from me in the moment so I can learn how to be here for you in a way that's meaningful.”
 
Adrian lay still, his body heavy with the weight of her words, yet lighter in ways he didn't quite understand. Cassie's voice had been like a balm, soothing over the raw, jagged edges that Rebecca's betrayal had left behind. He stared up at the ceiling for a moment, his thoughts running in spirals. He didn't feel worthy of this—of her—but he couldn't deny the warmth spreading through his chest, a warmth that had nothing to do with the blankets tangled around them. Her teasing about his "record" as a partner lingered in the air, softening the edges of their conversation. He let out a short chuckle, the sound unsteady but real, as he turned his head to look at her. His hand came up, brushing a strand of hair away from her face, his thumb lingering on her cheekbone.

"You've always been good at making me feel like I'm not as screwed up as I think I am," Adrian said, his voice low and rough, but there was a tenderness in it. His lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes betrayed the conflict still stirring beneath the surface. "That whole batting a thousand thing…you might be overselling me. But I appreciate the scouting report."

He paused, letting his gaze roam her face, memorizing every line and curve. How was it that she always seemed to know exactly what to say? How to dismantle the armor he'd spent years building up without making him feel exposed? He let out a slow breath, his hand slipping down to her neck, his fingers grazing her skin as he cupped the back of her head.

"Cass…" He hesitated, his throat tightening. The words weren't easy. They never were. "I love you." He closed his eyes briefly, as if to steady himself, then met hers again. "I need you to know that. I don't say it lightly, and I don't say it to fill the space. I mean it. I love you, and that scares the hell out of me."

Adrian shifted, sitting up slightly so he could look her directly in the eyes. "You've always been the one person who gets me, even when I don't know what the hell I'm feeling myself. I've never been great at this—relationships, opening up, letting someone in. And after…after Rebecca, I didn't think I could do it again. But you, Cass…you make me want to try. You make me want to be better."

He shook his head, a rueful smile pulling at his lips. "But I know I'm not an easy guy to be with. I've got baggage, and it's heavy. Sometimes I don't even know how to put it down. And I'm scared, Cass. Scared that one day, all of this—me—will be too much for you."

His voice faltered, and he looked away for a moment before forcing himself to meet her gaze again. "But if you're willing to hold on tight, like you said…then I promise I'll try to let you in. I'll try to be the man you deserve."

There was a silence, heavy with meaning but not uncomfortable. Adrian leaned forward, capturing her lips in a slow, deliberate kiss. It wasn't just passion—it was gratitude, trust, and a thousand unspoken words he wasn't yet ready to say. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, his breath warm against her skin. "As for improving my record," he murmured, his lips curving into a small, teasing smile, "I think it's time I started padding my stats." His hands slid down her back, his touch gentle but firm as he shifted them both, his intentions clear. Adrian might not have had all the answers, and the scars Rebecca had left weren't going to disappear overnight. But in that moment, with Cassie in his arms and her love anchoring him, he allowed himself to believe in the possibility of healing. For once, he let himself believe he was enough.

Adrian's hands roamed over Cassie's back, his touch steady and deliberate, mapping the curve of her spine with his fingertips. The warmth of her skin beneath his palms sent a shiver through him, a sharp reminder of just how long he'd gone without letting himself feel this vulnerable. He shifted his weight slightly, the covers slipping down around them as his lips sought hers again, this time with a deeper urgency. His mouth moved against hers, soft but demanding, coaxing her to open for him. When she did, his tongue slid past her lips, tasting her, savoring her. His hands drifted lower, cupping her hips and pulling her tightly against him. The feel of her bare skin pressed against his own was intoxicating, and he let out a quiet groan as their bodies aligned.

Adrian shifted again, rolling them so that she was on her back beneath him. He braced himself above her, his forearms framing her face as his lips trailed down her neck. He took his time, lingering over the hollow of her throat before moving lower, kissing a slow path down her chest. His breath was hot against her skin as his mouth found her breast, his tongue flicking over her nipple before he took it between his lips and sucked gently. His free hand explored the curve of her side, sliding down to her thigh. He gripped her leg firmly, pulling it up to wrap around his waist, and the movement brought their hips into alignment. The heat between them was almost unbearable, and he pressed against her, letting her feel the hardness of him. He groaned again, the sound rough and needy, as he rocked his hips against hers.

Adrian's mouth left her breast, returning to claim her lips as his hand moved between them. His fingers slid down, brushing against her inner thigh before finding her wetness. He let out a low curse under his breath at how ready she was for him, and he teased her for a moment, his fingers stroking her slowly, deliberately. He wanted to hear her gasp, to feel her arch against him, to know without a doubt that she wanted this as much as he did. When he couldn't take it any longer, Adrian pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. His hand left her, and he adjusted his position, the head of his cock brushing against her slick entrance. He paused, his breathing unsteady as he fought for control, and then he pushed into her slowly, inch by inch, until he was buried to the hilt. The feeling of her surrounding him was overwhelming, and he closed his eyes, his jaw tightening as he gave himself a moment to adjust.

When he began to move, it was with a deliberate rhythm, each thrust slow and deep, designed to draw every ounce of pleasure from the moment. His hands gripped her hips, holding her in place as he rocked against her, their bodies moving together in perfect sync. He leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers as their breaths mingled, his voice a rough whisper.

"Cass…" Her name was a prayer on his lips, and he kissed her again, swallowing the sounds she made as they came undone together.​
 
Cassie’s head tilted towards his hand, savoring the feeling of the small touch. The slightest physical contact between them still brought every nerve ending to attention, just further solidifying in her mind that Adrian had always been the right one for her. She'd never felt more aware of another person than she had with him, as if his very being just reeled her in.

“Let me tell you a secret,” she whispered, leaning in conspiratorially. “Everyone is screwed up in some way. Some people are just really good at hiding it.”

“But I appreciate the scouting report.”

Grinning, she shrugged her shoulders playfully. “I'm really good at my job.”

The mischief softened on her face as his hand moved to the back of her head, her own hands moving down to his chest. A small, reassuring smile warmed her expression as he said those three words, but she could see the emotional toil in his eyes, feel it in the tension in his body. He'd trusted so easily and so fully, and it broke her heart that it had been to a vampire who had intentionally lured him in and ultimately caused him harm. She was determined to be a soft, space place for him to land.

When he sat up slightly, she leaned back, her weight settling in her thighs as she gave him space to move. Her fingers moved absentmindedly up to his shoulders, her hands kneading the tight muscles there in an effort to ease his tension.

“We are both scared about this, and I think some of those fears are similar, and some of them are different. What I do know is that our foundation is different from the foundation you had with her. You and I leaned on each other in an incredibly special way during one of the most intense times of our lives. We’ve gone through harder times since then, but we were barely adults back then. Carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders in a way nobody could have prepared us for. I have faith that if we could do that for each other when we were still practically kids, we can do it now. Relationships have hard times, but I can honestly say that diving into our friendship was the easiest decision I made in college. I learned the hard way that if a relationship feels hard all the time, then there's something wrong at its core, and that something can't always be fixed. Feeling emotionally and mentally connected with you has always been easy, and it's because you, Adrian Stafford, are remarkable.There is just some indescribable thing about your heart and soul that my heart and soul connects with, and it's effortless.” Her head tilted slightly as she smiled, remembering that feeling the first night they’d met. He had always been larger than life to her, even in the quiet moments together. Especially in those quiet moments.

Wrapping her arms around his neck when he kissed her, Cassie felt her skin warm. She wanted to convey every feeling coursing through her in that moment, her lips trying to write the words she couldn't find. A small squeak stifled between them as his fingers wrapped around her waist to pull her closer. Her center was already dripping for him, needing to have him buried back inside her. The small joke made her laugh lightly, her eyes closing at the sensations his hands awoke moving over her skin.

Their next kiss, the sound of his desire reverberating between them, turned her to putty in his hands. Instinctively, her pelvis pushed against his hardness when he held her tighter, her thighs squeezing him. There was no resistance when he rolled them over, her stomach fluttering at the weightlessness before her back landed on the bed. The bedding was still warm from his body, and Cassie's senses immediately felt attuned to him. His smell, the sound of his lips against her skin, and the prickle of pleasure he wrought left her in desirous agony. The moment his tongue found her nipple, Cassie inhaled sharply, her head tilting backwards. A sound between a whimper and a cry filled the room when he fully took her in his mouth, electricity spiking down to her sex, and leaving behind a pool of arousal.

Running her nails ran through his hair, her grip tightened as he pulled her leg up, his assertiveness pushing her need for him to new heights. As he pushed against her, his own desire on full display, Cassie cried out, her leg tightening around him. Her body already felt ready to explode for him, and pushed against him hungrily, impatiently of its own accord. The cold air hit her nipple when he let go, a whine poised to escape at the loss of his wet heat, but she was quickly satiated by the taste of him back in her mouth, her tongue stroking his with fervor. The moment his fingers touched her, Cassie broke away from their kiss, her body wriggling beneath him as she cried out. Every part of her was sensitive to his touch, and she felt like she was drowning in him.

“Adrian,” she gasped on his name, “I want you.” Her voice was a plea, her chest rising and falling with the intensity that was threatening to overwhelm her. He’d left her simpering beneath him, and she opened her eyes long enough to give him a pleading expression. She felt like he was drawing this out for her on purpose, likely making good on his comment from earlier about not playing fairly. Her body was nearly ready to topple, and she knew he wasn't done with her yet.

When he finally gave her what she needed, she moaned, his hard cock making her feel complete as he buried himself in her. Her muscles contracted around him, tightening her body's grip on him as his pelvis rubbed against her clit. She was well and truly gone, the feel of him wrapped so perfectly inside her pushing everything else far from reach.

Her arms wrapped around him as he paused, her head turning towards his ear.

“Adrian, I crave you.” Her voice was raw and scratchy as she felt her body physically throb against his. “God, I’m already so close.” He had already driven her to the cusp several times and every pause of his actions pulled her back just enough to heighten her arousal and drive her ache to a new level.

His first thrust sent her body arching towards him, her fingers digging into his back as she bit down on her bottom lip. She could feel the very veins in his cock rubbing against her walls, and she wrapped her other leg around him. Every stroke of his body made her climb faster and harder than the previous, and when he uttered her name, it scraped against her like his stubble had against the sensitive skin beneath her thighs earlier. She returned his kiss hungrily, every push he made soliciting a sound of need from her.

Everything tightened inside of her, and in one moment, exploded into a million colors as her pleasure hit with unexpected intensity. Clutching onto him, her body shuddered as her cry vibrated between their mouths. She could feel her wetness bathe over him as her body rode through her orgasm, her legs tensing around him. Time seemed to stop altogether as wave after wave of electricity pushed her to her limits before eventually subsiding. Pulling back from their kiss, she gasped for air, trying to refill her lungs with shaky breaths as the room around her spun. Adrian made love to her so thoroughly, Cassie felt it in every muscle of her body.
 
Adrian moved slowly at first, his breathing ragged as the intensity of their connection gripped him. Each movement of his body against hers felt seismic, shaking loose emotions he had buried for years. The sensation of Cassie—so warm, so willing, and so present—overwhelmed him. As her name escaped his lips in a low, guttural whisper, he felt the weight of everything he carried—the years of betrayal, loneliness, and self-doubt—finally crash down.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his lips brushing against her skin as he fought to hold himself together. The way she clung to him, her arms tight around his shoulders, her legs wrapped around his waist, felt like an anchor in the storm raging inside him. But even that anchor couldn't keep the flood at bay.

"Cassie," he murmured, his voice breaking. His pace slowed as the reality of the moment hit him. She was here, giving him everything he had long convinced himself he didn't deserve. The trust, the care, the love—it was all there, and it was hers to give freely. He closed his eyes, his movements pausing as a raw, uncontainable wave of emotion surged forward.

Pulling back slightly, Adrian pressed his forehead against hers, his breath mingling with hers in the small space between them. His eyes glistened, the vulnerability in his expression clear. "I don't think I've ever known what it felt like to really be wanted—not like this. Not... completely." His voice was hoarse, barely audible, as he searched her face for something, anything to ground him.

She didn't need to speak. The way her hands moved over his back, the way her body responded to him, told him everything he needed to know. And for the first time in years, he let himself believe it.

Adrian's lips found hers again, slower this time, pouring into the kiss everything he couldn't yet say aloud. His movements resumed, more purposeful now, driven not by lust but by the overwhelming need to show her exactly what she meant to him. Each thrust was a confession, a declaration of the depth of his feelings. His hands cradled her face, his thumbs brushing tenderly over her cheeks as he whispered her name between kisses.

When he felt her body tense and shudder beneath him, the sound of her release breaking free in an unrestrained cry, Adrian couldn't hold back any longer. He followed her over the edge, his own release tearing through him with a force that left him trembling. The sensation was overwhelming, not just physically but emotionally, as if years of pent-up pain and longing had finally found their outlet.

He collapsed against her, his arms wrapping tightly around her as if letting go would mean losing her all over again. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath, but the tears that slipped silently down his face were unstoppable. "Cassie," he choked out, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you. God, I love you so much. I don't know if I'll ever deserve you, but I'll spend the rest of my life trying to."

Adrian pressed his lips to her temple, his hold on her tightening as he buried his face in her hair. For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight on his shoulders didn't feel quite so heavy. Cassie had done what he never thought anyone could—she had broken through the walls he had built around his heart and filled the emptiness with her light.​
 
Cassie felt the emotional bond between them as assuredly as she felt her own heart beating. This time together transcended just physical gratification. It resonated deep within, and when he released inside her, she felt so thoroughly unified with him she couldn't clearly decipher where her body ended and his began. His vulnerability and honesty with her had only further fed her feelings for him. When his weight came down on her, she slid a hand up and cupped the back of his head.

Her hazel eyes opened, waltzing across his face as they held tightly to one another. Reaching up with her other hand, she brushed her fingertips across the wet path down his cheek. Cassie wanted to fix the world for him, but she knew the only thing she could really do was be here for him. His words crashed into her, and turning her head to the side, she followed his lead and pressed her lips against his temple. Loosening her legs from around his waist, she slid them down though they remained loosely tangled in his. She could feel the power in his thighs and calves, a testament to his raw athleticism.

“I love you, too. All of you.” Cassie's voice held the tenderness she felt, her voice low and steady. “Even the parts of you I haven't seen in a long time. And the new parts I haven't met.” Unable to keep her hands still, her fingers rubbed the back of his hair, damp beneath her touch. The exhaustion of the day and their evening was beginning to pull at her, and she felt that contented sleepiness weigh down her eyelids.

“You don't have to earn me, Adrian.” A small smile crept into her voice as she hugged him closer to her, happy to fall asleep with him as he was. “You don't have to earn something that was made only for you.”

Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, as she gave into sleep, his warmth a blanket.

*

Cassie had set an alarm on her phone for the next morning to ensure she had time to get ready for Thanksgiving with her parents. She also wanted to make sure she was out of Adrian's long before anyone arrived. When the sound of crashing waves and the vibration of the phone against the nightstand woke her, she rolled over and silenced it. Opening her eyes she turned and smiled at the sleeping form next to her. They had shifted positions during the night, and he now lay on his stomach, all the worry gone from his features.

Moving slowly so as not to disturb him, she planted a soft kiss on his bicep before sliding from bed. The muscles in her stomach and thighs had that delicious ache that accompanied a thorough workout, and she could still feel the remnants of Adrian between her legs.

Stepping into his bathroom, she turned on the shower. Despite having spent every night this week at his house, Cassie was still taken a bit by surprise at the enormity of his house, and his bathroom was no exception. The massive walk-in shower was so big she was convinced he could throw a party inside the glass walls. She'd yet to try the soaking tub that sat between two large windows, but she knew her time was coming for that.

When she stepped in and closed the door, Cassie closed her eyes and allowed the hot water to cascade down her back. Tilting her head to the side, she let the water pressure beat against the muscles in her neck. She began to think through her to-do list as she tilted her head back, her fingers coming up to massage the water through her hair.
 
Adrian stirred, his body waking slowly as the faint sound of running water reached his ears. His muscles ached pleasantly, a deep, satisfying soreness that rooted him to the mattress. The memories of the night before lingered at the edges of his thoughts, vivid and all-consuming. A slow smile tugged at his lips as he shifted onto his back, letting the warmth of the room and the weight of his contentment settle over him. He hadn't felt this kind of peace in years - maybe ever. For a moment, he lingered, reliving fragments of the night. The way her body had responded to his, the soft sighs she couldn't hold back, the way her arms had clung to him as if afraid to let go. There had been a rawness to it all, something far beyond just physical connection. It was more than chemistry; it was trust, intimacy, and a sense of belonging he'd almost forgotten he was capable of feeling.

The sound of the shower, a steady rhythm cutting through the quiet, pulled him from his thoughts. He turned his head toward the bathroom door, slightly ajar, a faint cloud of steam curling into the bedroom. Adrian sat up slowly, raking a hand through his tousled hair. Every instinct in him pulled him to her. He didn't think twice as he rose from the bed, the coolness of the hardwood against his bare feet grounding him as he crossed the room. The steam greeted him first as he stepped into the bathroom, warm and inviting. He could see her silhouette through the fogged glass of the shower, her movements unhurried, her head tilted back beneath the spray. For a moment, Adrian stood there, rooted in place, watching her. She looked completely at ease, her body relaxed as she let the water cascade over her. It struck him again how natural this felt, how right. He didn't feel like an intruder in her space; he felt like he belonged here - with her.

He moved forward, his hand reaching out to open the shower door. The glass felt warm beneath his fingers as he stepped inside, the water hitting his chest in a rush of heat. She didn't startle, didn't flinch. Instead, she glanced over her shoulder at him, offering a soft smile before turning back toward the spray. Adrian's chest tightened at the simplicity of the moment. No words passed between them, but there was an understanding in her gaze, a quiet acceptance of his presence. He reached for the bottle of body wash on the built-in shelf, squeezing some into his palms before stepping closer to her. The space in the shower was vast, large enough to accommodate them without crowding, but Adrian didn't want distance. He closed the space between them, his hands finding her shoulders, the soap lathering beneath his touch.

He worked slowly, methodically, his hands gliding over her damp skin. The water mixed with the soap, creating rivulets that trailed down her back, and Adrian followed their path with his eyes, marveling at the way her body seemed to respond to even the lightest touch. He swept her wet hair to one side, exposing the curve of her neck, and his hands moved there next, kneading gently, taking his time. He didn't rush. There was no need to. He wanted to savor this, every second of it—the feel of her beneath his hands, the warmth of the water against their skin, the quiet intimacy that required no words.

His voice broke the silence, low and steady. "Turn around," he said, his tone carrying no urgency, just a quiet request. She turned without hesitation, the water streaming down her front now, catching the lines of her body in the soft light filtering through the frosted glass. Adrian's gaze swept over her briefly before he resumed his task, his hands returning to her shoulders, then moving down her arms, his touch firm but gentle. When his hands found her sides, he slowed even more, the pads of his fingers tracing the subtle curves of her waist and hips. He knelt slightly as his hands traveled lower, his palms smoothing over the length of her legs, every movement deliberate. He didn't speak again, letting the sound of the water fill the space between them.

Standing again, he reached for the shampoo next, pouring a small amount into his hands before working it through her hair. His fingers massaged her scalp with care, his movements slow and purposeful. When he rinsed the suds away, he cupped water in his hands, guiding it through her hair, ensuring every strand was free of the lather. Adrian stepped back slightly then, his hands falling to his sides.​
 
The sound of the door opening pricked her ears, and when she turned and saw her heart standing there, couldn't ignore the warmth that spread from her chest to the upturned corners of her lips. Having him close made everything around her feel right, and when she felt his hands on her shoulders, Cassie nearly leaned backwards into him. Her eyes remained closed as he worked his way down her body, and when he moved her hair to one side, goosebumps dotted her skin as a chill ran through her. Everywhere he touched, every muscle he soothed, relaxed beneath his soapy hands. If she had ever known contentment like this, Cassie couldn’t recall.

Turning when he asked it of her, she opened her eyes, her gaze sliding over the details of his face she’d memorized long ago. She felt more vulnerable to him here than she had in bed with every inch of her body visible to him in the morning light, his hands moving purposefully over every part of her. Cassie felt enveloped by his intimacy, and as he kneeled down, she ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back away from his face. A small chuckle broke the silence as she watched him pick up the shampoo bottle, and she shook her head slightly, grinning at him.

“You are going to spoil me if you aren’t careful,” she teased. The moment his hands were in her hair, Cassie’s eyes closed, and she turned so he could more easily reach. She knew she had a lot of hair, and was impressed at his patience in lathering her shampoo through it. The sensation of someone else washing her hair nearly lulled her into a standing sleep, and she felt her senses glaze over. When he finished, she opened her eyes slowly and turned back to him, the left side of her mouth still lifted in a half-smile. In an attempt to revive herself, she picked up her bottle of conditioner and made quick work of pouring it in her hand and brushing it through her hair. Once she returned the bottle, she lifted her hands to his shoulders and turned them so he was under the bulk of the water.

Before she turned from him, her hands lingered on the side of his face, and she leaned in and kissed him gently on his cheek, lingering in the closeness. Pulling back, she looked at him for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. “You feel like home.”

It was a simple four words, but the meaning of them was so profoundly true to her, that she felt a little anxious at having said them out loud. Without expectation of a response, she picked up his shampoo, choosing to start at the top. Pouring a small amount in her hand, she rubbed her hands together briefly to spread the viscous liquid on both hands before reaching up to rub it through his hair. Her eyes landed on his as she worked, their faces inches apart, and she used her nails to massage his scalp, the suds making easy work of it. She spent more time than was necessary, bringing her soapy hands to his temples and rubbing in circles gently before sliding them around to the back of his head, dipping to the back of his neck as she massaged the muscles at the base of his skull.

Tenderly, she maneuvered his head under the direct spray of the showerhead and rinsed the soap from his hair. Once that was completed, she reached for his soap, making quick work of filling her hand with it, and rubbed it across his chest. Once the soap was lathered, Cassie moved her hands up to his shoulders, pressing her thumbs into the muscles as she worked her away across his broad expanse. Her eyes followed her path, as he had done, and she appreciated every chisel and line her fingers touched. Adrian was a work of art, and as she moved down his arms and torso, felt that sense of awe and disbelief that she, of all women, was allowed to run her hands over every sculpted inch.

Replenishing the body wash in her hands, she moved to the backside of him, paying particular attention to the muscles she imagined tensed up during his work day. Pressing her thumbs into the space below his shoulder blades, she moved along the line in circles. Running her hands along his back, she leaned in and kissed the back of his shoulder. This moment was the very definition of sensuality, unhurried and exploratory, but she couldn't help herself but to playfully squeeze his right butt cheek when her hands roamed lower.

Crouching down behind him, Cassie massaged her way down to his thighs, her stomach fluttering at the reminder of strength in Adrian's body, an outward manifestation of the strength he possessed as a person. Standing, she reached up and dislodged the showerhead from its cradle and rinsed the soap from his body, her free hand running along his skin for no other purpose than she wanted to touch him.

Once she replaced the handheld, she dipped her head back under the water and rinsed the conditioner from her hair. Looking back at him, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, wanting to hold on to this time just a moment longer.

Cassie knew that this bubble they were in couldn't last forever. Today was a busy day, but she didn't want it to feel rushed. Pulling back from him, her fingers danced along the back of his neck.

“I love waking up with you,” she said softly. Planting a small kiss on the tip of his chin, she released him and turned off the water. Retrieving their towels, she handed his over before drying herself off. Wrapping the towel around her body, she stepped out of the enclosed space, the air outside cool against her damp skin. She wanted his warmth back instantly.

Cassie made quick work of getting dressed, and grabbed her brush off the bathroom counter. Evidence of her presence in the house was most seen in the bathroom, where her hair supplies and makeup bag had taken up residence in an empty space. Today was casual for her family, though. No makeup. No fancy hair. No dressing up. They had always been a jeans and T-shirts on Thanksgiving family. All she really needed to do was blow dry her hair.

Turning to Adrian as he got himself ready for his day, another inexplicable smile crossed her face as she towel dried her hair.

“Is there anything I can do for you before I leave to help you get ready?”
 
Adrian let out a slow, contented sigh as the hot water streamed down his shoulders, washing away the last remnants of sleep and the lingering haze of the night before. He stood still for a moment, grounding himself in the sensation of the shower and the intimacy of the moment he was sharing with her. The quiet space, filled only by the steady rhythm of the water, felt like an oasis - a rare reprieve from the usual noise of his mind.

As her hands moved over him, deliberate and tender, Adrian closed his eyes and let himself sink into the quiet. The gentle pull of her nails as she worked shampoo through his hair sent a ripple of relaxation through him, and the warmth of her hands against his scalp was a comfort he hadn't realized he needed. He opened his eyes briefly, catching her gaze. Her face was so close to his, her expression soft, focused, and free of pretense. There was something grounding about her touch, something that reminded him he didn't have to carry everything on his own.

"You're thorough," he murmured, his lips curving into a small, lazy smile as she massaged his temples.

She didn't respond with words, but her hands continued their work, sliding down to his neck and shoulders, kneading the tight knots that always seemed to linger there. Adrian shifted slightly under her touch, letting her maneuver him beneath the spray to rinse the suds from his hair. His head tilted back, the water running over his face and down his body, clearing away the soap but leaving behind an unmistakable sense of calm.

When she reached for the body wash and began tracing her hands over his chest, Adrian couldn't help the small grunt of approval that escaped his throat. Her touch was firm yet gentle, deliberate yet unhurried, and as her hands worked across his shoulders and down his arms, he felt the tension of the past week begin to dissolve. It wasn't just the physical act of her touch - it was the thoughtfulness behind it, the care in how she moved, the quiet intimacy of being cared for without the need for words.

As her hands moved lower, Adrian stood still, letting her take the lead. He felt her knead at the muscles of his lower back, her thumbs working in slow circles that hit just the right spots. A quiet groan slipped past his lips, a mix of relief and appreciation, but he said nothing more, content to let the moment speak for itself. When she crouched to massage his thighs, her touch firm yet reverent, he glanced down at her briefly, catching the focus in her expression. There was no rush in her movements, no sense of urgency, and Adrian found himself marveling at the patience she showed.

When the warm spray of the handheld showerhead began rinsing the soap from his skin, Adrian straightened, his body instinctively leaning into the sensation. Her free hand moved along his skin, following the path of the water, and he let himself sink into the quiet intimacy of the moment. It was more than just routine - it was a connection, a silent conversation spoken through touch and presence.

Once she returned the showerhead to its cradle, Adrian turned slightly to watch her as she rinsed the conditioner from her hair. She moved with the same ease and confidence she always seemed to carry, but there was a softness to her now, a quiet vulnerability that made his chest tighten in ways he couldn't quite articulate. When she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deep kiss, Adrian returned it without hesitation. His hands found her waist, his fingers splaying against the curve of her hips as he held her close.

When the kiss broke, her forehead lingered against his for a moment before she turned off the water. Adrian followed her lead, reaching for the towel she handed him. He watched her as she dried off and began to get dressed, her movements efficient but unhurried. The room carried her presence - small details that had become familiar over the past few weeks. Her hairbrush on the counter, the makeup bag tucked neatly to one side, the faint scent of her shampoo still lingering in the air. It all felt natural, like she belonged here.

As he toweled off and began dressing for the day ahead, Adrian caught her reflection in the mirror. She was smiling softly to herself, her hair falling in damp waves around her shoulders as she worked the towel through it. That inexplicable warmth filled his chest again, and for a moment, he just watched her, taking in the quiet ease she seemed to bring to every space she entered.

When she turned to him, that same small, thoughtful smile on her lips, her question caught him off guard. "Is there anything I can do for you before I leave to help you get ready?"

Adrian pulled his shirt over his head, smoothing the fabric down before meeting her gaze. "No, I'm good," he said simply, his tone steady but warm. His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, taking in the way she looked at him—like he was something worth staying for. "You just worry about getting to your parents' on time."

It wasn't much, but it was enough. The day ahead would be busy, chaotic even, but for now, in this quiet, steam-filled bathroom, Adrian allowed himself to hold onto the calm she'd left behind.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adrian stood in his kitchen, the unmistakable aroma of roasted turkey filling the air as he placed a tray of steaming vegetables on the counter. His house, typically quiet and organized, had been transformed into a bustling hub of laughter and chatter. A handful of his players were scattered throughout the space, some lounging on the couches in the living room, others hovering near the kitchen island. The atmosphere was alive with camaraderie and the occasional burst of playful banter, a sharp contrast to the solitude Adrian was used to.

Marcus, his longtime friend and unofficial right-hand man, stood beside him, carving the turkey with practiced ease. "You know," Marcus said, glancing at Adrian with a grin, "for a guy who doesn't host often, you're doing a pretty decent job. Might even say you're enjoying yourself."

Adrian smirked, folding a dishtowel over his shoulder. "Let's not get carried away. I just didn't want these guys stuck in their dorms eating vending machine junk for Thanksgiving."

Marcus chuckled, expertly slicing the turkey and arranging the pieces on a platter. "Sure, sure. But admit it—this feels good. The team's got chemistry, and this kind of thing only makes it stronger."

Adrian didn't respond right away, his eyes scanning the room as one of the younger players cracked a joke that sent the others into fits of laughter. He nodded slowly, almost to himself. "Yeah, it does."

The idea for hosting had come to him a few weeks ago when he realized several of his players wouldn't be heading home for Thanksgiving. Some were from out of state and couldn't afford the trip back; others had families too far away to make the short holiday break practical. Adrian had spent years traveling for games during the holidays, often celebrating in hotel conference rooms with teammates instead of family. He knew how isolating it could feel.

"Coach!" One of the linebackers, a towering sophomore named Devin, called from the living room. "Are we eating soon, or do we have to wait for Marcus to finish his masterpiece over there?"

"Patience, big guy," Marcus replied, waving the carving knife dramatically. "Good things take time."

Adrian shook his head with a quiet laugh and stepped toward the fridge to grab a few bottles of soda and water. "Food's coming out in a few minutes. You'd think you guys had just come out of a four-a-day practice the way you're acting."

Devin grinned, leaning back on the couch. "Coach, we're football players. We're always hungry."

The laughter that followed was infectious, and Adrian found himself smiling as he handed drinks to a couple of players standing near the counter.

As Marcus finished arranging the turkey and stepped back with a satisfied nod, Adrian took over, organizing the rest of the dishes on the island. There were mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, stuffing, and two kinds of pie—pumpkin and pecan. It wasn't the most extravagant spread, but it was hearty and homemade, and that was enough.

"All right," Adrian called out, clapping his hands together. "Get in here. Food's ready."

The players didn't need to be told twice. They gathered around the island, their voices overlapping as they jostled for plates and utensils. Adrian watched as they piled their plates high, their enthusiasm infectious.

Marcus nudged him with an elbow. "See? Told you this was a good idea."

Adrian shrugged, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "It's not bad," he admitted.

As the players dispersed to find seats around the house, Adrian and Marcus fixed their own plates and settled at the dining table. A couple of the senior players joined them, and the conversation flowed easily, ranging from football to holiday traditions to the best and worst Thanksgiving dishes.

"You know," one of the seniors said, pointing his fork at Adrian, "this is the kind of stuff that makes you the best coach we've had. You actually care."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth. "You saying the bar was low before I got here?"

The table erupted in laughter, and the senior shook his head. "Nah, but seriously. Stuff like this—it matters. We all see it."

Adrian nodded, his expression softening. "Glad you guys could be here. Team's like family, and family sticks together."

As the meal wound down and the players began clearing their plates and helping with the cleanup, Adrian felt a quiet sense of satisfaction settle over him. The house was still buzzing with energy, but it wasn't the kind that wore him out—it was the kind that filled the space with warmth.

Marcus leaned against the counter, a beer in hand, watching as the players worked together to load the dishwasher and wipe down the counters. "So, what's the plan for the rest of the night?"

Adrian glanced at the clock. It was still early in the evening, and he knew the guys would want to stick around for a while. "Figured we'd throw on a game, maybe play some cards. Keep it simple."

Marcus nodded. "Sounds good. You've got a good group here, Adrian. You're building something solid."

Adrian didn't respond immediately, his gaze drifting to the players now sprawled across the couches, debating which game to watch. He felt a quiet pride in what they were building—not just as a team, but as a community.

"Yeah," he said finally, his voice low but steady. "Feels like we're on the right track."

For the rest of the evening, the house remained alive with laughter and camaraderie. Adrian watched as his players relaxed and enjoyed themselves, their bonds growing stronger with every joke, every shared story, every moment of connection.

And as the night wore on, Adrian couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something even bigger than football.​
 
So much to be thankful for every year, but especially this year. Thanks for all the love, fam! I couldn’t do what I do without you all. Thank you for your continued support and I hope you find many things to be thankful about today.

Cassie hit send on the photo she’d taken before leaving Adrian’s. Two coffee mugs sat next to each other on top of a plain white kitchen towel. She’d had the idea after realizing that her posts had been less frequent, and how much her followers had noticed the quiet. The towel had been her attempt at hiding any identifiable markings. She knew that some of the team followed her, and she couldn’t be certain that they wouldn’t recognize the quartz countertop if they happened to see it before going to Adrian’s.

*

“You're going down, old man!” Cassie’s voice had a teasing, competitive edge to it as she pointed at her father. Paul Nichols had the same mischievous glint in his hazel eyes, the resemblance between the two uncanny.

“No chance, Baby Nichols.” Shaking his head, he reached into the hat and pulled out a folded piece of paper, drawing the first team of the day.

“I hate it when you call me that,” she whined, resembling her much younger self as she reached in and pulled her own piece of paper.

“Cassandra, there's no whining in football.” Grinning, Paul pulled out the last paper. Behaving as a mature adult would, Cassie promptly stuck her tongue out at him as she opened the small paper. They had written down one team from each of the three football games, fate deciding who was cheering for which team.

“Nooooooo…” Cassie wrinkled her nose as she looked at the team written down, her bottom lip poking out. “I don’t want to cheer for the Giants. They’re so bad.” Fake crying, she dissolved into laughter as her father’s laugh filled the room.

“Sorry, Princess. That’s rough.” Sounding anything but sorry, his smile widened as he held out his two other teams. “Ha. That might be my only win today. I pulled the Bears and the Dolphins.”

“Yes! I told you. This is my year!” Pumping her fist, Cassie looked skyward as though she were thanking the football gods for her luck.

“All right, you two. We still have two hours before kickoff.” Sally Nichols walked in with Meg close by, the women handing Cassie and her father each a cold beer bottle. They all clinked bottle necks before taking a sip. “Honey, I need your help in the kitchen.” Sally snagged Paul, and the two headed back through the door that led to the kitchen as Meg and Cassie settled on the couch.

“She does not,” Meg grinned slyly as she took another sip of her beer. “I think she wants to make out with your dad in the kitchen.”

“Meg, stop.” Shaking her head, Cassie had a very strong sense of Deja Vu.

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever,” Meg turned her attention back to Cassie, her face taking on a pouty expression.

“Yes, well, you’ve been practically living with Marcus for what seems like the entirety of the football season. You ready to confess that the two of you are actually a thing?” Lifting her eyebrows as she took another swig of her drink, the playfulness slid from her face at the expression on Meg’s face. At the question, Meg’s smile had been replaced by pure distress. “Meg?”

“Cass,” she started, paused, and then set her drink down on the table. Looking back at Cassie, she gnawed on her bottom lip. “I’m not used to this.”

“Used to what?” Feeling concerned, Cassie placed her own beer down on the table, her eyebrows coming together.

“I’ve never been with anybody this long. Usually I spend a few weeks with someone, we have fun, and then I’m ready to move on. It’s been months, and I still…” Shaking her head, Meg lifted her hands up, looking helpless. “I still want him. Like all the time. I don’t understand what’s happening.”

Cassie’s muscles relaxed, an endeared look sliding into her eyes.

“Meg,” she chuckled, shaking her own head. “Sweetie, I think you have actually fallen for him.”

“But, I don’t fall for men. Right? I enjoy them. I have fun with them. The nights I’m not at his house, it takes me forever to fall asleep because my bed feels empty. Waking up next to him just makes me want to stay in bed all day. When I hear something funny, he’s the first one I want to share it with. No offense. When we’re at work together, it’s almost impossible for me to keep my eyes off him.” Meg’s hand motions became even more erratic the longer she spoke, her eyes wide with uncertainty.

“Meg,” Cassie’s voice came out softly and she reached over and took Meg’s hands in hers. “Babe, I think you might be in love for the first time.” There was a small chuckle in her voice as she saw the denial pass over her best friend’s face, but that denial was quickly swallowed up by reluctant acceptance.

“I-” Looking helpless, Meg released an aggressive breath. “I don’t know how this happened.”

Cassie couldn’t help but laugh at Meg’s over the top reaction, especially because she knew how authentic it was.

“Marcus is a great man, Meg. The two of you make sense.”

“But, I’m not the type to commit. I’ve never wanted a long-term relationship with anyone.”

“That’s probably because you never met your match before.” Squeezing Meg’s hands, Cassie tilted her head, the smile still plastered on her face. “You’ve never wanted a real relationship because you hadn’t met someone that spoke to your heart the right way.”

Meg still looked uneasy at the idea, which only made Cassie find the whole situation funnier.

*

The day wore on, and her parents’ house filled up. By the time everybody had eaten and she’d helped her parents clean up, Cassie was exhausted. It had been a good day, which seemed like such a simplistic way to describe it. Life had been so hectic the last several months that she relished the day to just hang out with her family. The only thing missing was Adrian. Scrolling through her social media feed, she smiled as she saw some of the photos a few of the players had posted, several with Adrian and Marcus in them.

Her notifications had exploded since posting the coffee mugs this morning, with thousands of engagements. It was overwhelming, and Cassie did not have the energy to try to manage her feed. She pulled up her text messages with Adrian and fired off a quick one.

C: You all look like you had a fantastic time. if the photos are anything to go by. Meg can’t drive home. She had too much to drink after realizing she’s in love with Marcus. I think this is her version of a midlife crisis. Can you have Marcus stay a little longer so I can safely deliver her to his capable hands?

Cassie moved Meg’s car so it didn’t block her parents in, and the two women were now headed to Adrian’s. Meg was scrolling through social media as Cassie sang along to the radio, enjoying the absence of traffic.

“Oh my God, Cassie.” Meg’s voice sounded alarmed, and the woman sat up straighter in her seat. “Have you looked at your notifications?”

“I saw that they were out of control, but I haven’t actually looked through them. Why?”

“There are a lot of people freaking out, but your creeper posted some really concerning things.”

At the mention of the unknown man, Cassie’s stomach knotted up.

“Worse than usual?” She hadn’t told Meg about the increasingly threatening messages she’d received. She wasn’t intentionally hiding it from her, but the two had seen so little of each other, she just hadn’t had a chance.

“Yes,” Meg reached up and scrolled just enough and began reading out loud. “How could you? You belong to me and only me. I’ll make you pay for this. Our time is coming soon, and you need to be punished. I’m going to make you- No. I can’t read that out loud. Cass, I don’t like this. What does he mean your time is coming soon?”

Swallowing thickly, Cassie stopped at a red light and leaned back in her seat, turning her attention to Meg.

“The last couple weeks he’s been sending me messages about seeing me soon. He’s been quiet lately, though, so I was hoping he was losing steam finally.”

“Cassie, why didn’t you say something? Have you reported it?”

“I always report his stuff. They haven’t come across as credible enough to bring it up to law enforcement, but the tone has definitely shifted the last couple weeks.” The inside of the car took on the green glow as the light changed, and Cassie turned her attention back on the road.

“Have you told Adrian about this guy?”

“Absolutely not. There are creepy people all over the internet, and he has enough to worry about. I don’t want him stressing about anything other than the game on Saturday.”

“Cass, I think you should tell him about this.” Meg looked genuinely concerned as she looked at Cassie.

“I will, but not until after Saturday. Meg, this is the biggest game of the year. My job this week is to keep him as calm and focused as I can.”
 
As Adrian wiped down the last of the countertops, Marcus rinsed a stack of plates in the sink, his usual easygoing demeanor even more relaxed after the success of the evening. The players had finally left, full and happy, leaving behind a mountain of dirty dishes, a few forgotten hats, and a sense of camaraderie that Adrian couldn't help but feel proud of.

"You know," Marcus started, his voice cutting through the soft clatter of dishes, "tonight went better than I expected. The guys loved it. You've got a good thing going here, Adrian."

Adrian murmured his agreement, folding the dishrag over the faucet. "It was good to have them here. They work hard; they deserve a break."

Marcus leaned against the counter, drying his hands with a towel, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Speaking of things going well...you ever notice how much easier it is for me to stick around these days?"

Adrian glanced at him, brow furrowed. "What are you getting at?"

Marcus shrugged, though his grin only widened. "Just saying, it's been a good season for more than football. Meg and I...it's real, man."

Adrian froze for a moment, surprised by the unexpected confession. "Real?" he repeated, leaning back against the counter. "Didn't think you were the settling-down type."

"Yeah, well," Marcus chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Neither did I. But with Meg...it's different. She's different. Keeps me on my toes. Makes me want to be better." He shook his head, his expression softening. "Can't explain it, but I'm in. All the way."

Adrian studied him for a moment, then smirked. "Guess miracles do happen."

Marcus laughed, giving him a light punch on the shoulder. "Don't start, old man. Just thought you should know, seeing as you've probably figured it out anyway."

"Yeah, I had a hunch," Adrian admitted, crossing his arms. "Good for you, though. She's a good one. Don't screw it up."

Marcus grinned, the teasing edge returning to his voice. "That's the plan, Coach."

After Marcus finished in the kitchen, Adrian sat down on the couch, his phone buzzing on the coffee table. Cassie's name lit up the screen, and he opened her text.

C: You all look like you had a fantastic time, if the photos are anything to go by. Meg can't drive home. She had too much to drink after realizing she's in love with Marcus. I think this is her version of a midlife crisis. Can you have Marcus stay a little longer so I can safely deliver her to his capable hands?

Adrian smirked as he read the message, shaking his head. "Figures," he muttered, typing back.

A: He's still here. I'll keep him busy. Drive safe.

He hit send and leaned back, his mind wandering. The evening had been a success, and hearing about Marcus and Meg's relationship gave him an odd sense of satisfaction. It reminded him how much had changed over the past few months—not just with the team, but in his personal life too. He let Marcus know that Meg was her way to them with Cassie. The smile of his face was the tell of a man deep in love.

He picked up his phone again, flipping through the photos from the night that some of the players had tagged him in. One shot caught his attention: him and Marcus standing in the kitchen, surrounded by players, all of them laughing. It was the kind of moment he rarely thought to document, but seeing it now, it struck him how much these connections mattered—not just to the team, but to him as well.

As the house settled into quiet, Adrian stared out the window for a moment, his thoughts drifting to Cassie. Even when she wasn't there, she had a way of making him feel grounded. It wasn't something he'd expected, but he couldn't deny how much he appreciated it. Shaking his head, he got up to finish tidying the house. There'd be time to think about all of that later. For now, he was just thankful for the connections he'd built—on and off the field.

As Adrian sat back down on the couch, his phone buzzed with another notification. He absentmindedly opened Cassie's social media post, curious about the coffee mug picture she'd shared earlier. It had caught his attention when he first saw it—simple and understated, like her—but now, he was drawn to the sheer volume of comments flooding the post. Most were lighthearted or supportive, but as he scrolled, a few stood out like dark stains on an otherwise pleasant thread. The comments started with the usual creepy undertones he'd seen on other public accounts: possessive language, inappropriate declarations, the kind of stuff Cassie brushed off with an eye-roll when they'd joked about her online following. But further down, Adrian's stomach tightened as he read something more pointed.

"You belong to me. You'll see soon enough."
Another read: "I know where you are. Don't think you're safe."

Adrian frowned, his jaw tightening. The words were vague but carried a tone that set his teeth on edge. He scrolled deeper and found another: "You'll pay for ignoring me. Our time is coming."

Adrian set the phone down, a surge of unease washing over him. The comments weren't just unsettling—they were threatening. He stood up, pacing the room as he tried to process what he'd just read. How long had this been going on? Had Cassie mentioned anything about this?

"No way she'd let this slide if she knew how bad it was," he muttered to himself. But then again, Cassie had a way of keeping things close to the chest when she didn't want to worry him.

Adrian grabbed his phone again, scrolling back through her post. The timestamp on the comments wasn't recent, and while there weren't new ones in that vein, the fact they existed at all made his protective instincts flare. He made a mental note to talk to her about it—sooner rather than later. He didn't want to jump to conclusions, but he also wasn't about to ignore something that could be a genuine threat to her safety. For now, though, he left it alone. Cassie would be arriving soon with Meg, and Adrian didn't want to set off any alarm bells without hearing her side of things first. Still, as he tidied the last of the dishes and straightened the living room, the unease lingered. When it came to Cassie, Adrian had learned to tread carefully. She was fiercely independent and rarely asked for help, but this wasn't something he could let slide.

"I'll bring it up when the timing's right," he muttered, setting the coffee table back in place.

For now, all he could do was wait—and make sure Marcus stayed put for Meg. But in the back of his mind, the unsettling comments loomed large, adding a layer of tension to an otherwise calm evening.​
 
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CassHubby6345: "You belong to me. You'll see soon enough."
CassHubby6345: "I know where you are. Don't think you're safe.”

“I told you,” Meg’s voice was dripping in concern as she watched Cassie's expression take on a stony look. “It's gotten worse. I think this crosses a line, Cass.”

They had been sitting in Adrian's driveway for the past several minutes while Cassie scrolled through the comments. She felt nauseated.

“I agree. I'm going to leave them up as evidence, but I'm going to talk with the network in the morning. This just feels different.” Shaking her head, Cassie looked over at Meg, the concern just as prominent on her face as her best friend’s.

“Good. That makes me feel better. Please be careful tomorrow.”

“I will. I'm always careful.” Cassie gave Meg a reassuring smile, her gaze flickering to the front door of the house. Marcus’ silhouette was moving in their direction with his familiar stride. The worry melted away on Meg’s face, a heartfelt smile that made Cassie's heart swell with happiness. She knew the feeling behind that kind of smile. It was the same warmth that spread through her own chest every time she laid eyes on Adrian. She felt it just by the sound of his voice or the notification that he’d texted her.

After hugging both Meg and Marcus goodbye, Cassie let herself into Adrian's, locking the door behind her. Setting her purse down on a table, she hung her coat up and took off her shoes, finally letting herself come down from the busyness of the day. Walking through the house, she smiled as she entered the living room, and stopped for a moment to just stare at Adrian on the couch.

Without a word, she walked over to him, her fingers brushing through his hair as she slid her hand down to the back of his neck. Her movements were natural as she straddled his lap, her other arm looping around his neck. Leaning in she kissed him, her lips a slow burn against his as she felt her body relax against him. Whatever lingering worry that had still been gnawing at her dissipated once the feel of him beneath her consumed her. It was a quiet, steady hum that made her feel safe. Pulling back just enough to break the connection between them, she smiled as she brought her left hand around to touch his cheek.

“I hope you know that I am most thankful for you this year. Of all the good things that have happened to me, you coming back into my life is by far the best moment that I couldn't have even fathomed this time last year.” She kissed him again, this one brief, before dropping another kiss on his cheek.

“Let's get you to bed, Coach. You have a busy two days ahead of you, and you need your beauty sleep.”

*

“I think it's Griggs,” Jermaine's voice was slightly winded from the sprints they had just run. He looked to the other two players, both of whom were squirting a sports drink into their mouths.

“What? No way,” Ray shook his head, his eyes darting over to where Cassie stood with Kenny and Griggs. Cassie had been at the field for the last couple of hours getting interviews with several players during their last practice before their game against the Cougars. She had finally been given permission to get her first interview with the new Special Teams coach. “He just got here.”

“Exactly,” Brandon Seeds pointed at Ray, his eyes shifting between the reporter and their new coach and his teammates. “He arrived this week and she posted that picture yesterday. Jermaine might be right. There seems to be a lot of tension there.”

Almost as if on cue, Griggs said something that made Cassie's head tilt back with laughter.

“I'm not sold,” Ray said, shaking his head.

“Let's ask Coach,” Brandon shrugged his shoulders, reaching out to nudge Adrian's arm as he walked by. “What do you think, Coach? Cassie is clearly dating someone. Our money is on Griggs.”

“My money is not on Griggs,” Ray proclaimed, raising his hand like a school boy in a classroom.

At that moment, Griggs rested his hand on Cassie's shoulder, motioning with his other hand, as if he were painting a picture for her. Whatever it was had Cassie laughing again as she shook her head. Kenny was grinning behind the camera, but he remained still, keeping the shot steady.

They wrapped up shortly thereafter, Cassie and Griggs shaking hands. Griggs held onto her hand a beat longer than what was necessary before sauntering off to rejoin the group of players he was working with. Cassie spoke with Kenny briefly, the two making a plan for the next day. Her eyes lifted all of a sudden, locking in on Adrian immediately. The smile on her face softened and she waved politely to him, diligent to remain neutral and professional.

*

“Are you leaving soon?” Meg’s voice echoed down the hallway into Cassie's room. Cassie had just finished getting dressed, her wide leg, dark jeans and dark green sweater giving her a professional look while still allowing her to stay warm and move comfortably around the field.

“Yes, I just need to throw my boots on and grab my coat,” she called out as she walked into the hallway. The two women bumped right into each other, laughing as they stepped back. For as long as they had lived here, they still frequently turned a corner and ran into each other.

“Perfect. You look like a professional sex kitten,” Meg said, that sky smirk spreading across her face. “You aren't trying to distract the coach are you? We need him focused.”

“Ha. Ha.” Rolling her eyes, Cassie reached up and tucked a wavy tendril behind her ear. It was supposed to be cold tonight, so she had her coat and knit hat ready by the door. “You about ready?”

“I am ready. Just grabbing my hat from my room. Meet you at the door in a few minutes.”

Meg had refused to leave Cassie at home alone, so Cassie had agreed to getting to the stadium earlier because Meg had to meet with the rest of the medical staff prior to warmups. Cassie had reported the threats to her network the previous morning as she'd promised. They had turned over the messages to law enforcement and had let her know that she would have security at the game when she wasn't on the field. Meg had taken it upon herself to act as Cassie's bodyguard while they were at home. Adrian had stayed at the hotel with the team the previous night, as they did for all home games, so Cassie and Meg had spent their first night in a long time together.

The doorbell rang, surprising her as she reached the living room. Looking through the peephole, she saw a delivery man standing outside. Opening the door, she greeted him with a smile.

“Hi,” she greeted him.

“Hi. I have a delivery for Cassandra Nichols.” He handed out a bouquet of flowers in a glass vase, a card sticking out of the top.

“That would be me. Thank you!” She took the case and closed the door behind her as Meg came walking into the room, her hat in her hands.

“Those are pretty,” Meg sat, her face lighting up. “Are they from Adrian?”

“I don't know.” Cassie held the base in one hand and reached up to grab the card with her other hand. “I don't think so. Adrian has never called me Cassandra.”

Meg reached over and took the vase, freeing up Cassie's other hand. “Oh. Maybe your parents then?”

Cassie pulled the small card out of the envelope as Meg sat the flowers on the coffee table. The minute her eyes landed on the typed message, the color drained from Cassie's face. Meg’s smile immediately turned into an expression of alarm.

“What is it?” Stepping beside Cassie, she reached over and took the card from her, her eyes quickly taking in the message.

Tonight is the night I make you scream my name.

“Oh, my God.” Meg looked up, the implication evident to both women. “He knows where you live.”

Cassie felt a panic attack building inside her chest, and her eyes darted around the house as if she half expected the sender to jump out of a closet.

“We. He knows where we live.” Cassie’s voice came out choked, and she felt the strength in her legs threatening to give.

“All right, look,” Meg’s voice took charge as she sat the card on the table and took Cassie by the hands. “I'm sure you were already planning to stay with Adrian tonight, but you are not to come home alone at any point. I'm going to stay with Marcus. We're going to take the card and envelope with us so you can turn it over to law enforcement when we get to the stadium. They should be able to contact the florist and find out who placed the order.”

Cassie nodded, her body shaking as a million thoughts ran through her mind. She'd dealt with aggressive fans before, but this felt different. She felt violated.

“Cass-” Meg reached up and put her hands on Cassie's shoulders, catching her eye. “It's going to be ok, all right? Come on. Let's get ready to go and get you out of here.”

*

Cassie was a bundle of nerves. It had been hours since she and Meg had left their house, both women looking over their shoulders as they threw their stuff in their cars. Now that she was on the field, she felt like she could breathe. At least from the previous situation. Now her nerves were jumpy for the game that was set to start soon.

Pulling her phone out, she sent a quick text to Adrian, uncertain he would see it before the team came back out on the field.

C: I love you, Coach. No matter what happens with the score tonight, you are amazing. This team is remarkable. Just go be you.
 
Adrian was half-asleep on the couch when he felt her presence before he saw her. He wasn't sure how much time had passed since the rest of the house had gone quiet, but he hadn't been ready to head to bed just yet. The evening had been filled with food, laughter, and a warmth he hadn't felt in years. But now, in the stillness, the memories of Thanksgivings past with Rebecca crept into his mind. He tried to push them away, focusing instead on the sound of Cassie's soft footsteps. The light from the hallway outlined her silhouette as she approached him. Adrian's eyes fluttered open, and he turned his head slightly to see her standing there. She didn't say anything at first, just smiled at him with an expression that made his chest ache. He felt her fingers slide through his hair, gentle and unhurried, before her touch moved to the back of his neck. Then she was straddling his lap, her presence immediate and grounding.

Adrian's hands instinctively found her waist as her lips met his in a kiss that was slow and deliberate, each moment drawing him further away from the lingering sadness. Her touch, the way she moved, it was effortless, as if she knew exactly how to ease the weight he carried without needing to speak a word. When she finally pulled back, her brown eyes met his, soft and earnest. "I hope you know," she began, her fingers brushing his cheek, "that I am most thankful for you this year. Of all the good things that have happened to me, you coming back into my life is by far the best moment that I couldn't have even fathomed this time last year."

Her words caught him off guard. Adrian was used to being the one giving reassurance, the one providing the foundation, but hearing her say that—so openly, so vulnerably—touched something inside him. He didn't trust his voice to respond, so he leaned in and kissed her again, this one brief but full of unspoken emotion.

She smiled against his lips, then pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek before pulling back. "Let's get you to bed, Coach," she teased, her voice lighter now, though still laced with affection. "You have a busy two days ahead of you, and you need your beauty sleep."

Adrian chuckled softly, shaking his head. She grinned, sliding off his lap and tugging at his hand to pull him up from the couch. He let her guide him down the hallway, the tension in his shoulders easing with every step. It wasn't just the comfort of her presence or the way she looked at him. It was the quiet understanding between them, the kind of connection that made him feel like, maybe, he didn't have to carry everything on his own.
​

Adrian stood at the edge of the practice field, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jacket. The players were scattered across the field, running through their drills under the watchful eyes of the assistant coaches. It was the last practice before the game against the Cougars, and he should have been focused on the playbook. Instead, his attention kept straying toward Cassie.

She was standing with Griggs, the new special teams coach, and Kenny, the cameraman. Adrian watched as Griggs said something that made Cassie laugh, her head tilting back in a way that felt too familiar. His jaw tightened as he shifted his weight, forcing himself to look away, but his eyes inevitably drifted back.

Griggs wasn't doing anything wrong—nothing overt, anyway—but Adrian couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that settled in his chest. He noticed the way Griggs's hand lingered on Cassie's shoulder, the way he leaned in just a little too close as he spoke. It shouldn't have mattered. Cassie was professional, and she'd never given him a reason to doubt her.

But Adrian's mind betrayed him, dragging him back to the memories of Rebecca. She had been just as charismatic, just as confident, and it had been so easy to believe in her, to trust that she wouldn't stray. Until she did.

Adrian clenched his fists in his pockets, hating himself for letting those old wounds surface. This wasn't Rebecca. This wasn't the same situation. Cassie had shown him nothing but loyalty and kindness. But the hurt ran deeper than logic, and no matter how hard he tried to push it down, it lingered, gnawing at the edges of his thoughts.

"Coach," one of the players called, snapping him out of his reverie. Adrian turned, nodding at the group of guys jogging toward him. They were grinning, clearly up to something.

"What's up?" Adrian asked, his tone even.

"We were just wondering," Brandon Seeds began, his grin widening, "what you think about Cassie and Griggs. I mean, it's pretty obvious there's something there, right?"

Adrian's expression didn't waver, but inside, the question hit harder than he expected. He glanced back at where Cassie and Griggs were still talking, then returned his gaze to the players.

"I think you should worry less about that," he said evenly, "and more about not fumbling the ball tomorrow."

The players laughed, exchanging glances, but Adrian could tell they weren't entirely convinced. He forced himself to stay calm, to not let the irritation show. He wouldn't let them—or anyone—see how much the situation was bothering him.
​

As he sat in his office, readying himself to speak to the player before they took to the field, his phone buzzed with a text from Cassie, he read her words twice.

C: I love you, Coach. No matter what happens with the score tonight, you are amazing. This team is remarkable. Just go be you.

Adrian stared at the message for a long moment before responding.

A: Love you too. Let's get this win.

It was short, to the point, but he couldn't bring himself to say more. Not when the doubt still lingered, no matter how much he hated it.
-----------------------------------
The stadium was electric, the crowd roaring as the teams took the field. Adrian stood on the sidelines, his arms crossed over his chest as he surveyed his players. The first half had been rough—missed opportunities, sloppy defense, and an interception that had given the Cougars a 10-point lead.

As the team filed into the locker room at halftime, Adrian could see the frustration etched on their faces. They were tense, their heads down, and the energy that had carried them through the season seemed to have vanished.

"Listen up," Adrian said, his voice cutting through the murmur of the room. The players turned to face him, their expressions wary.

"This isn't how this ends," Adrian continued, his tone steady but firm. "We've fought too hard, worked too damn much, to let this slip away now. I don't care what the scoreboard says. I don't care how many points they're up by. What I care about is how we respond."

He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping the room. "You think they're better than you? You think they've earned this win? Because I don't. I know what this team is capable of. I've seen it all season. You've got heart. You've got grit. And you've got each other. That's all you need."

Adrian paused, letting the words sink in. "So get out there and prove it. Play like it's the last game of your life. Play for your teammates, for your school, for yourselves. Leave it all on that field, and I promise you, we'll walk out of here as winners."

The room erupted in cheers, the players' energy reignited. Adrian watched as they filed back onto the field, determination in their eyes.

The second half was a battle. The defense tightened up, forcing the Cougars into three-and-outs. The offense came alive, led by a series of clutch plays that brought the team within striking distance. With less than a minute left, they were down by two points, the ball on the Cougars' 30-yard line.

Adrian called for a field goal, his heart pounding as the kicker lined up the shot. The snap was clean, the hold steady, and the kick sailed through the uprights as the clock hit zero.

The crowd erupted, the players swarming the field in celebration. Adrian stood on the sidelines, a rare smile breaking across his face as the reality of the win sank in.

As the chaos subsided, he saw Cassie making her way toward him, microphone in hand. She smiled at him, the kind of smile that made him forget everything else.

"You ready for your interview, Coach?" she asked, her voice warm and teasing.

Adrian nodded, the weight of the past few days finally lifting.​
 
A: Love you too. Let's get this win.

Cassie’s eyebrows furrowed as she read the brief text message. It wasn’t wrong, exactly, but it felt off. Had he ever left the “I” off that sentence before? There was something about that one letter missing that made her stomach tighten. Shaking her head, Cassie pushed her unease from her mind. This was a big game for him. He was probably feeling the stress of what tonight meant, and was likely refocusing his attention on the players. Not to mention her own nerves that were likely clouding her judgement.

Being escorted from her car into the stadium, and then promptly followed during those couple of hours before she took the field had left a rock sitting in the bottom of her stomach. Somehow it made the threats real. Cassie was used to moving around the stadium and seeing law enforcement everywhere, but having them with her for her protection made her feel solemn about even being here. Nothing was going to stop her from being on that sideline tonight, though. She knew that the Wolves were going to take their first win against the Cougars in years, and she had to be there to see Adrian get that win.

Cassandra Nichols had not had a problem with pacing the sideline since she was a rookie reporter. The lack of focus and mistakes from the Wolves had put her on edge, and she took to walking back and forth between broadcasts. When she was on camera, she was perfectly calm, cool, and collected. The moment the light on Kenny’s camera went off, she was gnawing on her bottom lip and practically wearing a path in the turf.

At halftime when she did her quick interview with Adrian, something niggled in her stomach that he was standoffish with her. While they had done a significantly better job of hiding their feelings from their face during these interviews, Cassie had still always picked up on some sign from him. Sometimes it was an “accidental” graze of their fingers or staying closer than what was strictly necessary for the sake of the microphone. Tonight he felt distant from her in a way that she couldn’t put her finger on.

As the marching band started their show, Cassie went back to where she and Kenny had their equipment stashed, chastising herself for being so selfish.

It’s a big night for him, Cassie. It’s not about you.

The second half of the game changed the atmosphere in the stadium. The stadium was half blue and gold and half orange and blue, the rivals bringing in an almost equal number of fans. When the momentum of the game swung, the home side of the stadium was so loud that the network couldn’t hear Cassie’s report during a time out.

Reminding her why she loved this sport, the final moments of the game came down to a field goal. Clutching her microphone, Cassie and Kenny had positioned themselves with the other reporters and waited with baited breath. Pure joy exploded inside of her when the ball sailed through the goalpost and the referee’s arms both came up. Laughing, her eyes turned as a flood of blue and gold stormed the field. Moving with purpose, she and Kenny quickly picked their way through the cheering players and staff until she found him, surrounded by his state trooper entourage.

The sight of him put all the stress from earlier behind her, her chest expanding with the warmth that only he could evoke. She was so proud of him, but she knew she couldn’t tell him that. Not yet, anyway. Right now, she had to be the neutral reporter, but she hoped that he could read it in her eyes.

“Coach, the Cougars have won this game for the last four years. As a former player, you know the depth of this rivalry. What is going through your mind right now?”

Cassie wanted to throw her arms around him and hug him so tightly it drowned out the stadium, but she stood there, holding the microphone as he spoke. Her eyes moved between him and Kenny, catching sight of fans jumping the wall to the field. When she wrapped up her interview with Adrian, she gave him one more smile before moving out of the way for the next reporter vying for his attention. She and Kenny moved around to some of the players, finding themselves entrenched in the middle of the field.

That was when they both noticed the change in noise. It had been loud, full of celebration and cheers with thousands of fans storming the field, but now there were other yells intermingling with those. Turning to the left, she could see a large amount of orange on the field, mixing in with the blue.

“Oh no,” she muttered, the two words lost amidst the noise. The two sides were clashing in the middle, and the throng of Cougar fans were pushing their way, interrupting the celebration. Looking around, she could see various state troopers trying to listen in on their headsets. A couple of them tapped nearby players on the arm and motioned towards the tunnel, urging them on.

The state trooper with Adrian reached up and rested a hand on his shoulder, leaning into his ear. “Coach, we need to get you and your players in the locker room now. The field is becoming unmanageable.”

Fights had broken out along the field, and some people were beginning to panic while others were still oblivious that there was anything other than a post-game celebration happening. Kenny and Cassie had experienced this plenty of times before, and made quick eye contact with each other.

“Get the camera to the tunnel. I’ll go grab the bag if I can.” Yelling above the noise, Cassie pointed toward the end zone tunnel. Kenny nodded and gave her a thumbs up. “And Kenny, I mean it. To the tunnel. Do not stop to film.”

The two darted off in opposite directions, and Cassie maneuvered her way through the crowd. Their equipment had already been packed away in Kenny’s carrying case, so she was hopeful it would be easy to grab. She had just about reached the spot, and had the case in her sight, when four men involved in an altercation pushed their way in front of her. Stopping abruptly, she tried to back up, but one of the Cougar fans was shoved roughly, his large body knocking her backwards.

A tall body caught her from behind, an arm wrapping around her and preventing her from falling. She tried to stand back up straight and move away to thank the person, but the man’s hold on her tightened, pinning her arms to her sides, and his other hand snaked its way around her middle. Instinctively she knew. Every alarm bell in her head went off, and she tried to pull away, only for him to tighten his grip on her.

“Careful, Cassandra,” his voice spoke in her ear, an eerie sound against the chaos on the field. “We can’t have you getting hurt. That’s my job.”

“Let me go,” speaking through gritted teeth, Cassie brought her foot down on the inside of his shoe, hoping to take him by surprise. The boots he wore protected him from her flat boots, the effort eliciting a laugh.

“I didn’t want to hurt you, Cassandra. But you haven’t listened.” The man’s bottom hand slid from her middle down to her thigh, tightening against her jeans.

Cassie was trying to keep a clear head. There were people everywhere, but those people were all embroiled in chaos. Tears had started to prick her eyes, but she forced her emotions down. She had taken self defense back in college. But now that she was in a situation where she needed it, it was like her muscles wouldn’t respond.

“I told you that tonight was our night.” His voice continued to drone on in her ear as Cassie’s hazel eyes searched frantically for someone, anyone, looking in her direction.

Two blue and gold uniforms caught her eye, and she saw Ray and Jermaine walking in the direction of the tunnel, both still wearing huge grins on their faces from the win. Ray turned his head to look at Jermaine as he spoke, but caught Cassie’s terrified face and did a double take. He brought the back of his hand up to Jermaine’s chest, halting him and nodding in Cassie’s direction.

Cassie mouthed the word ‘help,’ but it was unnecessary as the two players were already moving in her direction with purpose.

“Hey!” Ray’s usually quiet voice cut across the sounds of the crowd, and she felt the man behind her stiffen.

“I’ll find you.” The voice whispered in her ear before pushing her forward in one motion. Cassie stumbled forward, and Jermaine reached out in time to keep her from falling. Turning her head quickly, she tried to get a look at him, but only saw his retreating figure.

“Who the hell was that?” Jermaine’s angry voice cut across the fog in her brain, and she turned back to them, shaking her head.

“I don’t know. Did you get a good look at his face?” She looked between Ray and Jermaine, her stomach dropping when they both shook their heads.

“His hat was pulled too far down.” Ray answered, his eyes scanning the crowd in the hopes of catching another glimpse of him.

“Come on,” Jermaine rested a hand on her shoulder, tugging her in the direction of the tunnel.

*

“Kenny, where is Cassie?” Meg’s voice was sharp and high pitched as she grabbed the cameraman by the front of his shirt. Kenny and Marcus both exchanged a confused look with each other.

“She went to try to grab the equipment bag. She should be here soon.”

“She went alone?” Meg’s voice practically screeched the question, her voice echoing off the walls.

“Yeah, she told me to get the camera here and she’d get the rest. Meg, what’s the big deal? We’ve done this when fans storm the field more times than I can count.”

Meg released her grip on Kenny, her hands reaching up as if she meant to pull her hair, but found it in a ponytail and realized she had nothing to grab.

“I have to find her.” Speaking more to herself, Meg took steps towards the field before Marcus grabbed a hold of her and pulled her back.

“Whoa there,” Marcus began, “You’re not going back out there. Meg, she’ll be fine. She knows how to navigate this.”

“No.” Turning around, the panic in her face was a stark contrast to the playful, teasing expression that normally adorned her features. “You don’t understand. We have to find her. Now!” Meg was practically screaming as she waved towards the field.

“Meg, what’s going on?” Marcus brought his eyebrows together as he reached up and took her face in his hands.

“She’s in trouble.” Meg sounded near tears as she looked between Marcus and Kenny. “Her online stalker is here. He knows where she lives and he’s here somewhere.”

Kenny’s eyebrows shot up, and he shook his head as if realization had just dawned on him.

“Wait. Is that why we had law enforcement with us before the game?”

“Yes.”

“I thought that was just because it was against the Cougars.”

“Wait,” Marcus interjected, shaking his head. “He knows where you both live? How do you know that? How long have you known that? Does Adrian know about this?”

“No, she-”

“Meg,” Cassie’s shaky voice interrupted the conversation. She had just entered the tunnel, flanked on either side by Jermaine and Ray. Meg screeched something unintelligible before flinging her arms around her best friend. Cassie’s body was shaking, and she wrapped her arms around Meg, burying her pale face in the other woman’s shoulder.

“Oh my God, what were you thinking?” Meg was practically hysterical as she clutched Cassie tightly.

“I…wasn’t. I just did what I’ve always done.” Pulling back, Cassie’s face was pale. Marcus came up to stand beside the two women.

“We got her, Coach.” Jermaine spoke up, looking at Marcus.

“Great job, guys. Go on and head to the locker room. Coach Stafford will want to have all of you in the locker room before the press conference.” He waited until the two left before turning back to Cassie and Meg, motioning them to the side of the tunnel for a little more privacy. “Cassie, what happened?”

Cassie did her best to explain. Looking back on it, she realized that the entire thing had happened in a matter of seconds. Her fear and paralysis had made it feel like hours. Marcus asked her a few questions, but she confirmed that she had not seen what he looked like, and neither had Ray nor Jermaine.

“I should go let Adrian know,” Marcus said tentatively, as if he was already expecting opposition.

“No.” Cassie’s voice came out firm as she shook her head.

“Cass, he would want to know.”

“I know. I will tell him everything, Marcus, I promise. As soon as the press conference is done. I don’t want anything to take away from this win you guys just had.” Her voice broke on the last few words of her sentence as she pleaded with him. “Marcus, I am begging you. Let him have this moment. He deserves to celebrate without this clouding over the night. He can’t do anything anyway.”

“He would want to be with you.” Marcus pointed out.

“I know. But he can’t do that without it raising suspicion. Not unless he’s going to start showing up to every reporter’s personal crisis.” Cassie was on the verge of falling apart, which was becoming evident by the tightness in her voice. Meg recognized Cassie’s crumbling walls.

“Marcus,” Meg’s tone was soft and pleading as she wrapped an arm around Cassie’s shoulder. “Go celebrate with the team. As soon as the press conference is done, let him know. We need to get her to law enforcement right now instead of standing around debating. There were phones and cameras everywhere. Someone had to have gotten something.”

Marcus reluctantly agreed and made his way to the locker room only after he had walked Kenny, Cassie and Meg to the reporter’s private space. Showing her badge, the three of them went into the quiet space. Cassie’s cell phone had been ringing off the hook. Her producer had been trying to contact her and Kenny, and had resorted to panicked texts. Calling her back, she assured her that they were both unscathed from the fights that had broken out on the field. She updated her on the incident, and was ordered to skip the press conference and talk with law enforcement instead.

Most of the other reporters had come in and grabbed their stuff before heading out to go to the post-game conferences. If any of them thought it strange that she was still there, they didn’t ask questions. Cassie had been told to remain in the room with a deputy. She sent Kenny to the conference, knowing he could at least get video. It was going to be a long night, and Cassie already felt like she was worn down. Adrian was the only person she wanted right now, but he was the one person she couldn't actually have.
 
Adrian felt the roar of the crowd vibrate through his chest as he stood near midfield, surrounded by jubilant players, staff, and fans. For the first time in years, the Wolves had taken down the Cougars—a program that had dominated their rivalry for far too long. The taste of victory was electric, the culmination of weeks of meticulous preparation, grit, and the unwavering belief he'd instilled in his team. But amidst the cacophony of cheers and flashing cameras, his focus shifted as a familiar voice called out to him.

"Coach, the Cougars have won this game for the last four years. As a former player, you know the depth of this rivalry. What is going through your mind right now?"

Adrian turned toward Cassie, her microphone extended toward him, her face calm and professional, though her hazel eyes held a hint of pride. For a moment, his heart softened at the sight of her—it always did—but then a darker thought flickered, unbidden and unwelcome. The image of her laughing with Coach Griggs just the day before flashed through his mind, her easy smile, her hand resting lightly on Griggs's arm as they'd shared some private joke. Adrian had watched from a distance, his jaw tight and his stomach churning, unable to shake the uncomfortable feeling that had settled over him.

She had every right to talk to Griggs, he told himself now, even as the bitterness threatened to creep in. They were colleagues. Friends, maybe. But the way Griggs had leaned in a little too close, the way Cassie hadn't pulled away immediately—it gnawed at him. It was stupid, he knew that. He trusted her—or at least, he wanted to. But trust had never come easily to him, not since Rebecca.

Rebecca.

Her name lingered in his mind like a ghost, a reminder of everything he'd tried to bury. The way she'd smiled at him while lying through her teeth, the way she'd made him feel safe and then ripped the rug out from under him. He'd thought he'd moved on, thought he'd left the betrayal behind, but now it reared its head again, whispering that he was a fool to believe anyone could truly be trusted. Especially someone like Cassie—smart, ambitious, beautiful. Someone who could have anyone she wanted.

"Coach?" Cassie prompted, pulling him back to the present.

Adrian adjusted his posture, his game face snapping into place. This wasn't the time to let his emotions cloud his judgment. He nodded toward her, his voice steady and confident as he answered her question.

"This is about the team," he said, nodding toward the throng of Wolves players celebrating just behind him. "These guys believed in themselves when no one else did. They've worked harder than anyone can imagine, and tonight, it paid off. The rivalry runs deep, sure, but we're here to prove that this program is on the rise. This isn't just a win—it's a statement."

His words were crisp and deliberate, but a small part of him wondered if she could sense the undercurrent of emotion he felt. As her eyes searched his, he couldn't help but notice how striking she looked under the stadium lights, her professionalism unwavering despite the chaos around them. Adrian knew she was proud of him—he could see it in the way she smiled, the way she held herself—but that nagging doubt lingered, souring the moment.

The interview ended quickly—too quickly, in his opinion—and Cassie stepped aside as another reporter took her place. Adrian barely registered the next set of questions; his mind lingered on her smile, the subtle way her gaze had lingered before she'd walked away. He wanted to say something more to her, something personal, but there was no time for that. Not here. Not now.

Then, everything shifted.

A hand on his shoulder pulled him out of the moment. Adrian turned to see the state trooper assigned to his protection detail leaning in close, his expression tense. "Coach, we need to get you and your players in the locker room now. The field is becoming unmanageable."

Adrian's gaze snapped toward the chaos unfolding across the field. What had started as a jubilant celebration had devolved into something far uglier. Fans from both sides were pouring onto the turf, but the once-joyful sea of blue and gold was now clashing violently with pockets of orange and blue. Shouts of celebration had turned into cries of alarm, and Adrian could see skirmishes breaking out in several places.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening. "Alright, let's move."

He barked quick instructions to his assistants, who began corralling players toward the tunnel. Adrian stayed near the back of the group, ensuring everyone made it safely off the field. He caught a glimpse of Cassie and Kenny weaving through the crowd with their equipment, her professionalism masking any signs of concern. He told himself she'd be fine—she always handled herself with composure, even in chaotic situations like this. Still, that flicker of unease wormed its way into his chest as he followed his team into the safety of the tunnel.
​

Inside the locker room, the tension from the field melted away, replaced by the raw, unfiltered energy of a team that had just made history. Adrian stood in the center of the room, his voice cutting through the jubilant noise.

"Listen up, guys!" he called out, his tone commanding yet proud. The players quieted, their faces beaming with pride and exhaustion. Adrian looked around the room, meeting their eyes one by one. "What you did out there tonight—no one can ever take that away from you. You believed in each other, and you fought for every inch. That's what this program is about. That's what it takes to win. And let me tell you something—we're not done. This is just the beginning."

Cheers erupted, and Adrian let them revel in the moment for a few beats before raising his hands for silence again.

"But," he continued, his tone firm, "we've got one more game to focus on. This win earned us a bowl game, and we're going to prepare for that like it's the national championship. You understand me?"

"Yes, Coach!" the team shouted in unison, their voices echoing off the walls.

Adrian smiled, his chest swelling with pride. "Alright, celebrate tonight. You've earned it. But come Monday, it's back to work."

The room erupted once more, and Adrian stepped back, allowing his assistants to take over while he prepared for the post-game press conference. As he made his way toward the media room, the unease from earlier returned, unbidden and persistent. Something felt... off.
​

When Marcus finally pulled him aside after the press conference and told him what had happened—that Cassie had been grabbed by some unknown man during the chaos on the field—Adrian felt a flash of anger so sharp it nearly stole his breath. His first instinct was to go to her, to make sure she was alright. But then, as Marcus explained that she was talking to the police, that she hadn't wanted to interrupt his moment, Adrian felt the bitter sting of something else: doubt.

Would she have hesitated to call Griggs? Would she have told him first, let him comfort her?

The thought was irrational, Adrian knew that. She'd trusted him. But now, with the memory of her laugh ringing in his ears, with the image of her standing just a little too close to Griggs fresh in his mind, he couldn't help but wonder. It wasn't fair. Cassie wasn't Rebecca, and he had no reason to doubt her intentions. But the old wound was still there, raw and aching, and he couldn't seem to stop himself from poking at it.

And now, she was in danger. Adrian leaned against the wall, running a hand over his face. Whatever his doubts, whatever his insecurities, they didn't matter right now. Cassie mattered. She'd trusted him to protect her before, and he'd failed. He wouldn't let it happen again.
​

The press room was eerily quiet when Adrian entered, the usual buzz of reporters long gone. The folding chairs sat empty, save for a few that had been haphazardly pushed aside. The faint smell of stale coffee lingered in the air, a stark contrast to the electric energy that had filled the stadium just hours earlier. Adrian's eyes immediately found Cassie. She stood near the far wall, her posture tense, speaking with two law enforcement officers. Her back was to him, her blonde hair catching the fluorescent light, but even from this distance, Adrian could see the weight she carried. She gestured toward her notebook, her movements precise but restrained.


He hesitated in the doorway, his instincts pulling him toward her, but his better judgment holding him back. This wasn't the time or place to act as her boyfriend, not with the officers still present. His personal feelings would have to wait. For now, he was Coach Stafford, a professional who just happened to walk into the press room. Adrian stepped inside, making his presence known without a word. The officers glanced his way, and he nodded in acknowledgment, keeping his expression neutral. Cassie didn't turn, her focus fully on the conversation at hand. He didn't interrupt; he didn't need to. Just being there felt like a quiet act of support, a way to let her know he was nearby if she needed him.

His hands found his pockets as he leaned casually against the wall, outwardly composed but inwardly churning. He couldn't stop the flood of questions racing through his mind. What had happened? Was she okay? And why hadn't she said anything to him earlier? The officers eventually finished their discussion and departed, their voices low as they passed Adrian with polite nods. Cassie remained by the wall, her shoulders slightly slumped now that the conversation was over. Adrian took a step toward her, but then stopped himself.

"Not here," he muttered under his breath.
​

The drive back to Adrian's house was quiet, the silence between him and Cassie almost palpable. He glanced at her once or twice, but she kept her gaze out the window, lost in thought. He wanted to ask her what had happened, but something in her demeanor told him she wasn't ready to talk, at least not yet. When they arrived, Marcus was already waiting on the porch, his broad frame illuminated by the warm glow of the porch light. Meg stood beside him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, a mix of worry and frustration etched on her face.

"Thanks for doing this," Adrian said as he climbed the steps, his voice low.

Marcus nodded. "No problem. We'll all feel better knowing the girls are safe here tonight."

Meg gave a small, tight smile but said nothing. She cast a glance at Cassie, who followed Adrian inside, her steps uncharacteristically hesitant. The house felt unusually still, the kind of quiet that comes when everyone is trying not to disturb an already fragile balance. The house felt unusually still, the kind of quiet that comes when everyone is trying not to disturb an already fragile balance. Adrian led the way to the guest room, where he'd prepared it for Marcus and Meg to stay.

"You two can take this room for the night," Adrian said, his tone calm but firm. "Cassie and I will be down the hall."

Marcus nodded, stepping inside the room and glancing around. The guest bed was already made, and Adrian had pulled an extra blanket from the linen closet just in case. Marcus dropped his bag on the floor near the foot of the bed and sat down, the mattress creaking slightly under his weight.

Meg lingered near the doorway, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and Adrian could tell she was holding back whatever she wanted to say—questions about what had happened at the game, or perhaps frustration at the whole situation with the stalker. But, reading the room, she stayed quiet.

"Thanks for this," Marcus finally said, his deep voice breaking the silence.

Adrian gave a small nod. "No problem. I'll feel better knowing you're both here."

Meg finally stepped into the room, perching on the edge of the bed. Her gaze flitted around, landing briefly on Marcus before she glanced back at Adrian. She offered a tight smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Adrian excused himself and made his way to the kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water, standing at the counter and staring at the sink as if it held answers to the questions swirling in his head. The events of the night played over and over in his mind, each piece refusing to fit neatly into place.

The low murmur of Marcus's voice drifted in from the living room, followed by Meg's soft laughter. The sound was faint, almost drowned out by the hum of the refrigerator, but it carried a sense of relief that momentarily lifted some of the tension in the air. Adrian took a deep breath and leaned against the counter, letting the stillness of the house settle around him. It wasn't the kind of night he'd expected—far from it—but he was grateful they were all under one roof and safe for now. Tomorrow would bring more questions and decisions, but for tonight, he would focus on keeping the balance intact.

With a final glance toward the hallway, he set his glass in the sink and headed upstairs, readying himself for the rest of the night. Adrian turned his gaze toward the stairs, where Cassie had disappeared to his room. He didn't follow her—not yet. He knew she needed space, and he needed time to gather his own thoughts. This wasn't the first time life had thrown him into chaos, but it felt different now. The stakes were higher. He wasn't just dealing with his own emotions; he was responsible for Cassie's safety, too. And while he trusted Marcus and Meg to help, the weight of it all rested squarely on his shoulders.

He ran a hand over his face, exhaustion creeping in. Tomorrow, they'd have to figure out the next steps—whether that meant extra security at the games, more involvement from law enforcement, or something else entirely. But for tonight, all he could do was make sure everyone under his roof was safe. Adrian downed the rest of his water and set the glass in the sink, the faint clink of glass against metal the only sound in the empty kitchen. He took one last glance at the living room before heading upstairs, his mind still racing but his resolve steady. This wasn't how he'd imagined celebrating the team's biggest win, but life had a way of reminding him that even victories came with complications. As he reached the top of the stairs, he paused for a moment, letting the weight of the day settle over him. Then he pushed open the door to his room, ready to face whatever came next.​
 
Cassie was tired of talking. For someone who made her living doing just that, she’d never experienced a moment where she just wanted to sit in silence more than she did right now. The local deputies had asked her so many questions, many of them repeatedly, and at this point, she was ready to scream. No, she didn’t know what he looked like. No, she didn’t have the case number that was given to her company this morning when they’d reported it. No, she didn’t have a name. No, she didn’t know where he was from. No, she still didn’t know what he looked like.

She knew what he felt like, though, and the memory of it made her feel sick. The way his mouth had hovered so close to her ear when he said her was seared into her senses. The deputies must have realized she was beginning to crumble because they ended their interview and left. The silence was almost deafening, despite her wish moments before to be left alone. When she turned and saw Adrian standing there, she had to physically bite down on her lip to keep herself from walking over to him and collapsing into his arms. He was the only person she wanted right now, and she couldn’t go to him the way she needed to.

Meg texted she was going to get Cassie’s bag out of her car so she didn’t have to risk going out there. With Marcus staying close by Meg’s side, Cassie had no concern about the other woman’s safety. As she sat in Adrian’s car, she tried to find something to say to him, but she felt lost in a fog at the moment. This was different from any other unpleasant interaction she’d ever had. She’d certainly had men throw lewd comments in her direction, cat calls from the stadium from drunked spectators. There had been a few times where fans had decided physical boundaries didn’t matter and had tried to pull her in for a hug or put their arms around her, but she’d been able to navigate those because those men were, for the most part, harmless. This didn’t feel harmless. The man’s voice had been detached from any emotion. It was calculating and cold.

This entire situation had sapped the joy out of the night, and Cassie felt guilty for that. The team had worked so hard and this had been the win that she knew everybody had been counting on. This had been the game. They should have been driving to Adrian’s to celebrate the night away. Instead, they were all on edge because of her.

The engine turning off snapped her out of her thoughts, and she looked up, surprised they had arrived already. Cassie couldn’t decide if she needed noise or silence. With everything quiet as they walked into the house, every small sound seemed likely to make her jump. She knew, logically, they were safe at Adrian’s house. She felt violated, though, and suddenly nothing felt safe.

As Adrian moved down the hallway with Marcus and Meg, she turned and went up the stairs, her feet following the now familiar path to his bedroom. Once inside, she fell heavily onto the edge of the bed, and closed her eyes as she sat with herself. Tears had pricked her eyes earlier in the night when he’d grabbed her, but beyond that, she had shoved her emotions so far down that she wasn’t sure she could even define the word. Left alone, though, they began to claw their way back to the surface with just as much rigor and speed as she’d tamped them down.

Her phone chirped, causing her entire body to jump, her heart dropping to her stomach at the sound. Swallowing thickly, she pulled it out of her pocket, every muscle in her body tensing up. She knew it was him before she even pushed the button to check the notification. The last thing she wanted to do was open it, but she had to. Wincing to herself, she opened the direct message, trying not to read them too closely as she took screenshots of them. They were just as lewd as they ever had been, except now he had been so close to her it had given him new fodder. Opening her email, she pulled out the deputy’s card she’d been given earlier and quickly typed in his email address to send the screenshots to him.

Putting her phone back to sleep, she laid it on the bed beside her. When the door opened, her hazel eyes lifted to Adrian, the tears refusing to be contained any longer. She sat there for a moment just staring at him before she stood and walked over to him. Sliding her arms around his middle, she buried her face in his chest.

“I am so sorry,” she practically choked out, clinging to him. “Tonight was supposed to be about you and the team, and it’s all blown up.” Whatever strength that had kept her from falling apart all night finally left her, and she broke down crying. “I have needed you all day.”
 
Adrian stood in the doorway, his broad shoulders tense as he watched Cassie dissolve in front of him. Her hazel eyes, so often filled with determination and fire, were red and glassy, brimming with tears she could no longer hold back. She rose from the edge of the bed and walked toward him, her movements slow and deliberate, like she was carrying the weight of everything that had happened tonight on her back. When she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest, Adrian instinctively pulled her closer. His arms encircled her protectively, one hand resting gently on the back of her head as her body trembled against him. He could feel her tears soaking into his shirt, but he didn't care. She needed this—needed him—and for now, he could be what she needed, even as questions gnawed at the edges of his mind.

Her muffled voice broke through the silence. "I am so sorry," she said, her words catching in her throat. "Tonight was supposed to be about you and the team, and it's all blown up."

Adrian's jaw tightened, but his hand moved soothingly over her back, a silent reassurance that he wasn't going anywhere. "Cassie," he murmured, his voice low and steady, "none of that matters right now. The team will be fine, and so will I. You're what's important."

She clung to him even tighter, her breath hitching as she cried openly now. "I have needed you all day," she admitted, the words spilling out like a confession.

Adrian closed his eyes for a moment, letting her words settle over him. He hated seeing her like this—shaken, vulnerable, and doubting her own strength. She was always the composed one, the professional who could handle anything, but tonight had broken through that exterior. The thought of her stalker, the audacity of that man to invade her space and steal her sense of safety, sent a surge of anger through Adrian. But he couldn't dwell on that now. Right now, Cassie needed to feel safe, and he was the one who had to make her feel that way.

"It's okay," he said softly, his lips near her temple. "You're safe here. Just let it out."

Cassie sobbed harder against him, and Adrian held her without saying another word. He let her have this moment in his arms, grounding her in his presence. But while his hands comforted her, his mind was racing, tangled in thoughts he couldn't fully suppress. Why hadn't she told him about the stalker before tonight? She had faced this alone for who knows how long—why? Had she thought he wouldn't understand? Had she doubted him? Or, worse, did she not trust him? The questions churned in his head, and no matter how much he tried to push them aside, they wouldn't leave him alone. She was hiding something; he was sure of it. Maybe it wasn't intentional, but the fact remained—there was more to this situation than what she had told him. And the realization stung in a way Adrian hadn't expected. After everything he'd been through with Rebecca, trust was a delicate thing for him. He wanted to believe that what he and Cassie had was different, that it was built on something solid. But tonight, a crack had formed, and he couldn't ignore it.

As Cassie's sobs began to quiet, Adrian pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his lips lingering there for a moment. "You don't have to apologize," he said firmly. "We'll deal with this. Together."

The words came out naturally, and he meant them, but that small voice in the back of his mind—the one that had been shaped by years of betrayal and doubt—refused to be silenced. What else hasn't she told me? He shifted slightly, pulling back just enough to look down at her. Her tear-streaked face broke his heart, and he cupped her cheek gently, brushing a stray tear away with his thumb. "You've been carrying this on your own, haven't you?" he asked quietly. "You don't have to do that anymore."

She didn't answer—she didn't need to. The weight of her silence told him everything he needed to know.

Adrian sighed softly, his hand slipping down to hold hers. "Come on," he said, his voice warm but tinged with weariness. "You've had a long day. Let's get some rest."

He guided her back toward the bed, letting her sit before stepping away briefly to grab her a glass of water from the bathroom sink. When he returned, she was still sitting on the edge of the bed, staring down at her hands. He placed the glass on the nightstand and knelt in front of her, resting his hands on her knees.

"Cass," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion, "I need you to know something. No matter what's going on—no matter how messy or complicated it gets—you can come to me. Always. Do you understand?"

She nodded, but Adrian wasn't entirely sure she believed him. He wanted to press further, to ask the questions that were eating away at him, but now wasn't the time. She was exhausted, and pushing her would only make things worse.

"Okay," he said softly, standing up and moving to sit beside her on the bed. He leaned back against the headboard and gently pulled her to his side, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. For a long moment, they sat in silence, the only sound the faint hum of the house around them. Adrian's arm stayed wrapped around her, grounding her as much as himself.

He stared at the darkened window, his mind still restless. The unanswered questions lingered like shadows in the corners of his thoughts, and no matter how much he wanted to focus solely on Cassie, he couldn't shake them. What had kept her from telling him about the stalker? And what else was she keeping from him? Adrian tightened his arm around her slightly, as if the motion could ward off his doubts. He wanted to trust her completely, but trust wasn't something he could give blindly anymore. He had learned that the hard way. For now, though, he pushed the thoughts down as best he could. Cassie needed him tonight, and he wasn't going to let her down. Whatever answers he was searching for would have to wait.​
 
This was what she had needed since that flower delivery had shown up at the front door. Adrian’s arms wrapped around her and Cassie immediately melted into him, feeling his warmth and strength push the chaos away for a brief moment. It had been a long time since Cassie had fallen apart like this. She probably would have crumbled the night that Rebecca had shown up to the Coach’s Club had David not given her a professional lifeline and an early morning wake up call. She cried until her stomach muscles ached, and Adrian’s voice had soothed her to a calmer place. Sniffling, she looked up at him as he spoke, her eyes meeting his.

It was strange to have someone else that she knew she could rely on in such a personal way. Her parents were wonderful, but there were things she couldn’t tell them. This being one of them. The last thing she wanted to do was scare them. Meg had always been her rock, and she Meg’s. They had been through some of the most stressful times of their lives together, so she knew she had an unrelenting support system in her. Having Adrian back in that space as well meant more to her than she felt she could put into words.

As they moved to the bed, she set her phone on the nightstand. While she wanted to turn it off completely, she knew she couldn’t do that tonight. She also wanted to shower. Between working all day and the adrenaline that had just come crashing down, Cassie was too tired to try right now. She wanted to wash the feel of that man’s hands on her, though she doubted it would actually work.

Curling her body against Adrian, she rested her hand on his chest and took a deep breath. She could smell the lingering scent of his sweat and the stadium. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat under her hand helped keep her own breathing steady. She tilted her head backwards slightly to look at him, her eyes trailing on his face. He was stressed. It was evident in his expression, but she knew they were all on edge. Reaching up, she laid her hand on his cheek, her fingers brushing the stubble.

“I love you.” Speaking softly, her voice had grown hoarse. “I am so proud of you. I know things got screwed up tonight, but I want to celebrate this win with you when things are better.” Sliding her hand back down, and she burrowed her face into the side of his neck, her eyes closing. The exhaustion of the day took over, and she drifted off into a light sleep a little while later.

Around three in the morning, both Cassie’s and Meg’s phone notifications sounded, jarring both women from their sleep. While her phone waking her in the middle of the night wouldn’t have normally jarred her out of sleep quite this badly, Cassie bolted upright, fear cascading down to her stomach. Her breathing was shaky as she looked around, trying to orient herself in the dark. Reaching over, she grabbed the phone, dread curling around her.

“That’s the alarm.” Looking down at her phone, the app was alerting her phone that the alarm at the house had been triggered. “They’ll call Meg first.”

When the two women had set up the alarm, Meg had been the obvious first choice. Cassie could be on air or recording at any point, so it made sense that Meg would get the first phone call from the company.

Downstairs, Meg’s phone rang within seconds. She had her phone in hand by the time the call came through.

“Hello?” She listened for a moment, her eyes meeting Marcus’ own bleary eyed expression. “No, it’s not a false alarm, but we aren’t home. We definitely need law enforcement to check it out.” After a moment, she got off the phone with the alarm company and chewed on her bottom lip.

“I’m sure Cassie’s awake, but I don’t know if I should go upstairs.”

“Why don’t you text her instead.” Marcus reached out and rested a hand on Meg’s back.

“That’s a good idea.”

M: Hey. The alarm company is sending law enforcement to the house. Will update you if I receive a call.
C: Thanks.

Cassie curled back up to Adrian, her nerves back on edge as she waited to hear back. Her phone was clutched in her hands, and as the minutes ticked by, she started to feel her muscles tighten. After what felt like a lifetime, her phone rang, the sound causing her body to jump. She’d been expecting a ping from Meg texting her, but instead, a local number showed up on her screen.

“Hello?” Her voice was scratchy when she answered, and her eyes met Adrian’s as she listened to the deputy on the other end. “Yes, this is she.” Reaching down with her free hand, she slid her fingers through his, needing to feel as close to him as she could. After a couple minutes, she hung up, and looked as though she were going to burst into tears again. The relief on her face was palpable, though.

“They caught him. He broke into the house. They found him in my bedroom.” The very thought of it made her sick to her stomach. Turning her phone off, she practically tossed it to the ground, not wanting it anywhere near her. Cassie felt so small at the moment, and she held on to Adrian as though he were the only thing keeping her afloat. At some point, her body forced her to fall back to sleep, though it was fitful at best.

When morning finally came, Cassie felt awful. She hadn’t slept well, and had spent the night waking up, and hoping that she hadn’t disturbed Adrian. With the sun painting the bedroom in a light orange glow, she gave herself permission to give up on trying to sleep. Grabbing her bag off the floor, she went into the bathroom and took the shower she’d desperately wanted the night before. Standing under the pounding hot water, she closed her eyes.

Meg and Marcus had woken early and slipped out of the house. Marcus texted Adrian so as not to wake either him or Cassie up.

M: Hey, man. Meg and I are headed to their house to check things out. Meg didn’t want Cassie coming home to evidence of the break-in.

When Cassie finally came downstairs from the bathroom, she felt a little more human than she had the night before. Her hair fell in damp waves down her back, and she’d put on a pair of yoga pants and an oversized sweater. Even though she knew she would probably receive a lot of calls first thing this morning, she refused to turn her phone on at the moment. She wasn’t ready to face the reality of this situation just yet.
 
Adrian had stayed awake long after Cassie drifted off, her body curled tightly against him as though he were her lifeline. Her whispered confession of love had replayed in his mind, but his heart had been too heavy to fully embrace the warmth of it. Even now, as she slept fitfully, her breaths uneven and occasionally catching, Adrian's thoughts were troubled. When her phone had chirped in the dead of night, it had felt like the start of something worse. The tension in her body was immediate, and when she told him the house alarm had gone off, his stomach churned. He'd held her hand as they waited for updates, trying to offer what comfort he could even as his mind spun with questions and frustration.

Then came the call—the one that confirmed her worst fears. Adrian had watched Cassie's face as she processed the deputy's words. The stalker had been inside her house. Inside her bedroom. The thought alone made Adrian's blood run cold, and he'd tightened his grip on her hand. She'd whispered the details with a kind of fragile disbelief, and all he could do was hold her close, murmuring reassurances he barely believed himself. When she finally fell back into a restless sleep, Adrian stared at the ceiling, his jaw clenched. He couldn't shake the lingering question in his mind: Why hadn't she told him earlier? Cassie had been carrying this weight for weeks—months, even—and hadn't let him in. What else was she hiding?

The faint orange glow of morning finally crept through the blinds, and Adrian stirred to find the space beside him empty. He sat up slowly, his body aching from a restless night. Rubbing a hand over his face, he spotted his phone on the nightstand and saw Marcus' text.

M: Hey, man. Meg and I are headed to their house to check things out. Meg didn't want Cassie coming home to evidence of the break-in.

Adrian exhaled heavily, thankful for Marcus and Meg. It was one less thing for Cassie to face today.

Sliding out of bed, he pulled on a T-shirt and sweatpants before making his way downstairs. He found Cassie sitting at the kitchen island, her damp hair falling over her shoulders, dressed in a loose sweater and yoga pants. She was nursing a cup of coffee, staring blankly at the table as if lost in thought.

Adrian leaned against the doorway for a moment, taking her in. She looked better than she had the night before—cleaner, calmer—but the exhaustion and strain still lingered in her expression. Steeling himself, he walked over and grabbed a mug from the cupboard, pouring himself a coffee before sitting across from her.

"Morning," he said softly, his voice rough from sleep. He took a sip of coffee, studying her reaction.

Cassie looked up at him, offering a faint, tired smile, but the silence between them was thick. Adrian set his mug down and leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table.

"We need to talk, Cassie," he said, his tone gentle but firm. He waited for her to meet his gaze before continuing. "About everything. The stalker, the messages—why you didn't tell me sooner. I need to understand."

Adrian watched her closely, his expression a careful mix of concern and determination. He didn't want to push her too hard, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more she hadn't told him. For both their sakes, he needed answers.​
 
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