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“I’m going out.”
“Okay.”
“That’s it? Just, okay?” He huffs.
This time, I set the book down and stare at my sour-faced husband. I love him with all my being but he’s a pain in my ass. “Yes, just okay. Okay, you’re going out. Okay, you’re being a pissant. Okay, you’re throwing an adult size temper tantrum.”
“You don’t get it.”
“You’re right, I don’t. You have teams willing to offer you millions and you’re holding out for a team that isn’t even returning Allen’s calls. Why? What’s so damn important about the Pioneers?”
“You,” he says matter-of-factly.
His one word gives me pause. I blink back a rush of tears and shake my head. “Don’t stay there because of me,” I tell him.
Noah drops his head and sighs, then walks toward me and surprises me when he drops to his knees and hugs my legs. “I’m sorry, baby.” He kisses my legs, torso and finally my lips. “I’m so damn mad.”
I thread my fingers through his locks. Now that he’s not playing, he’s let his hair grow. The ends curl and they make me hope our child will be lucky enough to inherit his curls.
“I know you are, but please don’t base your decision on me.”
“How can I not?”
He’s right.
I trail my fingers along his hairline and down his cheek bone. “I love you for thinking of me, but don’t let that drive you, Noah. We’ll figure it out.”
“How?”
“It’d be no different if I took a sideline reporting job. I’d have a home base and I’d travel.”
“You know that doesn’t work with your type of job, right?”
I nod. It also won’t work if we have a child and we’re not living together. The thing is, I’m not ready to give up on my career just yet. I lean forward and kiss him.
“I love you, Noah. No matter what you decide, things will work out.”
He climbs onto the couch and pulls my legs over the top of his. He takes my book, looks at the cover, shakes his head, and then sets it down, making sure to save my spot. “I’m sorry I said what I did about the book, it’s just that her story isn’t yours and I don’t want those thoughts in your head.”
“I know.”
Noah leans his head back, over the edge of the couch. “When did life become so complicated?”
“It’s not complicated, we’re evolving.”
He half chuckles, half sighs. “My career’s a mess. I thought re-signing would be a no-brainer.”
“I can’t help but wonder if it’s me. Maybe they want to let me go but figure if they re-sign you, I come back.”
Noah looks at me. “Do you think about quitting?”
I shrug. “At times. There are a lot of sports analysts who work and have children. I certainly wouldn’t be the first, but I also don’t want a nanny raising our child. Since you asked the other day, I’ve given it some thought. I just don’t know.”
“Well, I want to be wherever you are.”
“What if that means not playing football or only seeing each other one day a week?”
Noah shakes his head. “The one day a week thing won’t work for me, and I’m not sure if not playing works either.”
