Page 109
But for the first time in my life, I’m more excited about what’s happening off the field than what’s happening on it.
And that’s a choice I can live with.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-ONE
Poppy
“Well, look at that,” I say, stepping into a clean kitchen. “Is this what night productivity looks like?”
Impressed with my handiwork, I grab a mug out of the cabinet and make myself a cup of coffee.
Last night was a roller coaster of emotions that even I had a hard time keeping up with. I sobbed when I got home, wishing I had stayed with Finn. Then I got angry with Jordan and the audacity of the son of a bitch for pulling this stunt. Then I was embarrassed, thinking about what Finn’s teammates would say today, followed by a profound sadness that this mess touched his life.
But when it was all said and done, and I texted Finn good night, the peace that I felt in my heart was the most wonderful feeling in the world. Because Jordan might think he’s won, that he’s hurt me and caused me grief, but he’s wrong. He can’t destroy me. He can accuse me of battery and financial exploitation and call me a monster, and sure, that sucks, but they’re only words. And his words have hurt me for far too long.
He’s clearly still miserable. And me? I have Finn. I have a man, a real man, who will be here to hold me, protect me, and love me.
I’m free.
“Because I know how I feel and I feel the same way about you right now as I did yesterday and the month before that and the year before that.”
Finn knows everything … and he still wants me.
He still wants us.
My heart sings as I add some milk to my coffee.
I’m not sure how I’m going to broach this with Finn after he finishes work this evening, but I have all day to think about it. I wish I knew how he was feeling today, and how the locker room was treating him, and if he’s handling it well. He said he didn’t care what they said, and I believe that, but it would settle my nerves as I contemplate telling him that I love him.
With my whole heart.
Not because I’m afraid to be alone, or because I need anything from him.
I love him, and I want to do it loud and obnoxiously … because I do. And I can.
“Shit,” I say, jumping as the doorbell rings. My coffee splashes over the side of the cup and stings my hand. I grab a dish towel and give it a quick dry before heading to the door. “Give me a dang second,” I say as the bell rings again.
I pull it open, ready to give someone hell, but stop when my gaze lands on a set of sparkling green eyes.
“Hey, Poppy Quinn.”
I lean against the door, curious but confused. “Hey, Finn Miller. Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”
“Nope. Because I’m unemployed.” He grins. “Wanna let me in?”
I flinch, stepping to the side so he can enter my house. What does he mean he’s unemployed?
“You cleaned.” He lifts a brow, looking around the living room. “I’m impressed.”
“Great. Now tell me why you’re unemployed.”
He taps me on the nose. “Because I retired today.” He rolls his eyes. “Actually, the paperwork hasn’t gone through yet, but I notified Kepner, and Chuck is working on it.”
“Oh.” I watch him go into my kitchen and pour himself a cup of coffee. “This is so much easier than that fancy one that you bought for me. Unless you’re going to use it, will you bring this one over when you come?”
What? I narrow my eyes. “Did you hit your head or something this morning?”
