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“Of course not. This is an equal-opportunity league.” She pointed to the kid who seemed to be looking at insects versus the active play on the field. “Every kid gets an equal amount of playing time.”
Jahleel rolled his eyes. “Well, take it from me. She’s a natural.”
“She’s just having fun.” It wasn’t like Hope could become a professional player. Bebe just wanted her daughter to enjoy life, and football was part of that.
“That’s the best part.” He bumped her shoulder. “Come on. I know your football-lovin’ self enjoys this.”
“It’s nine fifteen on a Saturday. There’s a bed calling me and a Christmas movie waiting for me.” But yes, she loved the game, even if all they did was pull a flag to end the play.
“How about this—after the game, we’ll go to your place and watch all the Christmas movies you can stand.”
“Deal.” She shook the hand Jay offered and stilled. The warmth seemed to seep right into her heart. Suddenly the cold was no longer a factor. When had hanging out with Jay become an instinct and not even a question in her mind?
His gaze darkened and drifted down to her lips. Bebe gulped as her pulse picked up speed. Even though she’d been thinking more and more about the romantic feelings brewing between them, a flag football game was no place for a first kiss. Gently, she tugged at her hand.
Jay looked down and then guided her hand to his mouth. She inhaled sharply as his lips pressed gently against the backof it.Good thing you didn’t wear gloves.He let go and turned back to the game. As if he hadn’t just wrecked her and turned her into a jumbled ball of emotion.
Bebe stared across the field, trying to locate Hope and get her brain back on football. But her thoughts refused to switch gears. It was like every nerve in her hand had felt his soft touch. Her hand tingled, and goose bumps gleefully peppered her arm.
He hadn’t kissed her on their date. She wasn’t sure what had stopped him, because the evening had been absolutely perfect. Santa had driven them to an open field surrounded by oak trees covered in Spanish moss. A fire pit had been in the center of the field, enclosed by plush seating. How Jahleel had even coordinated something to that magnitude was beyond her. There had been food resting in a foil package on a grate above the fire pit and a cooler with the makings for s’mores.
Afterward, they had ridden back to the farm and arranged for Santa to come to the Christmas ball. Bebe had tried to get Mr. Hammond to show up as himself instead of as Santa, but Jay thought the kids would enjoy it. She just prayed Reverend Walker wouldn’t be too upset by the jolly man’s presence.
She jolted to attention as Hope ran past two defensive players. Her little legs pumped as she headed for the end zone. Bebe shot to her feet and began cheering. “Go, Hope!” The defensive players tried to catch her, but she had too much of a lead. She ran into the end zone and stopped, looking for the referee.
“See, I told you she has natural talent.” Jay beamed with pride as Hope ran to the sidelines. “Way to go, Hope,” he yelled, giving her two thumbs-up.
She waved enthusiastically and then guzzled down some water.
“Thank you for coming to her game.” Bebe smiled at him.“Since my parents moved to Florida, I’m the only one cheering her on. They would be here if they could, but it’s just too far for weekend visits.”
“Her father doesn’t come visit at all?”
She shook her head.
Jay’s jaw clenched, and he looked away. After a moment, he said, “I’m glad I could come.” His hand reached for hers, squeezing it tightly. “Don’t let her think it’s her fault, Bebe.”
“I won’t.” She gulped. “She knows she has a perfect Heavenly Father.”
“I pray she remembers that.”
“Me too.”
They sat in silence for the remainder of the game. Bebe wondered what was going on in his brain. It was obvious that Will’s behavior upset Jay, but he didn’t say anything more about it. In fact, he hadn’t spoken negatively about her ex at all. Still, he maintained a death grip on her hand until the referees blew the game whistle.
Hope ran over to the bleachers. “I made a touchdown! Did you see?”
“Sure did, pumpkin.”
“You did awesome, Hope.” Jay high-fived her. “I think you’re my favorite player.”
“Silly. You don’t know anyone else here.” Her cheeks puffed as if laughing at his comment.
“Yes, but I’m an expert when it comes to good football players.”
A shy smile crossed her face. “You think I’m good?”
“The best one out there.”
