Too Close to Home

“Ugh can you hover over there or something.” I groaned swatting at Kahlil as he peered over my shoulder.

“Just trying to see what’s got you so focused.” He said and snatched the book I was reading from my hands.

I tried not to blush as he read the steamy sex scene I’d been in the middle of reading.

“Figures, lady smut.” He said and tossed the book back before flopping down on the couch and putting his legs up across my lap.

“Why did I agree to live with you again?” I asked and he shrugged.

“It was cheaper and would keep the parentals off our backs.” He said and I sighed.

“Yeah about that. Kess was supposed to be out here visiting that man but he had last minute business and canceled after Kess was already put on the flight. I told K that we’d take her for the week. I hope that’s okay.” I said and he smiled.

“No problem. I haven’t seen Kess in too long. Can you believe she’s a fucking teenager now?” He asked.

“Well it’s more believable then you being an adult.” I said and he made a face.

“I don’t know what makes you so mean.” He said.

“You just make it so easy.” I laughed before turning back to my book.

I tried to get back into it but with Kahlil sitting so near, the weight of his legs across mine. It was way too easy to start picturing him and I in such a scene and I honestly didn’t need to be thinking about that when his room was literally right across from mine. I mean, it wasn’t like we hadn’t cohabitated before. When my sister got married to Jordan they’d moved out of state and I’d wanted to stay and finish my final year of high school. That had meant moving in with Kahlil and his guardians, Aunt Verena and Uncle Quan. Back then I’d had plenty of space between my room and his and well in high school we hadn’t exactly been close either. He’d been popular enough as a football player but I’d been the hot girl and I did my best to keep my distance from him lest my star be tarnished.

It wasn’t until college came around and we’d picked the same school I’d found myself gravitating towards him more. I missed my sister and my niece, none of my friends had dared stay in state for school. I was on my own for the first time so clinging to him had been the only option I’d seen. Still, once I’d made my own friends it had been hard letting go of the friendship I’d started to build with him. So when third year had rolled around and dorms were not gonna happen, I’d pitched the idea of us splitting an apartment.

It had only been a month yet by the second week was when I’d started having fantasies about the one guy that I just shouldn’t be thinking about. I mean we were practically cousins. We’d been in the same schools since elementary and after his mother had passed we’d been forced together in a make shift family ever since. Not only that but I was pretty sure Kahlil saw me as the little sister he never wanted. Despite not being super close until recent years he’d always been there as a protective shadow in the background. He’d saved my butt many times over the years and never asked for anything in return.

I tossed the book to the side and pushed his legs out of the way.

“What are you watching?” I asked.

“Game shows.” He said and I rolled my eyes.

“I don’t know why you’re obsessed with game shows. I mean its super nerdy and boring.” I said.

“Says the woman who pretty much hates any movie that doesn’t need subtitles.” He said.

“I like movies without subtitles I just happen to find foreign films more interesting. Not only do you get to see the world through a different lens but the plots aren’t as formulaic.” I replied.

“Yeah well I watch TV to numb the brain.” He said.

“That’s the last thing you need is more brain numbing. I seriously hope coach picked up some better defense for you otherwise I have three letters for you T, B and I.” I said and he shrugged.

“Yeah well he tried.” He muttered and zoned back in on the screen.

I’d known Kahlil long enough to know when something wasn’t quite right with him but it also meant I knew when not to bug him about it. The set in his jaw told me now was definitely not the time to ask questions. We sat and watched TV before it was time for me to go get Kessie. I was excited to see her but I knew she wasn’t going to be as excited to see me.

“Where’s my dad?” She asked and I sighed.

I hated that I apparently was the one who had to break the news.

“He had some business to take care of but Kahlil and I are ecstatic to have you this week.” I said with as much enthusiasm as I could muster but she just glared at me and rolled her eyes.

“Just take me to my Dad’s. I’ll be fine until he comes back.” She said and I shook my head.

“Yeah not happening. I haven’t forgotten about your little boyfriend.” I said and she rolled her eyes before stalking towards the door.

I caught up and led her to where my car was parked. She didn’t talk to me the rest of the time, her face glued to her phone as she typed away and snapped photos of herself making sad faces. Kess was the typical teenager at this point but I was still sad that we weren’t closer. I mean I was more of an unwanted big sister than her aunt.

“I’m taking over your room. No way am I sleeping on that gross ass couch.” She said and stalked off towards my bedroom.

I knew I should probably put my foot down with her and establish some ground rules but I couldn’t honestly blame her for not wanting to sleep on the couch. I also had just enough time to grab my things before heading out to class. Kahlil had already left for his afternoon workout so I messaged Kessie to not have anyone over while I was gone and left.

I made it to class just in time to slide into the back unnoticed. It was a full class so there weren’t many available seats up front anyway. I pulled out my notebook to take notes and was trying to catch up with the professors quick recitations but someone slid into the seat next to me and the large drink in his hand tipped over and soaked not just me but my entire notebook in sticky orange sugar slush.

“Oh Shit! I’m sorry!” The guy said rather loudly as I jumped up in shock.

The professor glared in our direction and I turned to glare at him before belatedly trying to save what I could of my notes. Thankfully it was a fresh notebook so I had only lost this weeks notes but that also meant I wasn’t going to be able to take notes for the rest of class because in my rush I’d only grabbed just the one. The professor continued on with the lecture as I rushed out of the room the guy trailing behind me.

“I have a friend in the class who takes good notes. I can borrow his notebook for us to copy later.” The guy continued and I just kept walking faster towards the dance building where I had a locker with a change of clothes.

I recognized the orange slush as a concoction that was popular with the football players. It was a mix of a sports drink some kind of energy/protein powder and ice. It smelled like diabetes and ass and stained like a bitch. I knew because Kahlil had dropped a cup on V’s counter one summer and the stain had taken months to come out of the countertops and was probably still staining the shirt I’d tossed that had come in contact with it. Hopefully the orange wasn’t as hard to get out as the red had been. Either way I needed to rinse my clothes out asap.

I disappeared into the bathroom hoping the guy would be gone by the time I got out. No such luck. After I’d showered and changed into my dance sweats I came out to find him leaning against the wall.

“Look I know you are pissed but let me make it up to you. My friend said we could borrow his notebook after class but he has work so let me buy you dinner and we can copy the notes together.” The guy said as I walked passed him.

I stopped and turned to face him, taking a good look at him for the first time and I nearly swooned at the sight of him. He was tall, muscular and had amazing golden brown eyes in stark contrast to the rich chocolate of his skin. He smiled, flashing a cute little dimple in his left cheek. My anger was quickly replaced with a fluttery feeling in my gut and I crossed my arms in front of my chest to keep him from noticing my sudden change of mood. We stood there for a moment. A long moment. Too long to be a casual pause. It was obvious that we were checking each other out even if I had assumed a stand offish pose.

“No thanks. I can get the notes myself.” I said haughtily and spun around before sauntering off.

I couldn’t help the slight exaggeration of my hip swing as I walked away. Sure I was attracted to him at face value but I wasn’t into football players. I’d spent too much of my life around them to think I’d ever be happy as a players girl. Yet another reason why my attraction to Kahlil was never going anywhere. I mean there were plenty of other reasons, like us being practically family, me knowing the secret of who his bio dad is even when he didn’t, that he obviously didn’t feel the same way about me.

I pulled out my phone and text the person I’d partnered with for a project in the class earlier that semester. His notes wouldn’t be nearly as comprehensive as mine but they were better then nothing. I cursed when he text that he was already lending them out but a few minutes later he text back that I could copy them if I came to his job during his shift after class to do so.

I didn’t think about the similar circumstances to the guys friend until I walked through the door of the small Italian restaurant and Jim immediately guided me to the same table as the guy who was already sitting there sipping ice tea and copying Jim’s sloppy handwritten notes.

He looked up and smiled at me as Jim pulled out a seat for me.

“I believe you two have already met but just in case. BeBe this is Drew, Drew, BeBe. I’ll bring your usual.” Jim said the last part specifically for me.

I did frequent this restaurant a lot but mostly for takeout. I didn’t have a lot of time to sit in a restaurant and eat and I was usually on my own and didn’t like taking up a table just for myself.

“Thanks.” I said and sat down.

I pulled out my phone to text Kessie that I was bringing home Italian and to ask what she wanted. She text back that Kahlil was taking her out to eat. I knew Kahlil wouldn’t be home from his workout yet so I text him for confirmation and he immediately text back that he hadn’t talked or seen Kessie yet.

“Is something wrong?” Drew asked and I put a finger up to tell him to wait before calling Kessie.

I was surprised she answered and not at all surprised to hear the crappy guitar playing of her boyfriend in the background.

“I told you to stay at the apartment.” I said and the guitar playing thankfully got softer as she apparently moved out of the room.

“No you said not to have anyone over and I was not hanging out there all day. Your place is so boring. Anyway I’m good. I’ll be back around 1.” She said and I rolled my eyes.

“Your ass better be back by ten or I will personally hunt you down while video chatting with your mother.” I said and she groaned.

“Ugh always a buzz kill.” She said and hung up.

I bit my lip to keep from cursing before text Kahlil back that Kess was okay and shoving my phone back in my purse. I pulled out a new notebook that I’d snagged on the way over and looked up to find Drew studying me.

“What?” I asked and he smirked.

“You need to relax.” He said grabbing my notebook from the table and tucking it away in his bag along with his own and Jim’s.

“What I need is to copy those notes so I can be on my way.” I said.

“You still need to eat your food. Let’s just shelve the note taking until after we eat. Something tells me it’s been awhile since you’ve just hung out for fun.” He said and I rolled my eyes.

He wasn’t exactly wrong. This semester I had a brutal class load on top of my dance schedule and working to cover what my scholarships couldn’t. I mean Kenya had saved up money for me to go to school and was always asking me if I needed help. She most certainly was in a place to provide it but I just didn’t feel right about asking any more of her.

She’d already done so much for me. Taking me in when our mother had gone MIA. Sacrificing her carefree years to raise me and provide me a stable loving home. It was honestly why I was so serious about school. I knew that I needed a good education in order to get a job that would allow me to pay her back one day. Not that she needed money. She did well on her own and had married a famous rapper. I just wanted to pay her back for what she put towards my schooling at least.

I sat forward and glared at him, totally ready to tear him a new one but Jim arrived with our food and the rumble in my stomach gave away the fact that I’d barely eaten today.

“You’re lucky I’m hungry.” I muttered and dug into my food.

I made it a point to deflect all of his attempts at starting conversation. Sure he was hot and under other circumstances maybe I’d play along but he was a distraction I just didn’t need right now. When I finished my food I wiped my mouth and gestured for him to return my notebook. He pulled out the notebook and started to hand it to me but when I reached for it he held it slightly out of reach.

“One question.” He said.

“What?” I snapped.

“Do you have a boyfriend or you just one of those hyper focused I don’t need a man type chicks?” He asked and I laughed.

“Wow!” I said and snatched my notebook from him before standing. “For the teams sake I pray your field game is better than your pick up game.”

I walked up to the front to pay for my food and he followed.

“Obviously we started out on the wrong foot. Let me buy your dinner at least to make up for your notebook.” He said and I glared at him before moving aside to let him pay.

He walked me out of the restaurant and while I knew I should head straight home I led him down the street to a nearby park and took a seat at one of the picnic tables.

“We both need to copy Jim’s notes.” I said and opened Jim’s notebook in the middle of the table before sitting down and starting to copy everything down.

I was a faster writer than Drew and I found myself studying his chiseled features in the time it took him to catch up and move on to the next page. His skin was smooth and unblemished, as if he’d never struggled with acne in his teens but there was a slight crook in his nose that told me he’d broken it at some point. He had a habit of biting his lower lip as he concentrated making it fuller and redder and he occasionally run his tongue along it to sooth the sting of his own bite. He was mesmerizing and I wasn’t completely sure the heat pooling between my legs wasn’t just the lack of intimacy I’d been experiencing the last couple of years.

I honestly hadn’t dated since freshman year of college. I’d met an upperclassmen and he’d seemed like a nice guy until he’d tried to drug me at a party. If Kahlil hadn’t been there keeping watch of me like he was prone to do that night could have gone a whole lot different. Ever since then people had kind of assumed Kahlil and I were on the low or something and no guy had even attempted to shoot his shot until today. Not that the rumors had limited Kahlil’s dating prospects any over the years.

I’d just finished scribbling out the last of the notes and was getting wrapped up in my staring again when he stopped and turned to me with a smirk.

“You’re staring real hard for a girl who isn’t interested.” He said and I shrugged.

“First of all its woman, not girl, and second I don’t have to be interested to appreciate.” I said before tearing my gaze away from his and packing away my notebook.

I stood and started to walk away but he grabbed my hand and pulled me into his embrace.

“Well then. Let me appreciate you, woman.” He said before kissing me.

He should have tasted like garlic and pasta but instead he tasted of the chocolate mints they gave out at the restaurant and I silently cursed myself for not grabbing one myself. Granted I hadn’t known I’d be making out with him and also he didn’t seem to mind my garlicky breath as he pulled me closer and deepened the kiss. I could have gotten lost in him in that moment but the buzzing of my phone in my pocket brought me back to reality.

I pulled away from him as I pulled my phone out and saw that it was Kahlil calling. It was like a bucket of cold water over my head as I answered and heard his smooth baritone on the other end.

“Where you at? I’m making dinner.” He said and I sighed heavily and cast a weary glance at Drew before taking a few steps back.

“Don’t worry about me, I ate already. Just finished up some school stuff so I’ll be home soon.” I said quickly and Kahlil laughed.

“Uh Oh, BeBe’s got a boo. What his name or is it her? Never mind, don’t rush home. Enjoy yourself. You deserve it.” He said and hung up.

I cursed and shook my head as I shoved my phone back in my pocket. Of course he’d pick up on the nervousness in my tone and the fact that I explained my absence. That was completely out of character not only for me but for our relationship. We knew each other’s basic schedules but weren’t all in each other’s business like that. It was one of the reasons we were able to maintain a close friendship without crossing certain boundaries. Boundaries I was already in danger of crossing if the disappointment I felt over his lack of concern about me dating was any indication.

“So you do have a boyfriend.” Drew said and the look on his face told me he wasn’t happy with that idea.

Not that anybody would or should be.

“No that was just my roommate. We usually do dinner together on Wednesdays.” I said and he nodded like he didn’t exactly believe me but didn’t hesitate to kiss me again when I stepped back into his arms.

“Why don’t we finish studying at my place?” He said after a few more minutes of kissing.

“I’d say this was fun but I’m not in the habit of lying.” I said and pulled out of his embrace.

“I can’t even get your number?” He called as I walked away from him.

“Goodbye, Drew.” I said and kept going.

I felt giddy like a high schooler as I made my way to my car and back to my apartment building. It had been nice to feel wanted again, to have teased and flirted.  To be kissed with abandon after so long. I leaned against the front door reveling in my good mood for a moment. I didn’t want Kahlil to see the girlish blush on my cheeks and satisfied smile. Not because I thought he would be jealous but because I don’t think I could handle him teasing me about it. I took a deep breath and shook it all out before pulling out my keys and opening the door.

The last thing I expected was to see Kahlil making out with one of my friends on the couch. She was on her back and he was laying on top of her his hips grinding against her pelvis as they sucked face. I was too stunned to do anything more than just stand there and gawk for a moment as the sting of betrayal turned into a fiery rage.

“What the fuck!” I yelled and they instantly broke apart.

“Shit, B! I thought you would be home later.” Kahlil said and I glared at him.

I wanted to yell about how he could do this to me, with one of my friends but there was no context for it. Hell we were just friends, I had no right or claim over him. No right to be jealous or even hurt especially after making out with Drew. So instead I focused on the only valid reason for me to be upset.

“What if Kessie had walked in just now instead of me? You couldn’t have moved this to your room instead of out here in the open!” I yelled and he shook his head.

“Sorry you’re right. I wasn’t thinking about Kessie staying with us this week.” He said and took my friends hand before dragging her of to his room.

She shot me an apologetic look as they disappeared down the hall and as soon I heard his room door close and her excited giggle I sank against the counter and did my best not to turn into a sobbing mess. We’d been living together for a while but he’d never brought a girl over to my knowledge. I mean I knew he hooked up with women all the time but never here. Never where I could see or hear. I guess now that he thought I was seeing someone he felt it was okay to bring his conquests over.

I allowed myself a few minutes of weakness. I few minutes to indulge in the stabbing pain in my heart that mimicked the enthusiastic gasps and thumps coming from the back of the apartment. I let the tears flow, my knees weaken as reality set in. Sure I knew I’d begun to have feelings for Kahlil but I hadn’t realized just how deep they’d taken root until now. Until undeniably confronted by his lack of feelings for me. I didn’t know how long I sat there but when the noises died down and I heard Kahlil making his excuses for her to leave I knew I had to pull myself together and get the hell out of there. The only thing worse than feeling what I felt now would be either of them knowing I’d stayed and to see just how not okay I was with the situation.

I pushed myself away from the counter and made it out the door and down the hall just as the door opened again. Thankfully Kahlil was too busy kissing her goodbye to see me slip into the stairwell. As if the universe was against me instead of finding a refuge in the dimly lit space I found Kessie in an intimate embrace with her boyfriend. His hand was down her pants and I didn’t even want to think about what it was doing there.

“Kessie, What the hell!” I yelled and her eyes flipped open and she wiggled away from her boyfriend.

“What are you doing in here?” She gasped fixing her pants.

“Get your ass to the apartment right now!” I yelled and pushed her towards the door.

“Hey don’t touch her like that!” Her boyfriend snarled following us into the hall but before I could say anything Kahlil was there in his face.

“You might want to rethink that attitude young man.” Kahlil said glaring at him and the poor boy made the mistake of swinging at him.

Kahlil deflected him easily, capturing his arm and twisting it behind his back. Kahlil bent down and said something low in his ear. I couldn’t catch exactly what but the way Kessie’s boyfriend paled just before Kahlil pushed him into the open elevator told me it wasn’t anything nice.

“Call me!” Kessie called out to him as the doors closed but the look Kahlil shot her next told me that unless the boy had a death wish he wasn’t coming anywhere near Kessie again.

“Get your behind in that apartment so I can talk some since into you, little girl.” Kahlil said and she rolled her eyes before storming off and slamming the door behind her.

“Imagine if she had caught you and Mel together. You wouldn’t be able to say shit to her.” I said and started to storm off as well but Kahlil grabbed my hand.

“Something tells me your anger isn’t just about Kessie.” He said.

“Look we share an apartment with very thin walls. I’m not going to cock block but I would appreciate a heads up if you’re going to have that kind of company.” I said and pulled out of his grasp.

He followed me into the apartment and we both tore Kessie a new one not only about her choice in boyfriend but also her less than stellar attitude and personal life choices. The conversation ended with Kessie storming off to my room and when I tried the door a little later it was locked.

“Ugh! This is going to be a long week.” I groaned and Kahlil poked his head out of his room door.

“So we having a sleep over?” He asked and I shook my head.

“I know what’s on those sheets.” I said and he smirked.

“Less than what’s on the couch I can assure you. Mel and I didn’t exactly make it to the bed this afternoon.” He said and I grimaced.

“Eeew.” I said and he chuckled before pulling me into his room.

“Come on it’ll be like old times when you’d get a little too wasted at a party.” He said and I shook my head.

“Umm, you are misremembering events here. I believe it was you crashing in my bed after you drank too much.” I said.

“I’m talking high school when you were too good to be my friend in public.” He said.

“I never thought that.” I said.

“Sure you didn’t.” He said and tossed me one of his t shirts to sleep in.

I rolled my eyes and started to get undressed. I wanted to make him uncomfortable so instead of putting on his shirt I just left on my bra and panties and climbed into his bed. He smirked before stripping to his boxers and doing the same. He upped the anty by pulling me into his arms and nuzzling my neck a little before closing his eyes.

“Goodnight, Lil.” I whispered snuggling a little closer.

“Goodnight, Nairobi.” He answered back.

I closed my eyes and tried not to pay too much attention to the bold length of him pressed against my backside or the warmth of his breath tickling the back of my neck. I also refused to focus on the fact that his hand was splayed across my belly, his thumb gently brushing against the bottom edge of my bra, occasionally lifting the cup and coming into contact with the soft underside of my breast. I did my best to keep my breath even as my body became more and more aroused and moisture pooled between my legs. I clenched my thighs together to provide some relief to my aching clit that was begging to be touched.

It took every ounce of restraint to keep myself from turning to him and demanding he take me. Even after everything I still wanted him and I knew that was bad. Really, really bad. Thankfully I was able to fall asleep, my body relaxing into his as the exhaustion of the day took hold.

Kahlil

Inviting Nairobi to my bed had been a terrible idea. Not only was I not going to get any sleep but I couldn’t even hide how much I wanted her. Laying here my dick pressed against her sexy ass, there was no way she wasn’t feeling it. I hadn’t meant for things to be like this. I mean, I couldn’t say I had ever not had feelings for Nairobi. From the moment she’d called me a fugly nerd in elementary school my dreams had been dominated by her.

Even at the worst time in my life after my mother’s passing, it was thoughts of Nairobi that had kept me going. Maybe she’d take sympathy on me and let me kiss her just because. Little did I know she’d become something like family. That at the height of my one sided infatuation that she’d be living with me, sleeping just a few doors down and even now just across the way.

I’d tried to move on and shake of this childhood crush but it seemed every time I tried she found a way to reel me back in. Like tonight. Despite her having been on a date and me having fucked one of her friends just hours earlier she was now half naked pressed against me in my bed. While I lay there like a creeper trying and failing to keep my hands to myself she was sleeping away like this was nothing. Like it was some kind of friendly sleepover when all I wanted to do was rip that scrap of lace between my dick and her treasure and show her just how much I’ve wanted her all these years. Instead I lay there listening to her soft breath and praying to god I wouldn’t be too tired at practice the next day.

I wasn’t worried about being too tired to perform. I mean that was part of the game, being able to dig deep when you felt like you had nothing left to give. No my issue would be being too tired to hold my tongue when the new guy started blabbing on and on about his special relationship with that asshole Quaid. I mean his twin Quan was the closest thing to a father I had ever had and yet Quaid was nowhere near an uncle to me. He was a foolish, self-centered, alcoholic that I steered clear of as much as possible. If it weren’t for my proximity to Kessie I doubt I’d even have dealt with the man at all. He was good at keeping his public persona as a football legend but personally the man could take a flying leap. Before Jordan had come into Kenya’s life. I’d often been a buffer between his drunken outrage and the three women I’d come to think of as family. Kenya as an aunt, Kessie as a little sister, and Nairobi as. Well Nairobi I wanted in a different kind of family way.

That man wasn’t the philanthropic savior that people thought he was but I usually kept my feelings about him to myself. People assumed because of Quan that I was close to Quaid as well and I just never corrected them. No point in dragging up bad shit when it would only make me look like the bad guy. Even Kessie, the man’s own daughter wasn’t aware at just how fucked up the man really was. Kenya had made Nairobi and I promise not to tell her about the time before he decided to claim her as his daughter. When he’d get drunk and show up at the house to harass Kenya, when he’d stalked Nairobi trying to woo her to his side during the custody battle. When he’d threatened me when I was barely fifteen because I’d stood in his way as he tried to take Kessie while too drunk to even talk straight let alone drive or take care of a toddler.

I just couldn’t understand how Drew was supposedly so close to the man and somehow thought the world of him still. Granted he was a proving to be kind of a dick with all his bragging and showboating so maybe they were two peas in a pod. That or he was blinded by his hero worship of the guy. Either way dude was annoying as fuck and it was going to be a long season with him on the team. Thinking about dealing with Drew’s braggadocios ways was definitely buzzkill enough to allow me to get some sleep.

When my alarm went off it felt like I’d only gotten maybe an hour of sleep in but I reached over and slapped the thing to keep it quiet. Nairobi stirred a little, wiggling her body seductively against mine making me hold my breath and count to ten to keep from doing something I would regret later. I hopped out of bed and grabbed my practice gear. I allowed myself one last look at her perfect little body curled up in my bed before leaving for the day. It was a crushing thought to know that this would never be a daily occurrence for us. Even if by some miracle she eventually shared my affection our lives there was also the issue of our family and the fact that while I planned to go pro she had no intention of being a player’s wife. So why even try.

Nairobi

When I woke up Kahlil was gone. Knowing his schedule I knew he would be but it didn’t suck any less. I was lucky to have gotten any sleep as I warred with my traitorous feelings. Fighting with myself about making a move or not, despite knowing he’d just been balls deep in one of my friends. It sucked and yet here I was lingering in his bed enjoying being enveloped in his smell. I was pathetic and I hated it so I quickly climbed out of bed and grabbed the shirt that I had discarded the night before. Slipping into it I went to check my room door. Of course it was still locked but it wasn’t like this was the first time Kessie had tried to lock me out of a room.

I grabbed a screw driver out of our tool kit and popped the door handle off to unlock it manually. Kessie was sleeping curled up into a ball. Her eyes puffy and red as she clutched her phone in her hand. Part of me felt sorry for her, she had a fucked up family situation with her Dad and it was obviously impacting her choice in boys to date. Not that she really needed to be focused on dating right now but I knew what it was like. I had been a teenaged girl not too long ago. Thinking that parents or rather siblings in my case just couldn’t understand my world, my feelings.

I covered her with a blanket and pried her phone from her to put it on the charger. I didn’t want to be nosey but the phone had unlocked as her finger had slid across the sensor and it was open to a text thread with her boyfriend. I scrolled through seeing just how much a of a controlling douche bag this guy had been. Telling her if she went to a school dance he’d dump her because he couldn’t know if she wasn’t flirting with other guys. Making her text pictures of her outfits for his approval before she could leave the house. His last text being him saying he was done with her “virgin ass” so at least she’d had enough sense not to go all the way with him. The one thing that made me want to kill him was that he said he’d only messed with her because he thought it would help him get close to Jordan and further his career.

I quickly exited the conversation and put her phone on the charger before getting ready for my day. I was really looking forward to today’s dance practice. It would help me destress from the events of yesterday. Mel was in my dance class as well but other than a quick smile I avoided her. I didn’t want to talk about Kahlil and I knew she would bring it up. Sure avoiding her would be suspicious but at this point I just didn’t care.

After class she beelined right for me and I did my best to get out of class before she could get to me but she caught me just outside the dance building.

“If you and Kahlil had a thing I’m sorry.” She said grabbing my hand to stop me and I sighed whirling on her.

“Look I don’t care what you have going on with Kahlil. I would just prefer you not do it on my couch or when I’m home. We’re close but we stay out of each other’s personal lives. I’m not upset with you I just its weird okay. He’s like family a brother even and it grosses me out just thinking about it.” I said and she smirked.

“Nice try. Everyone told me you two had a thing but when he said you were on a date and came on to me I mean. He’s hot.” She said and I shook my head.

“There is no thing. Do you think I would have left you with him if there had been.” I said and she shrugged.

“If you were DL.” She trailed off as her eyes widened and she adopted a more seductive stance.

I followed her gaze and silently cursed as Drew came strolling in our direction. He smiled when he saw me. Closing the distance between us he pulled me into his arms.

“Have lunch with me.” He said.

It wasn’t a question and despite all the warning bells in my head I definitely did not want to stay and talk to Mel about Kahlil. So instead I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck.

“What did you have in mind?” I asked and he smirked.

“You. Looking like a snack and a half.” He said and I laughed before kissing him.

“You’re corny as fuck but you’re lucky I’m hungry too.” I said slipping my hand in his I waved at Mel before dragging Drew off to the campus café.

I tried to let go of his hand as soon as we were out of sight of Mel but he held it firm as we stood in line. I tried not to feel uncomfortable as people took notice. Drew in his football department shirt and me, not exactly known by everyone but recognizable enough since I was fairly involved around campus.

“So who are we making jealous?” Drew whispered in my ear.

To anyone else it would look like we were snuggling.

“Dare I say the world?” I said and he smiled before kissing me.

“You’re a whole mess. You know that.” He said.

“Yeah but obviously you like it.” I said.

“I sure as hell do.” He said and kissed me again before the girl behind the counter cleared her throat.

I pulled away from Drew and gave her my order and he asked for the same before paying for us both and leading us to the pick up area.

“So you’re a dance major?” He asked and I shook my head.

“Political Science and African American Studies double major.” I said.

“So you want to change the world.” He said.

“And you want to be a baller.” I said.

“Oh the judgment.” He said feigning hurt.

“Not judgment just stating facts.” I said.

“Look you can try and change the world by writing shit or whatever but making my name in the world of sports can put me in a position to be heard and do good on a much more personal level.” He said.

“If you make it that far.” I said.

“Ouch! Now that hurts. You’ve never even seen me play. In fact other than seeing me in my gear today how did you know I was a player.” He said and I sighed.

“All the football players drink that shit you spilled on me yesterday. Also I don’t really need to see you play. If you were serious about being pro you wouldn’t be wasting your time with me. Everyone on campus knows I’m not here for players both on the field and off.” I said and he smirked.

“What if I just ignored them? What if I saw a fly ass woman and decided to shoot my shot?” He asked.

“Reckless and impulsive. Good to know.” I said and just then our number was called and we collected our food before sitting down and eating.

We kept our conversation to more neutral topics after that and when we were done he asked me on a real date.

“I’ll think about it.” I said and started to walk away but then I saw Kahlil across the quad hugged up with Mel and I quickly turned back to Drew and wrote my number on his forearm. “Just in case I change my mind.”

Kahlil

Morning practice was uneventful thankfully. Just a crap ton of drills and coach yelling at us about being motivated, nothing out of the ordinary. Even Drew seemed content to just work and kept his mouth shut during practice. In fact most of the morning had been great. Class wasn’t boring for once. Don’t get me wrong I loved school and I loved my major but my professor had the drollest voice you had ever heard. Most of the class had a hard time staying awake even though the topic being discussed was fascinating.

Most people were shocked that I was a football player and an engineering major. Although in all honestly engineering wasn’t that far off from football. It was all about knowing how things work and using your hands and brain to make it happen. After class I was headed to the café when Mel stopped me in the Quad.

“Hey! So last night was fun and uh I was wondering if you wanted a repeat tonight? My place?” She said and although I knew I should probably take her up on her offer I just smiled and shook my head.

Placing a hand on her shoulder I pulled her close.

“As much as I would love too, I’ve got a ton of work to catch up on. Rain check?” I said and she pouted a little before pasting on a smile and sliding her body up close and personal. Her hand gripping my dick through my sweats.

“If you change your mind. I’m at Hall room 328.” She whispered in my ear before sauntering off.

I watched her go before turning back towards the café just in time to see Drew standing by the door looking like a starving dog watching Nairobi walk away. No doubt he’d made a move on her and she’d shot him down quick and harsh as was her style. She had no time for games, she was focused and determined and definitely not into football players. A fact I was all too aware of.

He spotted me as I came closer and nodded.

“You just get out of class?” HE asked and I nodded.

“Yeah just wanted to grab some eats before hitting up the gym for mid day work outs.” I said and he nodded.

“Yeah well I’ll see you there.” He said and started to walk away.

I should have just let him go but I couldn’t help but want to rub it in that I’d seen him flame out with Nairobi.

“Hey man! Just a word of advice. Save yourself the trouble and embarrassment. BeBe Stewart does not date football players.” I said and he turned to me a smiled before showing me his forearm.

“Apparently she does this one. Sorry you struck out though bro. Maybe she just knows a star when she sees one.” He said and jogged off.

I tried not to let him see my shock and anger as I recognized her phone number in her own hand writing on his arm. Still it took me a moment too long to recover as I got a strange look from the guy behind me as I was blocking the entrance. I shook my head to clear out all the negative thoughts and headed inside to eat. I was pissed but thankfully I had a grueling workout ahead to help me get over it before having to face BeBe later that evening. As a matter of fact. I didn’t have to face her. I guess I would be taking Mel up on her offer after all. Hall building room 328 it was.

6 Months Later

Nairobi

I hung up the phone, tears streaming down my face. When Kenya had called I hadn’t expected the news she had just shared. I’d done my best to sound unphased but as little time as I had spent with my mother it didn’t make it any less painful knowing she was gone, for good this time. She’d overdosed a died a month ago alone and in an alley and it was only out of sheer luck that she’d been identified and Kenya had been found and contacted.

I didn’t even know how to process it. I had no memories of the woman. Only stories and none of them good. I couldn’t even tell you what she looked like aside from a photo of her as  a young teen before a bad boy and drugs had gotten hold of her. There wouldn’t even be a ceremony. Her remains had been cremated and when Kenya had asked what I’d wanted to do I’d told her to handle it.

“Nairobi? Is everything okay?” Kahlil’s voice came from the doorway.

I looked up at him and the moment he saw my face and the tears he was right by my side pulling me into a hug.

“It’s okay. Whatever it is it’s going to be okay.” He said and I hugged him back.

In the last six months we’d both been dating other people rather seriously. Him with Mel and me with Drew but in that moment of grief I knew the only person I truly wanted was him. I clung to him as if my life depended on it. Unsure if I should tell him what was wrong. I didn’t want to bring back old memories for him. I knew that even after all these years the pain of losing his mother was still deep within him.

I didn’t even get the chance as almost as soon as I’d clung to him his own phone buzzed. I saw that it was Kenya calling him and knew he would answer.

“Hey, Kenya! Yes, I’m with her now. No she hasn’t told me what happened.” He said before pausing and I could see the change in him when she relayed the news.

“No you don’t need to come. I’ve got her. You know I do. You take care.” He said and hung up before pulling me into his arms again.

“I didn’t want to tell you. I didn’t want to bring up bad memories for you.” I said and he glared at me.

“I understand but BeBe. This isn’t about me. This is about you and helping you through a difficult time. I’m here for you, whatever you need. If you need me to stay, if you need me to go. If you want to kick scream, yell whatever. I understand. I’ve been there so I understand.” He said and I looked at him for a moment. Studying his features and in that moment possibly making the worst decision of my life I kissed him.

“What if I need you to fuck me until I forget? Even if it takes hours or even days of you between my legs.” I said and I felt him stop breathing as he just looked at me.

I expected him to bring up Mel or even Drew. To say that in my grief I wasn’t thinking straight but instead he kissed me. Tentatively at first, just a light brush of the lips before lifting me from my desk chair and carrying me to my bed.

“Funny being between your legs was one of the first things I wanted when my mom passed too.” He said.

I didn’t have time to unpack that statement before he was on top of me. Kissing me and manipulating my body in ways I hadn’t known were possible. Once we got started there was no stopping. Not for ringing phones or even knocks on the door. All that mattered was the two of us indulging in each other over and over until we both collapsed in exhaustion. Then he held me as I cried for what seemed like forever.

Kahlil

If I needed any confirmation that I was a piece of shit today was that day. When I’d heard Nairobi’s anguished cry I’d rushed to her room. Afraid of what she might say. That maybe something had happened to Kessie or Kenya but when Kenya had called and told me about their mom. That was an even deeper cut than I could have imagined.

I knew BeBe didn’t have any real connection to her mom like I had but I knew it still hurt. I hated to see her hurting and knowing that it was a hurt I couldn’t fix. One that would always be there in her heart. Still I would do anything to make it better. Yet when she’d uttered those words of desperation. I should have said no. I should have distracted her in other ways.

Hell, if I was honest, I should have called her asshole of a boyfriend Drew to service her in her time of need but damn if I wasn’t a selfish bastard. I took everything she had to offer. Wrung every last drop of pleasure from her body knowing she would probably hate me for it afterward. I’d taken advantage of her weakness, of her grief. Hoping it would cure me of my lust for her and yet now having done it knowing I’d only damned myself to a lifetime of yearning for a woman who would never be mine.

She’d cried afterward and I held her feeling like a total ass until she finally fell asleep. Her naked body pressed against mine she clung to me in a fitful slumber. This wasn’t how our first time should have been. In fact there never should have been a time in the first place. As much as I had wanted it. I knew she didn’t feel the same way about me and using her grief to get what I wanted was making me sick to my stomach. I slid from her embrace and made it to the bathroom just in time to dry heave the nothing I had in my stomach until my rib cage ached.

Nairobi

I’d woken up as soon as the warmth of Kahlil’s body had left me. My eyes fluttering open just in time to see him rushing out of my bedroom. At first I thought maybe someone was at the door but then I heard his retching. An awful heaving sound as he expelled his disgust for what had occurred between us. I felt like shit. I should never have used my grief as an excuse to get him in my bed.

How could I have stooped so low? He was with Mel, I was with Drew. I should never have asked him what I had. Now the heaviness and pain in my heart was intensified by the guilt and shame of knowing I’d forced a man to sleep with me out of my own selfish desire to have him if only just once. A man that was so disgusted by his actions he was literally sickened by them.

I got up and locked my bedroom door before crawling back into bed and beginning to sob once more.

Kahlil

Nairobi’s door was locked when I went back to check on her. As if I needed to feel any more like shit Kenya called to see if she was doing okay and I had to lie and say she was when I honestly had no idea. I gave Nairobi her space. Letting her wallow in her room alone for the rest of the day. Only knocking to bring her food and water. By the second day I was getting a little worried that she might be hiding out in order to avoid being face to face with me so I let her know I was stepping out to go hang out with Mel.

I wasn’t really but I wanted her to think that so she would know I wasn’t hanging on to any romantic feelings after our encounter. I didn’t want to make things any more awkward than they already were between us. Instead I went to the bowling alley and spent the day bowling until thankfully one of my teammates hit me up about a party.

I stopped by the house to change and Nairobi was still silent in her room but I could hear soft music playing so I knew she was at least doing something. I changed quickly and headed back out. Opting to hang out with the boys before the party.

Nairobi

“B! I’m going over to Mel’s for a few hours. Call me if you need anything.” Kahlil called through my room door. As if I needed any further twisting to the knife in my heart.

“Go have fun.” I called back after a moment but I wasn’t sure if he heard me or if my words were even intelligible as my face was stuffed into my pillow to keep him from hearing my heartbroken sobs.

I heard the front door open and close a few seconds later and I waited a few minutes before letting myself cry the way I needed to. I hadn’t realized just how much I’d wanted him to want me too until that moment. I mean he’d worshipped my body like I was goddess only to turn around and be with someone else. He had much more of his father in him than either of us would ever like to admit. Not that he knew who his father was. That was a secret I had no right to reveal. Kahlil’s own mother had written it into her will that he not be told. Honestly I only knew because I’d been nosey as a teen and had overheard Kenya and Verena talking about Kessie and Kahlil sharing the same father. It wasn’t too hard to put it together after that especially with how closely Kahlil resembled Quan oh and of course Quaid coming forward to claim Kessie after dropping the bombshell of having been married to Kenya at the time of her conception.

I cried until I couldn’t cry anymore and then I dragged myself into the shower. Even freshly clean I looked a hot mess but my grief had at least started to solidify into anger. Anger that my mother had chosen drugs over me, anger that she’d preferred living alone in an alley to raising me, anger that Kahlil had used my body without any thought to my emotions. I picked up my phone and saw about a million calls from Drew worried about my lack of communication the last couple of days. Knowing the Kahlil was going to be gone for the night I text him to come over.

He immediately responded that he was on his way and I quickly cleaned up my room. Getting rid of any evidence of Kahlil and my dalliances.

“You look awful. What happened?” Drew asked pulling me into his arms as soon as I opened the door for him.

“My mother passed away.” I said and he hugged me tight.

“I am so sorry.” He said and I hugged him back pulling him inside and closing the door behind us.

Drew had come to pick me up from my apartment several times but he’d never been inside for very long. I’d always used the excuse that my roommate didn’t like company over which wasn’t a lie exactly. It was just I knew that Kahlil and Drew did not get along because of Drew’s idolization of Quaid. Honestly it was a major drawback for me as well but I couldn’t judge him based on his idol. He didn’t know Quaid like we did. For Drew, Quaid was the famous football player who’d noticed him at a playground scrimmage and had taken him under his wing and helped mold him into the player he was today. He was literally a father figure to him. A man who could do no wrong.

Drew also wasn’t a fan of Kahlil for that same reason. They’d gotten into it about Quaid being a washed up player a couple months ago and now everyone knew that once off the field the two were not even to be in the same room really. So as a consequence, he had no idea Kahlil was my roommate. Well to be honest the only person that wasn’t family or our landlord who knew was Mel and she wasn’t saying shit. Drew also didn’t know we were close. I was pretty sure he didn’t even know we were friends and well lucky for me the rest of the team and others hadn’t brought it up. Maybe because they wanted to keep what little peace there was to have between the two for the sake of the teams winning streak.

“My roommate should be gone for the night.” I said turning on some soft music before flopping down onto my bed.

“So I can stay? Help you with your grief.” He said kissing on me and I pulled away slightly.

“Yes and yes but that doesn’t mean I’m rescinding my rule about sex.” I said and he shrugged.

“There are other things I can do for you.” He said and I smiled before kissing him.

“Like cuddling with me and watching a movie.” I said and he sighed.

“Yeah like that.” He said but I could see a flicker of disappointment in his gaze.

I smiled and stood to grab my laptop before returning to the bed. We cuddled and watched about half a movie when I turned to see he was checking his phone.

“So I haven’t seen the latest Roarzilla yet if you are into cheesy monster movies.” I said and he looked up from his phone.

“Actually I think maybe we should go out. You’ve been cooped up in your room for the last couple days. Some fresh air will do you good.” He said and walked over to my closet.

“Let me guess. There is a party tonight.” I said and he nodded.

“Yep and before you complain, I really do believe being out of your room will help you feel better. Give you a little time to escape the memories.” He said.

I wanted to tell him that there weren’t any memories but that would lead to a much longer explanation about my past that I just didn’t want to get into. I mean he knew I’d been raised by my sister. That I’d never met my father but not that my mother was completely out of the picture. That she’d chosen her addiction over raising me which had ultimately caused her demise. That my grief was mostly guilt that I didn’t actually feel sad about my own mother passing.

“Fine.” I grumbled and accepted the outfit he’d pulled out for me.

Since I’d showered just before he’d come over I slid out of my sweats and into the jeans and low cut shirt he’d picked out. He eyed my body like a tiger stalking his prey and I was grateful I’d at least had the forethought to put on a nice bra and panty set instead of my big comfy lounging undies. His heated gaze should have been enough to have me blushing or even a little aroused but after my night with Kahlil I felt the urge to dress faster. To cover up what belonged to someone else even if that someone else didn’t want it.

Once I was dressed we left the apartment and headed across campus to Greek Row. The party was already in full swing by the time we got there. He grabbed us a couple beers but I didn’t drink mine. Alcohol was the last thing I needed in that moment. Especially seeing Kahlil just across the room, hugged up with Mel and having a seemingly amazing time. I did my best not to pay attention. Tearing my gaze away I caught Drew studying me.

“What?” I asked and he pulled me into his lap and kissed me.

“I hate that sad look in your eyes. When you’re with me you should be all smiles.” He said and I sighed before kissing him back.

I let myself get lost in his lips even as part of me wished they were Kahlil’s. It wasn’t that I wasn’t attracted to Drew it was more that I was more attracted to Kahlil. My feelings were older and deeper in that regard but I couldn’t have Kahlil so I shouldn’t deny myself the possibility of happiness with someone else.

Kahlil

Mel was doing her best to keep my attention but I just couldn’t tear my gaze away. Nairobi was just feet away tongue deep down that assholes throat as if it hadn’t been massaging my cock just a few hours earlier. I was pissed and it took every last bit of my restraint to not storm over there and tear her away from him.

“Seriously, Kahlil? I know you hate the guy but they’ve been dating for months. Let them have fun.” Mel said. The tone of her voice telling me she was done with being ignored.

“Sorry. Just she’s not in a good place right now with her mom passing. I hate that he dragged her out here so soon in her grieving.” I said.

It wasn’t a complete lie. I didn’t think she should be out at this kind of party. If he really cared he would have taken her to go see a movie or bowling. A place where when she needed to talk they could without her business being known to the world.

“Everyone grieves differently. For once be less of the big brother alright. Besides if you should be worried about anyone having fun it should be you and I.” She said.

I tore my gaze away from Nairobi to look at her. Mel had dressed to entice with a tight little black dress that hugged her curves just right and killer heels that made her legs look impossibly long. If I hadn’t just been with Nairobi I would have been all over her. Instead looking at her now I was only mildly aroused.

“You’re right.” I stood and led her to the space in front where people were dancing.

I let her grind on me like she wanted while I continued to watch Nairobi and Drew over the crowd. I didn’t turn away again until Drew looked up and caught me staring. A smug smile slid across his face before he resumed making out with Nairobi. Man, I really wished I could walk over there and wipe that smug look off his face with my fist or better yet the knowledge that Nairobi had been with me the other night but I didn’t. I just looked away finally turning my full attention to my girlfriend. I really am a dick.

Nairobi

I woke up the next morning snuggled against a hard male body. For a moment I thought maybe Kahlil had snuck back into my room but as my senses became to come in focus I realized it wasn’t him. The first thing I noticed was the smell of Drew’s cologne, not Kahlil’s. Second as my eyes slowly fluttered open I realized I wasn’t even in my room. Instead of the maroon bedding I owned I was under a dark blue one. On the wall directly in eyesight was a poster of Quaid from his glory days smiling down at me. I shuddered, thoroughly creeped out by it. That was only one of several that decorated Drew’s space.

It was one of the reasons I typically avoided coming to his room but the pounding headache and dryness in my mouth told me I’d been drinking heavily last night. I turned around to face Drew, his back was to me and he was snoring away. I was pretty sure he wouldn’t even notice if I got up and left. At least not until later. I lay in bed a moment longer taking a few deep breaths to see if that helped but when it didn’t I just peeled myself off the mattress and went in search of my clothes.

I was just bending over to grab my shirt and pants when Drew shifted on the bed.

“Now that’s a sight to see first thing in the morning.” He chuckled and I turned around to face him.

“Did we?” I asked and he shook his head.

“I want you for sure but I’m not desperate enough to take advantage of my drunk and grieving girlfriend no matter how much she begged for it. Besides I want you to remember our first time.” He said.

I sighed and tried not to sound as dramatically relieved as I was that nothing had happened between us.

“Thank you for being a good guy.” I said and he smirked.

“If you really want to thank me you’ll drop the clothes and get back in this bed. I may have been a knight in shining armor last night but this morning the only armor I want to put on is latex.” He said and I shook my head laughing.

“Sorry but I feel like shit. I’m just going to go home and sleep off this hangover. Rain check?” I said sliding into my jeans and he rolled his eyes.

“Sure. Give me a sec and I’ll take you home.” He said.

“That’s not necessary. It’s really not that far.” I said and he got out of bed anyway.

“You said yourself you feel like shit. Either you let me take you home or you stay here and let me take care of you.” He replied.

I couldn’t think of any valid reason to protest any further so I waited for him to get dressed and let him walk me to my door.

“You gonna invite me in?” He asked after kissing me.

“My roommates probably home by now.” I said and he shook his head.

“I’d love to meet her. This mysterious roommate of yours.” He said and I laughed.

“Of course you would but he has no interest in meeting you.” I said.

“He? You expect me to be okay with you living with another man and not meeting him.” He said and I nodded.

“You don’t have to be okay with it. That’s just how it’s going to be. Besides it’s not like you haven’t been in my place. I told you we have a rule about significant others because of how thin the walls are.” I said.

“So his girlfriend is okay with you two living together and not having met you?” He asked.

“Actually it’s because of his girlfriend that we have the rule. She’s a screamer. Imagine how awkward that would have been if I knew who she was.” I said with a chuckle trying to make light of things.

“Make jokes but I’m still meeting him. Right now.” He said and I rolled my eyes before turning and opening the door.

Thankfully I didn’t have to referee between Drew and Kahlil because Kahlil wasn’t home. On top of that Drew got a phone call and had to rush out. Leaving me alone in my apartment having dodged a major bullet. At least for now.

Three months later

“You’re going to be there after practice today right?” Drew asked over the phone.

The last few months had been tense to say the least. Kahlil and I were barely talking, Kessie had unfortunately found out just how much of a douchebag her father could be, Drew was still pissed about not having met my roommate but otherwise had been fine. Mel and I were no longer friends but she was still dating Kahlil as far as I knew. Not to mention school and work.

“Yes, I had to take time off work so this better be worth it.” I grumbled.

“Trust me it will be.” He said and I sighed before hanging up.

It wasn’t that I wasn’t excited for the surprise he had planned, I was just stressed out by all the work I still had left to do for school plus the loss of income from taking the time off of work. My school was all payed for, at least my undergrad but I was trying to save up for the amazing grad program I’d just been accepted to for the following year. I hadn’t told anyone about it yet, especially not Drew since it meant I’d be moving away. Since we didn’t talk about academics much he thought I would still be around for another two years.

I dove back into my textbook. Now that I had been accepted into my dream program maintaining my grades was even more imperative. I didn’t need any more distractions. When I finally looked up it was almost thirty minutes past the time I should have left to make it on time to Drew’s practice. I cursed and slammed my book shut, grabbing my purse I left my apartment in a hurry. Hopefully traffic wouldn’t be bad getting to the other side of campus. I didn’t have time to walk like I had planned.

I heard shouting before I even rounded the corner to the area where I was supposed to be meeting Drew. I figured maybe a friendly argument between players until I turned the corner and saw Kahlil barely being held back by four of his teammates while Drew was being held by another two and Quaid of all people was glaring at Kahlil. I should have just turned around a left. Nothing good could come from this situation but then I saw the look in Kahlil’s eyes. The still blackness of all consuming rage. I’d only seen him like this one other time. It had been when he’d attacked a guy I’d liked in high school for making a bet about sleeping with me. I’d been the only person able to stop him then and as he broke free of the guys holding him and charged after Quaid I knew I needed to step in once again.

Without any further thought I put myself between Kahlil and Quaid. Kahlil continued his progress, Drew finally breaking free to try and get to me but Kahlil stopped as soon as my hand touched his chest. I reached up and grabbed his face bringing it to mine and he fumed.

“He’s not worth it. I don’t care what he did or said. He isn’t worth it.” I repeated until I could see his eyes begin to clear a little and his breathing slowed.

“He called my mom a whore.” He breathed and I took a step back seeing the wounded little boy I’d met all those years ago and not the strong man I’d come to know and love.

I was livid and I balled my fists before whirling on Quaid and kneeing him in the balls and then punched him in the face for good measure.

“You stupid bitch!” Quaid roared.

“Rot in hell you miserable old bastard.” I said and pulled out my phone to call the police.

After the fallout with Kessie, Kenya had gotten a restraining order against Quaid that covered the whole family until the next visitation hearing. I didn’t think I would have use for it but now seemed like the perfect time. The rest of the team lingered to watch the drama as I stuck close to Kahlil while Drew alternated between glaring at us and helping out his mentor. I felt like I needed to explain to him but Kahlil held me tightly against him. He wasn’t letting me go anytime soon as he rested his head on my shoulder and practiced the breathing exercises I’d seen him do when he had trouble controlling his emotions.

“We don’t have to stay.” Kahlil said after a moment and I stroked his head.

“No but I want to see him in handcuffs just once. Don’t you.” I said trying to make light of things and managed to get a small smirk out of him.

“I’d rather take you home and fuck out my frustrations.” He whispered in my ear pulling me closer still so I could feel his arousal against my stomach.

“So this is new.” Drew said coming up to us.

He was obviously pissed. Kahlil straightened and positioned himself between Drew and I but before anything else could be said the cops arrived and the rest of the team did their best to keep the two separated while I handled things with them. When that was done I went to Drew first.

“I’m sorry Drew. This is such a mess. I knew you were close to Quaid and I should have told you about our history sooner.” I said and he scowled at me.

“History with Quaid or history with Kahlil.” He said.

“Both I guess.” I said.

“You guess?”

“It’s complicated.” I said.

“Un complicate it.”

“To put it simply without going into too much detail. Kahlil and I have known each other since elementary school. Our families are close but we weren’t really close until our first year here and have been increasingly less close since I started dating you. As far as Quaid is concerned both of our families have drama with him so yeah he’s not my favorite person or Kahlil’s.” I said.

“You could have told me months ago. I’m out here looking a damn fool over you.” He said and I sighed.

“I’m sorry. I would have told you when things got serious between us.” I stopped noticing his slight recoil at my words.

“Not serious? I’ve been exclusively with you for damn near a year and you think it’s not serious? You been fucking around this whole time?” He said.

“No! I just.” I looked around at the crowd of people around us and blushed.

I didn’t want my business out in the world like this. It was one of the reasons I didn’t date players. Their world was very public and all I wanted was my privacy. I’d lived in close enough proximity to fame to know it was not something to aspire to. Not that I thought either of us were famous but around campus we were definitely known. To make matters worse Kahlil cut through the crowd and draped an arm over my shoulder.

“As her friend and roommate I can assure you the only guy she’s been dating is you. Why? I have no idea but that’s her business. If you knew BeBe well enough, you’d know how private of a person she is and wouldn’t be doing this in such a public place. Now we are going home and if you want to continue this conversation in private like it should be done. You know where to find her.” Kahlil said and dragged me off before Drew or I could say anything more.

“I drove.” I said as soon as we cleared the crowd and he changed direction heading for the parking lot.

“I’m driving.” He said taking my keys from me and cursing as he had to adjust my seat all the way back to even fit in my tiny car.

I got in the passenger side and leaned back.

“I should be driving. You were not okay back there.” I said and he took my hand and kissed it.

“Break up with that asshole. He doesn’t deserve you.” Kahlil said.

“Let’s not get off topic. I know Quaid crossed a line but you had to engage with him for that line to be crossed in the first place. Why would you do that?” I said.

“I wasn’t even talking to him. I overheard Drew chatting it up about how excited you would be to meet him. I could have stayed out of it but out of concern for you I pulled Drew aside and tried to explain that you wouldn’t be as thrilled as he thought. Obviously that didn’t turn out well.” He said.

“You should have just let it happen. I can handle myself with Quaid and I knew dating Drew would mean I’d have to encounter him at some point.” I said.

“Wow! So I try and be a nice guy and suddenly it’s my fault!”

“I’m not saying I don’t appreciate it. I just. You put me in a rough spot okay. Now everyone knows we live together. Drew is pissed at me for not saying anything.”

“And that’s my fault? You could have told him we lived together. How are you going to date a dude for months and not even tell him we’re friends at the very least. This whole fiasco is on you. If you really cared about him you would have said something long before now.” Kahlil let go of my hand, putting both hands on the steering wheel.

“You’re right. I don’t care about Drew the way he cares about me. I should have told him about us being friends long before now.” I said turning to look out of the window.

We were pulling up to our apartment building. He parked and we went inside. He didn’t say anything until we were in the elevator on our way up to our floor.

“Like I said before. Dump the asshole.” He said.

“I said I didn’t care for him as much as he cared for me. Not that I didn’t care at all.” I said.

“Still a waste of time. You shouldn’t settle.” He replied.

“No matter who I’m with I’ll be settling for less than what my heart wants. May as well settle for someone who feels for me almost the same as I feel about the one man I can never have.” I said without even thinking about it.

The elevator doors opened and to my surprise Drew was standing by the door with his hand poised to knock.

“How’d you get here so fast?” I asked and he turned to face us.

“I ran.” He said and I left Kahlil’s side to hug Drew.

“Our conversation isn’t over.” Kahlil said and I could tell he was pissed again.

“We’ll talk later.” I said letting go of Drew and opening the door.

“Really I ran all the way here.” Drew said and I shook my head.

“I meant Kahlil.” I said and started to pull him inside but Kahlil pushed Drew away from me and slammed the door in his face.

“You just said you were in love with someone else.” Kahlil said.

“I never said the L word.” I said.

“You didn’t have to. It was in the way you looked at me when you said it.” Kahlil said and kissed me.

“Kahlil?” I said and he held me close.

“I’m in love with you too, Nairobi. I have been since middle school. I just never thought you saw me that way.” He said and kissed me again.

I melted into him and for a moment forgot all about Drew on the other side of the door. At least until he knocked a third time.

“I should get that.” I said as Kahlil paused his oral onslaught to pull my shirt over my head.

“Nah I got it.” He said and turned around opening the door wide enough for Drew to see me half naked and in a lust filled daze sitting on the edge of the couch.

The look on Drew’s face said it all.

“I’m sorry.” I managed to say but he’d already turned to leave.

Kahlil shut the door and locked it before turning his attention back to me.

“You’re mine.” He said and lifted me from the couch.

He carried me to the room and laid me on the bed. Our first time together had been frenzied and desperate but this time he seemed intent on taking his time. His hands and mouth traveling over every inch of my body until I was writhing in need.

“Kahlil! Please!” I begged as his breath tickled my inner thigh for what felt like the millionth time just for him not to touch me where I needed him most.

“Say you’re mine.” He said nipping at my thigh.

“I’m yours!” I hissed.

“Forever.” He stated his lips barely brushing my throbbing clit.

“Forever!” I cried.

“Remember that in the morning.” He chuckled before diving in, his tongue delving into my depths as he made out with my core.

I gripped his head with my hands as he positioned my legs over his shoulders. I was in heaven not only because of the magic he was working with his tongue but knowing that he loved me. That he was with me because he loved me and wanted to be with me.

Kahlil

I was exhausted but I forced myself to stay awake. I just couldn’t stop looking at Nairobi, naked and asleep with a satisfied smile on her well worked lips. I could lay here with her forever and I knew I needed to make that happen.

Nairobi was everything to me. She had been for longer than I cared to admit and now that I knew she wanted me too. There was no way I could let things go back to how they had been. No way I could see her with another man, especially not Drew. I carefully wrapped the blanket around her naked body and slid out of bed.

I wanted to stay but there was something important I needed to do first. I found my pants in the living room and fished out my phone before dialing my Aunt Verena.

“Hey Aunt V! I know it’s late but I wanted to know if you still had great grandma’s ring.” I said.

“Of course.” She said and I smiled.

“Any chance I can swing by and get it tonight?” I asked.

“What’s the rush?” She asked.

“I’ll tell you when I get there.” I said and hung up.

I slid on my clothes and headed out the door. Nairobi and I had been going at it for hours so I was sure she wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon but the last thing I wanted was for her to wake up and I not be there. For sure that would put us back in a bad place. The last few months of barely talking had been hell. I guess I could at least find the silver lining it the shit storm that was earlier today. Without that asshole Quaid I probably wouldn’t have had this chance to finally make things right with her.

“So you want to tell me what’s going on? First I hear from Kenya that Quaid violated his restraining order and attacked Nairobi and now you’re calling about Grandma’s ring?” Aunt V said when she opened the door.

“Quaid didn’t attack Nairobi. I attacked him. Nairobi’s now ex boyfriend was one of his mentees. He thought Nairobi would be thrilled to meet Quaid because Nairobi never told him she already knew him. I was simply trying to help the guy out but Quaid opened his big mouth and had the nerve to call my mother a whore. He didn’t even know my mom but I lost it anyway. Nairobi showed up and was able to stop me.” I said and she shook her head.

“That man just doesn’t know how to leave things alone.” She said and I sighed.

“So the ring? I really need to get back.” I said.

“What’s the rush? Mel seems like a nice girl and all but…. Wait! Is she pregnant?” My Aunt gasped and I laughed.

I couldn’t help it. So much had happened and I knew she didn’t know that but the thought of marrying Mel was so out of place. In fact I hadn’t thought once about Mel this whole afternoon. I made a mental note to text her later. As far as the pregnant part, I hadn’t used condoms with Nairobi at all. I knew that wasn’t smart but she hadn’t protested. She may be on birth control but I wouldn’t know. I couldn’t even say I knew her cycle even after living together for a year. We had separate bathrooms and lately she’d been super stressed and short with me in general.

“Baby? Maybe but not with Mel. You’re right she is a nice girl but she’s not the one. My one is sleeping soundly in my bed right now and I really want to get back before she wakes up and it ruins my chances of her saying yes.” I said being purposely vague.

Sure I knew Nairobi wanted to be with me and even though I’d asked her to be mine forever and she agreed, that didn’t mean she would say yes when I officially asked her. I personally didn’t want Aunt V to be mad at Nairobi if she shot me down or try and squash things if she didn’t.

“So you’re just not going to tell me? I’d ask Nairobi but I’m guessing she wouldn’t know either since she’s friends with Mel and wouldn’t let you do that to her friend.” She said.

“So are you going to present my girl the ring or no?” I asked and she rolled her eyes before handing me the ivory box that held the family engagement ring.

“I want to meet her as soon as possible. Like tomorrow young man.” Aunt V said and I smiled taking the box from her.

“IF she says yes. If she doesn’t then I’ll be returning this along with my pride.” I said and she shook her head as I bounced out the door.

I was half way back to the apartment when I decided to make a detour to the 24hr pharmacy. I needed to refill on condoms and snag a pregnancy test just to be sure. I went to the condom aisle first because I knew exactly what to look for there, I grabbed the biggest box I could get before moving down the aisle to the row of pink. I must have stared at the boxes for ten minutes before grabbing one of each kind. Like how did women choose? There were some with lines, some with read outs even one that sent you a text message and not a single one was less than ten dollars. The woman behind the counter had a huge grin as she rang me up but instead of ringing up all of the pregnancy tests she only rang up two.

“Those should be sufficient whether it’s only been a couple weeks or a few months. They are also two packs just in case you don’t believe the first one.” She said and I nodded embarrassed.

“Thanks.” I said and handed her my card.

“Good luck!” She said as I walked away my purchases in hand.

The sun was already rising as I slid into my car and headed back home. Unfortunately when I arrived not only was Nairobi already awake but she was sitting awkwardly on the couch with a worried looking Mel.

“Thank god you’re okay! I heard what happened and I figured you’d call when you were ready but then I got worried.” Mel said rushing to me.

She hugged me close before noticing the bag in my hand.

“Yeah I was going to call you in the morning.” I said and handed Nairobi the bag before Mel could see what was inside.

“Okay well I’m here now. Are you okay?” She asked.

“Let me walk you to your room.” I said and led her out the door before she could say or do anything more.

Nairobi

I was in the middle of a fantastic dream. Of me and Kahlil enjoying an afternoon picnic together, laughing and just being happy together. It was perfect just the two of us but then there was a knocking sound that just wouldn’t stop. I slowly opened my eyes finidng myself naked and alone in Kahlil’s bed. The knocking sound was the front door of our apartment. Kahlil obviously wasn’t home otherwise he would have answered it himself since he obviously wasn’t in bed with me.

I got up and went to my room to grab my robe before going to see who was at the door. I wasn’t at all surprised to see Mel standing there looking insanely worried but that didn’t make me feel any better. I wanted to just let her leave without opening the door but I knew she could see the light on under the door. I did my best not to luck guilty as fuck as I opened the door.

“Hey! What’s up?” I asked and she barged right in.

“Where is he? Why isn’t he answering his phone?” She asked and I shrugged.

At least this was one thing I didn’t have to lie about.

“I don’t know. I’ve been sleep.” I said and she flopped down on the couch.

“I’m sorry about you and Drew by the way. I mean I knew he would flip when he found out you and Kahlil lived together but I didn’t think he would break up with you for it.” She said and I just nodded.

“IT’s whatever. To be honest I was only with him because he liked me so much. It was flattering and easy.” I said and she snorted.

“I get it but still. I was happy to finally see you date. You take school much too serious.” She said.

“Well that isn’t changing anytime soon. If anything school is even more a priority at this point.” I said and she smirked.

“Where is he?” She sighed looking towards the door.

“Why don’t I make us some coffee.” I said and headed to the kitchen.

The sun was going to be up soon and I had class in a couple of hours. My body was deliciously sore from all the extracurricular activities Kahlil and I had enjoyed last night. I tried to hide my smile as I brought Mel her cup. Thankfully she was content to ramble on about what she’d heard about the incident so I just sat back and nodded. I wasn’t going to offer up any further information that could possibly incriminate me. I mean I wasn’t even sure where Kahlil and I stood.

Last night had been amazing, life changingly good but even though he demanded I be his forever. Even though he’d branded my body with his special brand of love making. It didn’t mean that he hadn’t had second thoughts about being with me in public. Obviously he hadn’t stayed after the sex was over and Mel was still under the impression that they were still together. I would know for sure when he returned. If he acted as if nothing had changed I would know and it would be a crappy couple of months before I left this place. If he didn’t well we’d have to figure things out. One thing was for sure as much as I loved Kahlil I wasn’t giving up my dreams.

Kahlil walked through the door and the look on his face said it all as Mel rushed over to him. He looked like he wanted to come over to me but knew he needed to handle things with Mel. I started to leave them alone to talk when he reached out to hand me the bag in his hand. I took it and headed back to my room. I saw the giant box of condoms first and shook my head. Of course after the night we had he’d probably slipped out to restock. I slipped into his room to put the box on his nightstand before seeing what else he had bought.

I froze when I saw the two boxes of pregnancy tests and had to wonder if he’d gotten them for me or for her. I grabbed one of the boxes and headed to the bathroom. If I was pregnant from tonight it would be too early to tell but I also hadn’t recalled finding any evidence of condoms from our first night and I wasn’t always consistent with taking my birth control pills.

I wasn’t too concerned about being pregnant but it was better to be safe than sorry. I peed on the stick and set a timer on my phone before hopping in the shower. The hot water felt amazing on my overworked body and when the timer went off I shut off the water and stepped out. I grabbed the test expecting to see a negative result but instead a big fat positive was on the read out. I suddenly regretted setting it up to automatically text Kahlil the results. I’d been so sure it would be negative.

I wasn’t surprised at all when he immediately responded that he was on his way home. I got dressed. Just going through the motions while my brain ran through every scenario. If I really was pregnant, which I had every intention of confirming with a doctor, could I really finish school and everything with a baby? Well that was kind of a dumb question. Kenya had raised me while doing the same but I’d been three by then. I mean I knew how much work a baby was, how expensive it would be from seeing everything that kenya had gone through with Kessie, helping her in her recovery and watching Kess when she was tired and needed sleep. For a split second I thought about abortion or adoption but Kahlil would never go for that. I wanted this baby, I wanted his baby just not right now.

Kahlil

I had just gotten to Mel’s door when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I normally would have left it but Mel was looking ready to invite me in and I needed another minute to figure out what exactly I needed to say to let her down gently. It was my fault I’d led her on knowing my feelings for Nairobi but there was no going back now that I knew Nairobi felt the same.

I pulled out my phone and although the number wasn’t one I recognized I opened the text anyway. The text said Congratulations and a gif with little blue and pink ballons and the words 2-3months pregnant flashed in glittered letters. My heart nearly stopped before it started to race and while I was terrified a giant grin spread across my face before I text Nairobi that I was on my way back.

“I’m going to be a father.” I said without thinking about it.

I looked up at Mel’s angry face and my elation deflated a little.

“Say what now?” She said and I bit my lip.

“Nothing, um I’m sorry. This day has been a total mind fuck. I wish I could do this better but I am in love with someone else and I just found out she feels the same about me. Sorry to have wasted your time.” I said and took off before she could even reply.

I knew it was shitty but I just had to see Nairobi right away. I knew she would be shitting her pants about this baby. Our baby. My cheeks ached for how big a grin I was sporting and I literally ran all the way back to our apartment.

Nairobi was sitting on her bed seemingly calm but I knew better. Especially when her pajamas were on backwards and inside out. I sat next to her and held her close.

“I’m here. I’m excited about our baby but I’m also scared. I know we both had plans that didn’t include a little one just yet but we will get through this together.” I said and she sank into me silently sobbing.

The ivory box containing my great grandmother’s ring was burning a hole in my pocket so I pulled it out and placed it in her hand.

“What’s this?” She asked and I kissed her.

“I told you, You are mine forever. Nairobi Renee Stewart will you do me the honor of becoming my wife. This is my great grandmothers ring and it’s been passed down through the generations. I want you to wear it when you are ready. I don’t need an answer now. I know it’s a lot to process with the baby and all.” I said.

“Of course I’ll marry you!” She said and kissed me.

I opened the box and slid the ring onto her finger. She smiled while looking at it. It was nothing fancy but the way she admired the small diamond and ruby setting it could have been a million dollar rock. I thought things would be good after that but then her smile slowly faded and she turned to me with a serious look.

“I’m leaving at the end of the year. I got accepted to that Masters program I told you about.” She said and I scowled.

Part of me wanted to demand she stay but I knew how much she wanted this and I couldn’t deny her. Not when we were in a good place right now.

“That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you.” I said instead and she laughed.

“I appreciate your attempt at enthusiasm but I know me leaving is the last thing you want.” I said.

“You’re right but I know how much you wanted into that specific program and how selective it is. I don’t want you giving that up for me. I don’t expect it either so don’t even think about it. We have forever remember.” I said and she kissed me.

“Marry me.” She said.

“I plan to.” I replied.

“I mean today. Let’s elope.” She said and I just stared at her for a moment.

“Your not serious.” I said.

“I’m dead serious.” She said and kissed me again.

Nairobi

When I suggested we elope I had been kidding but when he’d asked if I was serious. I just couldn’t let him call my bluff. I knew getting married wasn’t going to magically solve our problems but at least I could know in my absence that he was legally tied to me and our child. After we made love we got ready for class and training and I did my best to ignore the stares and whispers as I went through my day.

Mid day couldn’t come fast enough. I rushed from my class to the mall and grabbed the first white dress I found in my size before heading to the courthouse. I’d been able to make an appointment for us online and I was surprised to se not only Kahlil but a couple of his buddies from the team.

“We needed witnesses.” Kahlil said with a shrug when I gave him a look.

“I’m down for the man of honor spot. I knew you two were gonna hook up from the first time I saw you together.” Ben said and I smiled.

Of all the guys on the team I could say I was truly friends with him and not just friendly by association because of Kahlil or Drew.

“Thanks, Ben. I really appreciate it.” I said and hugged him.

“This guy ever give you hell just let me know and I’ll make sure he’s wide open for the opposing team.” HE whispered and I laughed.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I said and then went over to Kahlil.

“They don’t know about the baby. I figured you wouldn’t want anyone to know before our family.” He said and I nodded.

“Yeah, speaking of I don’t think we should tell them we are married just yet. I know they will be pissed about it and I really don’t need the stress.” I said.

“Fine by me but we are having dinner with Aunt V tonight. We’ll announce our engagement at least. I mean she has an idea since I woke her up last night to get the ring.” He said and I shook my head.

“Ugh I can’t even get a few days.” I whined.

“Nope. She insisted but she doesn’t know it’s you so that’s going to be fun at least.” He said and I kissed him.

“For you maybe.” I said.

Our number was called and we entered the small courtroom where the justice of the peace was waiting. Ben and Henry took their respective places and the ceremony commenced it was short and sweet but it meant the world to me. Knowing that I was finally his in every way. When the ceremony was over we walked out and I pulled our two witnesses aside.

“So please don’t say anything to anyone about this. It’s really not the best time and we’d prefer our families know before anyone else.” I said and they just looked at each other and shrugged.

“Ya’ll take this down low thing a bit too seriously, ya hear but we gotchu.” Henry said.

“No worries, Mrs. Moss. We been gotchu.” Ben said.

“So you weren’t going to talk to me about that first? What if I wanted to shout it from the roof tops. Maybe rub it in that asshole Drew’s face a bit.” Kahlil said when the guys walked away.

“Please we are already the talk of the campus right now and they don’t even know that we’re together just that we’ve been living together. I really just want to go about my last few months here in peace.” I said and he smirked.

“Alright but I’m not going to pretend like we aren’t together just because of some talk and by together I mean engaged because you are not walking around without your ring.” He said obviously upset.

“I don’t want to argue with you in the first hour of being your wife. Please let’s just get through the rest of this day so I can have you to myself for the rest of the night.” I said and he smiled and kissed me.

“Fine by me.” He said and after making out a little we had to go our separate ways.

We went home and had a quicky before changing and heading back out to work and class. The hours never moved so slowly in my life. I was so ready to get to dinner so I could get it over with. I mean Aunt Verena had always been family to me. She spoiled me and watched over me like any Aunt would I just wasn’t sure she’d be okay with Kahlil and I actually hooking up. Not to mention Kenya was going to be pissed if Aunt V knew first so as soon as I was done with my shift I pulled out my phone and called her. I knew she would be busy with work but I left a voicemail asking her to set aside time to video chat during the time we were supposed to be at dinner.

Still as normal as it was for me to have dinner with our family tonight I was so nervous when we reached the front door.

“It’s going to be fine.” Kahlil said letting us in without bothering to knock or ring the doorbell.

Stepping into the house today it was almost as if I hadn’t lived here for a year, hadn’t always felt at home here. Aunt V came down the stairs all smiles as she hugged me and Kahlil.

“So you here to meet this mystery girl as well?” Aunt V asked and at first I thought she was joking but then she looked at me expectantly and I laughed nervously before lifting my hand and showing her the ring that sat perfectly on my finger.

“Surprise.” I said unsure of her reaction.

She gasped and tears welled in her eyes before she pulled me to her and hugged me until I didn’t think I could breathe.

“You have no idea how happy I am it’s you and not some strange girl. I’ve always known you two were meant for each other. From the moment Kahlil protested having you around at his trainings with Quan.” She began to ramble and I was so overwhelmed and relieved that I started to cry too.

“What I miss?” Quan asked emerging from the game room.

“I asked Nairobi to marry me and she said yes.” Kahlil said and Quan smiled.

“It’s about damn time! I thought for sure I was going to have to pull you aside and have a talk after you introduced us to that Mel girl.” He said and I laughed.

“Have you told Kenya yet?” Aunt V asked and I shook my head.

“I asked her to video chat so we could tell you both at the same time but obviously that didn’t go exactly as planned.” I said and she shook her head before pulling out her own phone and calling Kenya.

Once Kenya answered Aunt V spilled the news and the two spent the next hour talking about how they just knew we would end up together. Dinner was great as always and thankfully Quan reigned Aunt V in once we finished desert.

“Verena, these two just got engaged. We will have plenty of time to get all of your questions answered later. Right now I’m sure they both would rather be enjoying their engagement privately.” He said with a wink at Kahlil and I tried my best not to blush as Aunt V just shook her head and waved us away.

“Fine but Nairobi I will be in touch about wedding plans for when you graduate.” She said and I smiled and gave her a hug before disappearing out the door with Kahlil.

 Kahlil

Nairobi was finally mine and despite her initial hesitance she quickly got with the program of what it mean to be my woman on campus. I knew it had to be hard on her with the rumors and the gossip but she handled it with the skill and grace I’d come to expect from her over the years. I mean she’d survived being stalked by paparazzi in high school a little college gossip was nothing. Still when I was home I made sure to pamper her. I gave her massages, made her dinner, refilled her tea as she studied.

Still I was working on the biggest thing I wanted to give her. Nairobi was right. I was definitely not okay with her moving away but I could never ask her to stay. Lucky for me, my collegiate needs were simple. I was an engineering major and a high ranking player in the league. The school she was going to be attending had a killer engineering department and was in definite need of some star power on their team. I hadn’t mentioned to anyone that I was thinking of making a move just in case my plans fell through but I would know by this afternoon.

Coach called for the end of practice and I took a spot between Henry and Ben far from where Drew knelt. Ever since the fight things had been real tense between us even on the field which I’m sure coach noticed since it made running our cooperative plays a bit harder when neither of us wanted anything to do with one another. Yet another reason why this move would be good for me.

“Listen up!” Coach yelled. “Before I release you all to shower I wanted to let you know about some changes that are going to be happening on the coaching staff. As you all know, Coach Beales is retiring after this year and we’ve been interviewing replacements. Luckily the search is over and the new coach will begin working with you all next week so I wanted to introduce him now so you can get your fan girling out of the way before the real work begins. I now introduce you to the new defensive coach Mr. Quaid Green!”

I literally felt sick to my stomach. For sure I would have to go now. No way could I stomach this man having any power over me. I didn’t care if I was being disrespectful but I just couldn’t sit there and pretend to be okay with this new change. I stood and started off towards the locker room.

“Boy! You got a problem!” Coach yelled at me and I stopped taking a few breaths before turning around slowly.

“It’s fine coach. Let him walk away if he’s not man enough to play.” Quaid said and I flexed my fists.

The members of the team who’d been there that day tensed, ready to spring into action if or rather when things went south. A million different things to do or say ran through my mind in that moment but I focused in on the only thing I knew was safe. I closed my eyes and pictured Nairobi holding our yet unborn child and I smiled before opening my eyes.

“Come for me if you want Quaid, I don’t care but if you so much as look at Nairobi sideways you’re a fucking dead man.” I said and I meant it and he knew I meant it.

“You threatening me now?” Quaid said stalking up to me.

It was a power move but I wasn’t scared. I was eye to eye with him and I could see everyone closing in ready to pull us apart if things got crazy again.

“Not a threat, old man, a promise.” I spat and he smirked.

“Watch how you speak to me boy. I brought you into this world and I can take you out of it just as quick.” He said I was so pissed I hadn’t even really heard what he had said.

“Whoa! He’s your dad?” A voice said from the crowd and the realization that that’s what he had in fact just implied hit me like a ton of bricks.

I took a step back and searched his cruel face for any trace that he was lying but his eyes held the sort of gotcha twinkle that could only mean he was telling the truth. My mind raced with all the missed connections over the years. My mother’s hatred of football, her refusal to let me play or go and visit Aunt Verena where she worked. All the hushed arguments between Quan and Aunt V about knowing my family history. Kenya and Aunt V’s insistence that I treat Kessie like a sister. The fact that I looked so much like Quan and by extension Quaid. The worst part was realizing Nairobi had probably known this whole time as well. No matter how much she hated Quaid she’d never allowed me to ever really hurt him. She’d always stood in the way. I absorbed the shock of it all in an instant before simply shaking my head and walking away.

Once in the locker room I didn’t even bother to shower. I just grabbed my stuff and headed out the door. I didn’t want to talk to people as I made the walk back to my place so I pulled out my phone to keep me looking busy. Apparently someone was looking out for me because I had a missed call from the coach at Nairobi’s school. He’d been ecstatic that I’d been interested in their program and wanted to meet with me that weekend to go over specifics. I smiled before calling him back and confirming the details. I also made a detour to the records building to get a copy of my transcripts as well as the library to print out a copy of their undergraduate admissions application to fill out and take along. Might as well come prepared.

Nairobi

Ben text me about thirty seconds before Kahlil walked through the door. I was pissed for him but also worried. Worried about how he was handling the knowledge that his father was Quaid of all people. I went to hug him but the stench of his after practice sweat had me recoiling and gasping for funk free air. Pregnancy had definitely effected my tolerance for Body odor and strong smells in general.

“We need to talk but I really need you to shower first.” I said and he just nodded before tossing a packet of papers down on the counter and heading off to the bathroom.

I made dinner and did my best not to look at what he’d left on the counter. I just hoped it wasn’t anything bad.

“So you knew Quaid was my father.” He said siting down at the table as I brought dinner over.

“Yes but Kenya told me it was your mother’s wish not for you to know. Who was I to go against that?” I asked and he sighed.

“I’m not mad you didn’t tell me. Honestly I wish I never would have found out. It’s one thing to think your bio dad is an asshole, it’s a completely other thing to know for a fact that he’s like the worst person alive.” He said digging into his food.

“You are not Quaid. He may have supplied his DNA but that’s it. Besides Quan has the same DNA technically and he’s a completely different person than Quaid. Obviously it’s Quaid’s choices and not genetics otherwise I for sure wouldn’t be having your baby and propogating that madness.” I said and managed to get a chuckle out of him.

We finished eating before moving to the couch to watch some TV and for Kahlil to give me my daily foot rub. A habit he was forming with me that I would surely miss when I was gone.

“We’re going on a weekend trip to your new campus this weekend. I want to see where my wife is going to be spending so much time away from her husband. Make sure it’s safe and what not.” He said and I sighed.

“That really isn’t necessary.” I said.

“Oh it most definitely is. If I’m gonna have to cross state lines to get to you, damn straight I’m checking this place out.” He said and I laughed it off knowing he’d already made up his mind that we were going. I just wasn’t looking forward to the long car ride. Between school and pregnancy randomness I was thoroughly exhausted by mid day and naps were now a necessity.

“Maybe we can make it a honeymoon of sorts.” I tossed out and he grinned.

“My brilliant wife. Of course we can. I’ll look into it.” He said and kissed me.

The next day I cleared my work schedule and made sure to have back up note takers for the one mid day class I had that Friday. I was just finished checking the dance schedule to make sure I wasn’t missing out on anything important when Mel came up to me with her hands on her hips.

“You should have told me.” She huffed and I cringed.

I’d been avoiding her the last couple weeks and thankfully it hadn’t seemed like she really wanted to confront me either. I guess I’d been wrong. I should have known. Mel didn’t just do things, she was a very strategic person. It was one of the reasons we had become friends in the first place.

“I’m sorry. I just wasn’t sure he was serious about me. I didn’t want to cause drama if he chose you.” I said and she snorted.

“If you wanted to avoid drama you would have been honest with me and with him in the first place. I mean come on how hard was it to say, hey before you date my friend is there a possibility you feel the same.” She said.

“He’d already hooked up with you. I figured that was a big enough sign he wasn’t interested even the slightest. It was only under extreme circumstances that everything just came out and I’m sorry things happened the way they did but Kahlil and I are in love and we plan on being together for the rest of our lives.” I said and she sighed.

“I’ll accept your apology only because I knew from the start that there was something between you despite both of your denial. I’m honestly more upset at Kahlil for leading me on like that. Anyway I just want you to know that I’m going to pretend I’m pissed about this to save face but I’d still like to be friends. I also want you to know I fully intend to have revenge sex with Drew because why the hell not.” She said and I smiled causing her to glare at me.

“Right sorry in public we’re still not cool. Again sorry about everything feel free to have all the revenge sex you want with Drew although I can’t tell you if he’s any good or not since we never.” I started to ramble.

“Seriously! Never?” She said eyes bugging a little.

“My heart was elsewhere. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it and before you ask Kahlil and I weren’t screwing around behind your back either. We had sex once the night I got the news my mother died and that was just pity sex. He turned right around and jumped into your bed the same day.” I said and she shook her head.

“My bed but not my panties. To be honest he’d been stingy with the dick since then. That should have been sign enough that things weren’t going well.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I have to get going. I have class in five.”

Mel then groaned dramatically before walking away in a huff. The few people in the area had their eyes glued to her and I and I just buried my face in my hands pretending like I was upset when actually I was hiding my laughter. I kept up the charade until I was clear of everyone who’d seen us together before getting on with my day.

Kahlil

Practice sucked. Coach didn’t care about the personal drama between Quaid and I. Not that I had expected him too but the amount of extra laps and drills he’d heaped on me because I’d walked off the field yesterday was enough to have me limping off the field. I didn’t actually limp though. I would never give Quaid the satisfaction of seeing any amount of weakness. So I took my punishment and kept a smug smile on my face as I walked passed him on my way to the locker room. I’d been the last player on the field so everyone else was already showering and or dress by the time I got in there.

“You good?” Henry asked quietly as I tossed my gear into my locker which was next to his.

“Yeah, I’m straight.” I lied.

I could barely feel my arms and legs and what I could feel of them didn’t give me any hope of being able to make the walk back to my apartment. I’d definitely be calling a ride tonight. In fact I might not even go to the apartment. I didn’t want Nairobi to see me like this either and the recovery pool at Quan and Aunt V’s was just what I needed if I had any chance of making it to practice the next day on my own two feet. Sometimes there were perks to having a professional athlete in the family.

I text Nairobi that I’d be staying the night at Aunt V’s. I knew she would be at work and not able to answer back right away but I knew she wasn’t going to be happy about it. Sometimes you just had to take the lesser of the two punishments. Besides once I was back in top form I could easily make it up to her. I dragged myself into the showers before sliding into my sweats but I didn’t end up needing a cab. Ben and Henry were waiting for me when I was done.

“Come on Captain Daddy Issues, we’ll take you home.” Ben said and I glared at him.

“He’s not my father.” I spat and he just shrugged.

“Yeah yeah, whatever man. Let’s just get you home to your wife so she can make it all better.” Henry said with a wink.

If he wasn’t my best friend I’d have punched him but because he was and I could barely lift my arms above waist height at the moment I gave him a pass. This time.

“Actually can you take me to my Aunt’s I already told Nairobi that’s where I’d be.” I said and he shrugged.

“Whatever man. It’s your funeral.” Ben said as we got into Henry’s car.

Aunt V and Quan weren’t home when I arrived and I remembered it was Junior’s parent teacher night. I still couldn’t get over the fact that Aunt V had agreed to name their daughter Junior because Quan had been so hyped about having a little Quan only to find out they were having a girl instead of a boy. She’d ben at a sleepover when Nairobi and I announced our engagement not that she really cared. She was still too young to really understand how big a deal that was. I was coming over and why so it wouldn’t be a shock to find me up in my old room.

I was just sinking into the tub when Nairobi called.

“What happened?” She demanded.

“Just my penance for walking off the field yesterday. I’ll be good in the morning I promise. I just wanted to use Quan’s bionic bath.” I said and she sighed.

“I talked to Mel today.” She said and I tensed.

“That doesn’t sound good.” I said and she chuckled a little.

“It was fine. I apologized to her for my bad friend behavior and we’re good but she’s still going to pretend to be mad at me for a bit to save face. You on the other hand are not in her good graces.” She said and I couldn’t help but be relieved.

“Fine by me. I deserve it. I was an asshole to the both of you.” I said.

“Well enjoy your bath and get some rest. I don’t want you injured over that asshole. I’ve got a ton of reading before our trip so I’ll see you tomorrow.” She said and hung up.

I sank deeper into the tub to let it work its magic, closing my eyes and picturing Nairobi sitting cross legged on the couch with a book in her hands. Her stomach wasn’t changing yet but the doctor we’d seen last week told us it shouldn’t be too much longer. As it was she was already super sensitive about her midsection so instead of sprawling on her bed like she would usually do I knew she’d be on the couch. She’d probably already changed into her study sweats. A ragged pair of sweat pants from high school and a tank top from the cheer team. Probably the sexiest thing she could wear besides nothing. I shifted to make myself more comfortable with my now raging hard on. Maybe I did need to go home tonight.

Nairobi

The weekend couldn’t have come fast enough. The coach and Quaid were being extra hard on Kahlil which he didn’t tell me about but I heard from Ben and Henry who had brought him home almost every night this week because he’d been worked to the point of exhaustion. I was livid but I knew it would only be worse if I said or did anything.

“Let me drive. You’ve had a tough week.” I said sliding into the driver’s side of his car before Kahlil could protest.

He started to walk around to the driver’s side but winced and changed course sliding into the passenger seat.

“Only for an hour or so. The painkillers should kick in by then.” He muttered and I shook my head.

They were trying to break him in the worst way. At this rate if things didn’t change he was going to get injured before the season even started. It was not okay and when this trip was done I was definitely going to raise hell about it or at least tell Aunt V and Quan because coming from them it might do more good. Thankfully he passed out after thirty minutes and didn’t wake up until we were almost to our destination and only because he’d refused to tell me where exactly we were staying. It was apparently a surprise.

“You should have woken me up sooner.” He said taking in our surroundings.

We’d left early in the morning but it was almost sunset now. I’d stopped at a rest stop to pee for the fifteenth time in the last three hours so he did the same before taking over the driver’s seat. I got a little worried when he detoured just outside the city where campus was and into the wooded mountain area. We stopped at the ranger station for a bit before continuing up the mountain road. I couldn’t see a thing beyond our headlights but then the thick trees opened up to a clearing and a well lit cabin.

“Is this where we are staying?” I asked and he smiled.

“I know you are more into the city life but I figured a nice quiet weekend completely alone would be nice.” He said and I smiled and kissed him.

“Sounds perfect.” I said and we both got out of the car.

We explored the cabin a bit but I was so tired I pretty much went straight to sleep while he brought in our bags. When I woke up Kahlil was already awake and fixing breakfast.  I climbed out of bed and joined him in the kitchen.

“Did you get a good sleep?” He asked and I nodded.

“Yes thank you.” I said and he kissed me before setting a plate of pancakes, bacon and eggs in front of me.

I was starving so I dug in but as soon as the eggs hit my mouth everything else  wanted to come right back up. I rushed to the bathroom and when I returned Kahlil set a cup of tea and my prenatal gummy in front of me.

“I made you some toast when your stomach settles a little.” He said before digging into his own food.

“So what’s on the agenda for today?” I asked nibbling on a piece of toast.

“I scheduled a campus tour for the morning but the afternoon we have time to explore.” He said and I smiled.

“A campus tour? Really? I remember you throwing a fit about the one we took freshman year.” I said and he shrugged.

“IT was boring but it came in handy.” He said and I rolled my eyes.

“If I’m going to be walking for hours I doubt I’ll be up for much of anything later today.” I said.

“That’s fine. I plan to pamper you all afternoon. Whatever you want.” He said.

“Sounds good to me.” I said and kissed his cheek before going to get dressed.

The tour was long and boring and to make matters worse, Kahlil had gotten an urgent phone call and bailed half way through the tour. He’d said he’d catch up but he was still nowhere to be seen as the tour group made its way back to the starting point. I was pissed that he’d obviously bailed but also worried about what he may be doing. For sure he would have texted if it were something simple like maybe his stomach was acting up or maybe his call was going longer than expected. I was just getting frantic that maybe something bad had happened to him when a thought struck me.

Kahlil had disappeared shortly after the tour had passed the athletic department so I headed there to see if maybe he’d decided to hang out there instead of finishing up the tour. I wandered the place relatively easily until I heard Kahlil’s voice coming from one of the offices. I walked right in and all conversation ceased as I saw Kahlil sitting in front of a guy with a school shirt on that read head coach and another guy who I assumed was a recruiter of some sort.

“You could have just told me you set up a meeting.” I said and Kahlil sighed.

“I didn’t want to say anything until it was finalized.” He said and I rolled my eyes.

“So what’s the offer?” I asked looking directly at the recruiter as I pulled up a chair.

The guy eyed me suspiciously but Kahlil just nodded.

“She’s the only reason I’m even considering this move so if she’s not okay with it then I’m not signing on.” Kahlil said and the guy looked annoyed but he gave me a rundown of everything.

When he was finished I shook my head. It wasn’t like I hadn’t thought about maybe asking Kahlil to come with me. I’d done my homework on their team and knew exactly what needed to happen with Kahlil and the team in general for it to even be worth talking about.

Both the coach and the recruiter seemed impressed with my knowledge and somehow that ended up with not only Kahlil signing on to transfer but me accepting an assistant coaching position with the team. It wasn’t something I had ever even imagined happening and Kahlil wasn’t exactly happy with it but the extra income on top of us spending more time together was bonus enough to let him hold his tongue until we were away from the meeting.

“I can’t believe you said yes!” He huffed and I rolled my eyes.

“If you really had a problem with it you could have said no. Honestly football is your thing.” I said and he snorted.

“Look I have no problem with it in theory but if anyone makes any rude comments or touches you inappropriately. I can’t say I will be able to just let it slide.” He said.

“And you shouldn’t regardless of if it’s me or not. Besides I’m just an assistant. I doubt I’ll be doing more than holding a clip board.” I said and he shook his head.

“What about when you get further along? Also the practice schedule is pretty intense and might interfere with your studies.” He said and I sighed.

“It’s something I can work around when the time comes but for now can we just go back to the cabin. I’m exhausted and I need a nap if I’m going to be good to celebrate with you later.” I said.

“Celebrate what?” He asked.

“Us staying together. Starting a new life in more ways than one.” I said and he smiled and kissed me.

“Oh we will definitely celebrate that.” He said.

The rest of the weekend was amazing and I almost didn’t want to go back to campus.

“It’s just a couple more months, then we can put all this drama behind us.” Kahlil said and kissed my hand.

“Yes, just a couple more months.” I said and forced a smile even though inside I felt an overwhelming sense of dread.

Once back to campus I stayed out of the limelight as much as possible. I only ventured onto campus for classes. I avoided going out to parties or any place I may run into Drew. It wasn’t too hard to do as I was bogged down with all the things I needed to do before Kahlil and I made our move. I had already finished the paperwork for my Master’s program but I had even more when it came to the contract I would sign as the new assistant coach. Not to mention keeping everything a secret from our families while Kahlil and I got things in order. While we trusted our family not to say anything we had both agreed it would be best to keep the fact that we were leaving as quiet as possible.

“I’m so proud of you!” Kenya gushed pulling me into a tight hug.

I’d just found her and the rest of the family in the massive crowds after graduation. Of course I knew the exact moment she felt the roundness of my belly through my graduation gown and flowy dress. It wasn’t very big which had allowed me to hide it without adjusting my wardrobe just yet but she knew immediately and pulled back with a gasp.

“You’re…” She trailed off with tears in her eyes.

“Please don’t say anything just yet. Kahlil and I wanted to wait until we knew the sex before announcing.” I said and she nodded and made a show of zipping her lips and I rolled my eyes before she hugged me again. This time not as tightly.

“Can the rest of us get a chance to congratulate her?” Quan said with a laugh and Kenya sighed before stepping away.

“Of course.” She said and soon I was cycling through the rest of the family before heading to V and Quan’s for the graduation party they were throwing for me.

Kahlil and I mixed and mingled for a bit before they brought out a cake and demanded a speech. I pulled Kahlil to my side and smiled up at him.

“Well let me start by saying that none of this would have been possible without all of you. I am forever grateful to each and every one of you for supporting me through this journey and I Kahlil and I hope to still have your support as we embark on the next chapter of our lives. I will be continuing my education out of state.” I began.

“and I will be joining her.” Kahlil said and I noticed a few people’s smiles faltering including Ben and Henry.

“So you’re giving up football?” Junior asked and although Aunt V pinched his arm I knew everyone was wondering the same thing.

“No, I’m transferring and joining the team there. It’s already decided and all contracts have been signed but today is not about me or my football career. We are here to celebrate Nairobi and her academic accomplishments. So on that note. Congratulations, my love.” He said and kissed me until all the awkwardness and tension left my body.

“Enough of that! We want wedding bells before baby carriages.” Quan quipped and Kahlil pulled away laughing as I blushed fiercely.

I cut into the cake and everyone seemed to get back into the festive spirit but I didn’t miss Quan pulling Kahlil aside nor Aunt V and Kenya whispering conspiratorially in the corner.

“So it wasn’t enough to mess with the dynamics of the team. Now you have to steal our hope of winning again this coming year?” Henry said coming up to me after the party had died down a bit.

“Look it was Kahlil’s choice not mine. I never brought it up with him and didn’t even know he was doing it until he’d already signed on. So if you have any grievances take it up with him.” I said not at all for there for taking the blame on that.

“Henry here is just salty because no one makes him look good on the field quite like Kahlil. It’s his final year, the draft is on the line. Hell we both know without Kahlil there the team is unbalanced and no matter how well we play we won’t be able to match the magic we have with him there.” Ben said coming up to us.

“Sounds to me like you two need to step up your game if going pro is what you really want.” I muttered.

Thankfully neither of them was able to commandeer my time with football talk because with the rest of the guests making their exit, Aunt V and Kenya came to have a chat with me as well.

Kahlil

“So tell me about this move? Are you sure it’s smart to switch teams right before the draft. Especially to one so low in the rankings?” Quan said.

“I have faith in my talent. Regardless of what team I’m on I’m going to make it to the draft.” I said.

“I do too but this move feels desperate. Like you are running to look like a big fish in a small pond to increase your chances.” He replied.

“The only thing desperate about this move is the need for me to be close to my wife and child.” I said before catching myself.

I was pissed that he was questioning my decision even though I’d known it was coming. I hadn’t meant to spill the beans but now that I had I didn’t regret it. In fact I was glad. I didn’t want to hide anything about my relationship with Nairobi. That was all her idea. Quan just eyed me for a moment before sinking down into his favorite leather recliner.

“So that’s it then. You just want to be close to Nairobi. It has nothing to do with Quaid and his mentee.” He said and I nodded.

“Well there’s that too. I want to say that I can move past my personal feelings to focus on the game but as far as that man is concerned. No way am I comfortable putting myself in any position for him to make claims on any success I have.” I said and Quan nodded.

“I don’t want you to hate Quaid. He’s….” Quan paused as if he wanted to say something but I say the moment he changed his mind and I rolled my eyes.

“My sperm donor? Yeah he threw that in my face already the first day he came to practice. That doesn’t change a thing to me. Just like it never changed a thing to him until recently. My mother didn’t want him in my life and I am honoring that choice in my decision just as much as my other reasons for leaving.” I said and to my surprise Quan rose from his chair and pulled me into a hug.

“You have grown into a man I’m sure your mother would be so proud of. I’m sorry my brother isn’t a man you can look up to.” He said and I shook my head.

“Who cares about him? I had you to look up to. As far as I’m concerned you are my dad, not him.”

Nairobi

“You’re pregnant!” Aunt V said as soon as we were alone.

I glared at Kenya who shrugged.

“It just sort of came out.” She said and I rolled my eyes.

“We wanted to announce it once we found out the sex.” I said to Aunt V and she shook her head.

“I get it and I’m not upset. I just we have to move up the wedding. You two are starting out a new life it only seems right we have the ceremony before you two leave. Also we want you to look amazing in your dress and not feel like a whale once your stomach gets bigger.” She said and I shook my head.

“Only if it’s a family only affair. I don’t want some huge expensive anything.” I said.

“Done. We can maybe pull something together for tomorrow. I mean everyone is already here. We just need to get a dress and I can have my assistant run and get the necessary forms before the courthouse closes.” Aunt Verena said and I shook my head.

“Shouldn’t we get Kahlil’s approval first?” I asked.

“Honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t drag you to the courthouse as soon as you told him you were pregnant.” Kenya laughed.

“Actually I did exactly that.” Kahlil said wrapping his arms around me.

“What? When?” Aunt V gasped.

“The same day we announced our engagement. You asked me if the woman I was asking to marry me was pregnant. I didn’t know so I grabbed a test on my way home. We got married around lunch and announced our engagement that evening.” Kahlil said.

“Don’t be upset with us. Everything happened so fast we just wanted some time to get everything sorted before making any grand announcements.” I pleaded.

“Not upset at all. We are all just so excited for you both.” Aunt V said and hugged us.

The next day the family gathered in Aunt V and Quan’s back yard which had been transformed into a romantic wedding scene complete with trellis laden with white flowers flowing white and gold fabric. Kenya walked me down the aisle as Junior and Kessie acted as best man and maid of honor respectively. Kenya’s twins had had too much fun acting as the flower girl and ring bearer.

I honestly had felt that our courthouse ceremony had been more than enough but this. I hadn’t realized how much I had wanted this until now. Until seeing Kahlil in a tuxedo smiling at me with tears in his eyes, waiting for my hand to be joined with his in front of Pastor Julian who had always teased us about officiating our wedding one day when he would see us at church. Even as we repeated the vows I felt them in my very soul. They weren’t just words in that moment. I meant them with every fiber of my being and when we kissed. I could no longer hold back the happy tears.

“Stop it, before you make me cry.” Kahlil whispered as we made our way down the aisle as husband and wife.

“Like I have any control of my hormones right now.” I snapped back but I started to giggle through my tears.

I left Kahlil’s side for just a minute to go clean up my face a bit before rejoining the party that had started out back. I wasn’t surprised to find him waiting right outside the bathroom door when I came out. I was however surprised to see him chatting it up with Jordan. I mean Jordan had been a part of our lives for years now but even though we were both comfortable with him I wouldn’t say we were particularly close. He’d always been super busy and then he and Kenya had moved leaving me with Aunt V and Quan. I’d visited summers but that didn’t mean he was around me all that much.

“Great! Now that I have you two together. I wanted to give you your wedding gift.” Jordan said and I shook my head.

“You guys have done enough with this ceremony and everything else you’ve done for me over the years.” I said and he shook his head.

“That was almost entirely Kenya and while we are a team. I wanted to do this for you guys myself. For the honor of letting me watch you grow into the adults you are today.” He said and handed me and envelope.

“Thank you.” Kahlil and I said.

“No problem. I hope you enjoy.” He said and walked away before we had even opened the envelope.

Inside were two plane tickets and an itinerary for a two week all expense paid tour of Europe. There was also a small note that said “Enjoy your honeymoon on me. – Jordan.”

I smiled and looked at Kahlil who was smiling down at me.

“How did he know we had exactly two weeks of free time?” He asked.

“It’s Jordan. He always seems to just kind of know things.” I said with a shrug.

Kahlil tucked the envelope into his pocket before guiding me outside to join the reception. We had fun dancing and celebrating with our family but I was quickly exhausted and Kahlil whisked me back home as quickly as he could without being rude.

“I hope you aren’t too wiped out. I’d hoped to indulge in your body tonight.” He whispered in my ear as I got undressed.

“I think I have enough energy left for one quick romp.” I said and tugged at his pants.

“Thank god!” He growled before picking me up and laying me on the bed.

Four months later

“Coach Stewart! You okay?” Francis asked jogging up to me.

I’d just been making my way to the practice field when I’d suddenly felt the need to sit down. Francis was one of the players on the team. I was late for practice so he was definitely late. However I just didn’t have the energy to tear him a new one at the moment. The babies were due any day now and despite doctor’s orders I hadn’t slowed down one bit.

“Yeah I just…” A contraction hit so hard I couldn’t even finish the sentence.

I’d been having some intense Braxton hicks all day but I’d still gone to class and I’d still at least attempted to lug my big behind to practice that day. I was late because I’d had to use the bathroom for the thirtieth time that day. It seemed nothing wanted to stay in me. Almost as soon as I ate or drank anything it was coming right out of me.

Francis rushed to my side and held me upright.

“Let’s get you inside at least. It’s too cold out here.” He said and helped me hobble the nearest building which happened to be the school library.

I’d just made it inside when I felt a warm gush between my legs and shortly after there was the splattering sound of water hitting the ground.

“Shit!” I cursed as an even stronger contraction hit.

I knew then that I wasn’t having practice contractions at all. That I was officially in labor.

“Fuck!” Francis said before guiding me to a bench to sit down before he took off towards the front desk.

The librarian who knew me well considering all the hours I spent in the library either doing my own research or tutoring some of my students or players, came running over.

“I’ve called an ambulance. What were you thinking walking to the stadium? You were supposed to be taking it easy.” She chastised.

I was in pain and I was scared and I really wanted Kahlil but I bit my tongue to keep from asking for him. No one on campus knew we were married or that he was the father of my children. Of course they knew that we knew each other and were friends, that was common knowledge easily obtained by a google search but because I was technically a coach it would complicate things for people to know we were together like that.

Only the head coach was aware of our relationship and he was a little pissed that we hadn’t said anything about it until after everything was finalized but he’d gotten over it quickly when he saw that we were capable to working together without showing any special preferences towards one another. That and I think we were all surprised at how much help I’d been to the team as a whole both on and off the field. I found that I loved coaching and teaching in general. I mean I’d always thought I’d have a career in politics or work for some social justice non profit like Kenya but now I was thinking maybe there was another path open for me to make a difference.

“Francis go to practice. Tell coach you were helping me out so he doesn’t ream your ass for being late.” I gasped and he looked uncertain about leaving for a minute.

“Francis Go! She doesn’t need you here. The ambulance is on its way.” Tara snapped at him and he just nodded once before taking off.

Another contraction hit blurring my vision and by the time it passed and I could see clearly again the paramedics were coming in the door. Everything from that point on was a blur. They weren’t going to move me right away. The head of the first baby was already out, not crowning but out and its wide shoulders were stuck stretching my vagina into something grotesque and unimaginable if the sheet white horror on Tara’s face was any indication.

“I’m going to have to help the baby along. This is going to hurt but I need you to relax as much as possible and then push as hard as you can.” The paramedic said before reaching down.

“Okay push!”

I felt a tug before a short lived reprieve from the pain as the first baby slid free.

“Good job, Momma! It’s a boy!” The paramedic said and handed me my son wrapped in a blanket to hold.

They started to prepare to move me but I shook my head just before another contraction hit. The other paramedic grabbed my son from me as the other looked momentarily shocked.

“Twins.” He said and I nodded before he got back on his knees, the second baby came out much faster and the paramedic caught it just in time as it slid from my body.

“Another boy.” He laughed and I frowned.

The doctor had seen a boy and a girl. What was clearly a little girl and yet when he held up my second son for me to see sure enough there was a penis between his legs. It wasn’t that I wasn’t happy to have two healthy babies but I’d had my hopes up for the little girl. She’d had clothes and a name already picked out for her and yet she hadn’t come. She was actually a he and I had no idea what we were going to name him. It had taken months of arguing between Kahlil and I to settle on names for the babies we had expected to have.

I took my second son and held him close. He was adorable and I loved him, loved both of my children with all my heart. We were wheeled out to the ambulance as one of the paramedics massaged my stomach. As if pushing out babies wasn’t enough they still had to deliver the placenta or something. It hurt like hell and my contractions didn’t seem to be weakening in the least.

My sons were taken again so that they could strap me in properly but just as they were fixing the last strap blood gushed between my legs. Both paramedics looked at each other before moving around rapidly. I couldn’t hear what they were saying as the stabbing pain was all I could concentrate on. The ride to the hospital seemed to take hours and mere minutes all at once. I had no idea what had happened to my little boys just that as soon as the doors to the ambulance had opened I was rushed into surgery.

When I woke up Kahlil was kneeling next to my hospital bed praying and he looked so relieved when he saw that I was awake.

“What happened?” I asked as awareness of my body slowly came back.

“You had to have an emergency c-section. You started to hemorrhage and they couldn’t stop the bleeding so they did a hysterectomy to save you.” He said and I started to cry.

“The babies? Our boys? Are they okay?” I asked and he nodded.

“We have two boys and one girl. Aparently the reason why it seemed our little boy was gaining and losing weight at each visit was because it was actually two different babies. They kept swapping out.” He said and I laughed but stopped when I felt an uncomfortable tug at my midsection.

I’d been warned about possibly needed a cesaerean to birth my twins but I’d pushed for a vaginal deliver as much as possible. Even when the doctor had wanted to schedule one just in case I had refused. Now here I was post surgery and half the woman I used to be.

“Is she awake?” Kenya asked peeking her head in the door.

Kahlil nodded and she rushed inside to hug me.

“I came as soon as I heard!” She said and I laughed.

“I knew you would.” I said.

We chatted for a bit before the trio of nurses came in with the babies in bassinets.

I got to see my little girl for the first time and she was beautiful.

Kenya stayed as long as she could but since Kessie was on break Kenya made her stay to help out.

“It’s only fair. Since Nairobi helped change your diapers you can help her with the Trips. Besides she needs you, Kahlil is going to be busy with football and school and BeBe won’t be able to keep up with her school work and the Trips on her own.” Kenya said when Kessie started to complain.

The family had adopted the Trips as a nickname for the babies when they weren’t referring to them individually. I for one was grateful for the help even though it was only offered grudgingly by Kessie. At least at first. I swear she was so sad to leave when it was time for her to go back to school. Since I’d had the hysterectomy and a c section my recovery was longer than I had expected or even wanted. As bad as I wanted to get back into my life and my routine I was forced to slow down. Not only for my own health but because of the babies. I needed the time with them as much for my mental health as my physical. Their existence was the only thing keeping me from losing it over the fact that I would never have kids of my own again.

Still when I was given the go to get back to work it nearly killed me dropping the kids off at the campus day care center that first day.

“They are going to be fine. It’s just for a few hours. Not even a full day.” Kahlil reassured me.

He gave me a hug and kissed my forehead before letting go of me as we got closer to the stadium for practice. Even after having the babies we had managed to keep our involvement a secret. The head coach had insisted we keep thing under wraps until after the season was over. Unfortunately things didn’t go quite as planned.

“We are playing your old team on their turf. It’s going to be messy. They aren’t going to play nice. I need to know you can handle it.” Coach barked at Kahlil during a team meeting.

“I’m ready.” Kahlil said even though I knew it was a lie. Unintentional but for sure a lie. We’d kept in touch with Henry and Ben and knew for a fact that about half the team was gunning for Kahlil’s head.

They were still a solid team but most of them felt betrayed that he would just up and leave without saying anything. Still it was mostly Drew and Quaid that I was worried about. Meg had called as soon as she heard we would be playing them and she told me that Drew still wasn’t over me. That he harbored massive amounts of hate towards Kahlil.

I didn’t think my presence there was going to go over well either. My plan had been to be there as a spectator. I’d stayed behind on other away games because of the Triplets but once coach had found out I’d be going anyway because of the proximity to family he insisted I go on an official capacity.

“The other team knows Kahlil and I are together. My presence there as a coach will be like waving a red flag in front of a raging bull.” I said attempting to plead my case to coach after the meeting.

“That’s what I’m counting on. They will be so distracted by you and Kahlil they won’t be on their game.” He sat forward “Our team has come a long way this year but Kahlil’s old team has more heavy hitters and powerhouse players than we do. We are the underdog in this story and any advantage we can get I’m going to take.”

“We as a team have more to lose if it comes out say right before the game or in the middle of the game. It could ruin the dynamics if they think Kahlil lied to them.” I said.

“But he hasn’t. He’s just kept his hands off you during team events. No one here thinks you two are just platonic friends but they all respect you two enough not to bring it up. Those babies of yours look just like him and he dotes on them like any father would. Your ‘secret’ is the worst kept ‘secret’ in the whole athletics department. You will be at this game.” He said.

I sighed and stood.

“Fine, just when shit hits the fan don’t say I didn’t try to warn you.” I said and left his office.

Kahlil was waiting for me by the door.

“What was that all about?” He asked.

“I’m officially on the trip.” I said and he scowled.

“That’s a terrible idea.” He said.

“Exactly what I tried to tell him but apparently it doesn’t matter because our relationship is the worst kept secret in the athletics department.” I said and he snorted.

“Yeah right, that’s exactly why half the guys get on me about not taking up all the groupie offers thrown my way.” He said and I rolled my eyes.

“Let’s just get the kids and get home. Tonight’s practice was a rough one.” I said.

I was dreading the upcoming game but I was excited to visit with Aunt V and Quan. I would be staying with them on the trip even though I was entitled to a hotel room since I was there for work.

“I hate that I am literally dropping the kids and running but I have to get back to work.” I said giving Aunt V a peck on the cheek as she rocked Amadi in her arms. He cooed up at her and I swear she melted.

“No worries. I didn’t get as much time with them as I wanted to when they were first born so this will certainly make  up for it. Besides I’m sure you and Kahlil need some you time.” She said and I rolled my eyes.

“If this were vacation I would agree but this is most definitely work. Thank you both again.” I said and headed out the door where my uber was waiting.

I had driven down following the bus so that we had the car seat for the triplets but I was leaving the car at their house since they would need the seats if they decided to take the kids anywhere and I was honestly too tired to drive at the moment. I hadn’t realized how extensive our routine was until I’d been explaining it to Aunt V and Quan just now. I wasn’t even sure they had heard everything but still I knew Amadi, Barak and Cybele would be fine.

I took a quick nap on the ride over to the campus and was hit with instant anxiety. I had no idea what to expect when I got there. I was hoping that people wouldn’t even remember me for the most part. It had been almost a year since we’d left. Thankfully no one was really around for me to test that theory and I was able to join the gaggle of coaches as we waited for the boys to suit up for a last practice before the game.

“You better pull yourself together. If you look scared the boys will be scared.” Greg another coach said.

I just nodded and took a deep breath. Being back here just brought up a shit ton of memories both bad and good. I just couldn’t wrap my head around how much my life had changed in just a few months. Thankfully the boys started filing onto the field hyped up for practice. Ready to take on their opposing team. I picked up on that energy used it to distract and redirect the nervous energy coursing through me as we ran drills and a few plays that needed just a touch more polish.

Things were going good until I saw Quaid lurking in the shadows of the tunnel watching us. I wanted to confront him myself but instead I pointed him out to the head Coach who scowled and walked over. I stayed put but that didn’t mean I didn’t watch their exchange closely. Thankfully the Coach wasn’t being all buddy buddy with Quaid. I mean he had no idea about the drama between Quaid, Kahlil, and I but he didn’t seem like he was impressed by Quaid reputation in the least. I hadn’t realized I was holding my breath until Quaid walked away and I let out a long sigh of relief.

That man’s presence always had me on high alert. I wasn’t surprised when Coach pulled me aside after practice.

“Quaid Green seemed pretty interested in you and Kahlil today. Care to share?” He said leveling me with a look that told me he wasn’t so much asking but demanding an explanation.

“It’s no secret that Quaid and Quan Green aren’t close. Since Kahlil was raised by Quan, Quaid has always been out to get him for some odd reason.” I said doing my best not to give too much away but telling as much as was easily gleaned from public information.

“So what does that have to do with you?” The coach asked.

“My sister worked with both brother’s when they had their falling out she was integral in providing evidence used to push Quaid from the company. Add to that a not so civil custody battle over my niece Kessie and he basically hates us both based on proximity to people he feels have done him wrong in some way.” I said and he just stared at me for a moment.

“I feel like that isn’t the whole story but I’m going to respect your privacy. Just make sure this animosity doesn’t turn around and bite me or this team in the ass tomorrow.” He said gruffly before walking away.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. As draining as the day had been Kahlil and I had already scheduled to meet up with Ben and Henry for an early dinner since they were all on curfew for the game the next day.

“You look beautiful.” Kahlil said when I emerged from the bathroom dressed in jeans and a t shirt.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed my purse.

“Come on we can’t be late. You have to be back at the hotel by curfew and I was hoping we could spend some time alone before then.” I said with a wink and he pulled me into his arms.

“Let’s call and cancel then.” He said tugging at the hem of my shirt.

I shook my head and pulled away.

“Tempting but no. I’m looking forward to a kid free date night just as much as uninterrupted adult time.” I said and kissed him before walking out the door.

“You sure you had three kids.” Ben said when we joined them at the table.

They’d already ordered and eaten about half of the appetizers by the time we arrived. Even though I’d protested and walked out, Kahlil had dragged me back inside to have his way with me delaying us by about twenty minutes.

“Oh yeah, I may look okay fully covered but my bikini days are over.” I said.

“You’re beautiful regardless.” Kahlil said nuzzling me and Henry rolled his eyes.

“Looks like having three kids hasn’t slowed you two down one bit. I’m coming to remember why I liked it better when you two were pretending to be just friends.” He said.

“Yeah get used to it.” Kahlil said and Ben laughed.

We had a fun time careful not to talk too much about football.

“I can’t believe you talked them into letting you coach. I mean seriously do you even know football?” Henry said.

“While I admit to not being enthusiastic about the sport for most of my life, that doesn’t mean I haven’t paid attention during the million games I was forced to watch growing up.” I said.

“Watching the game doesn’t mean you can coach it. Especially not at this level.” Henry chimed in.

“No it doesn’t. Thankfully I’m brilliant.” I said doing my best to laugh it off while keeping a firm grip on Kahlil because as much as he was close to Henry I knew he wasn’t going to take much more of his slights towards me.

Henry had always been surly but tonight he’d been pretty standoffish with me.

“Curfews getting close. We gotta go.” He said and walked off.

“Don’t mind him. He’s just upset he’s benched for this game.” Ben said.

“Benched? Why?” Kahlil asked.

“He and Drew got into it at practice yesterday. I don’t want to get into details but of course Drew is the team golden boy now so he didn’t even have to run extra laps while Henry got benched. Normally he’d brush it off but Coach Moss has some NFL buddies coming to this game and he was hoping to generate some buzz. Can’t really do that on the sidelines.” He said.

“Fuck man. I’ll make sure gets the biggest mofos.” Kahlil said giving him a bro hug.

“Like you weren’t going to already. You may have won the girl but I know you still can’t stand the guy.” Ben said and walked away before Kahlil could say anything more.

I sidled up to Kahlil and rested my head on his shoulder. We took a walk through town before taking separate cars, me to Aunt V’s him back to the hotel with the rest of the team. Our dinner had run late and he hadn’t had much time on his curfew.

The day of the game was an early one. There was the traditional team breakfast, the press junket for the top and most watched players as well as the head coach. All of which I had to attend even if I wasn’t participating. I wish I wasn’t there on an official capacity so I could spend time with our family instead of just dumping the Trips on them for the weekend. Honestly I missed my babies more than anything. I was used to being away from them during the week but the weekends were our family time. Aunt V seemed to know how much I missed them and sent pictures almost every hour of them either sleeping or eating or during a diaper change. I stifled a full bellied laugh after she sent one of Junior’s horrified face as he stood over Barak and a poopy diaper.

I didn’t get nervous until we were actually on the field with the game about to start. Quaid was eyeing me from across the field with a mischievous glare and I didn’t even want to contemplate what that was all about. I didn’t have my phone with me but I kept a small print out of a photo of the kids in my pocket for when I was at games and just needed to see their adorable little faces. I pulled it out now and studied it until my nerves settled a bit before putting it away. The coach was calling the team in for the final pep talk before kickoff so I headed over. Kahlil found me in the crowd and took my hand as other teammates crowded in around us blocking our hand hold from the outside world.

Maybe the coach had been right about them knowing. I looked up at Francis who winked at me before draping an arm across my shoulder.

“If he doesn’t put a ring on it by the end of the season. I’ll kick his ass personally, coach.” He whispered before turning his attention back to the head coach.

I could see the Kahlil wasn’t okay with Francis having his arm around me but in the huddle I knew he wouldn’t say anything. I didn’t play favorites on the field but Kahlil knew I considered Francis like a little brother. He’d been the first of the players that I had taken under my wing academically. The poor kid had barely been able to write a complete sentence when I’d first met him but all the teachers had been willing to overlook it or give him oral exams instead of trying to actually help him. He was a smart kid he’d just needed a little more help.

With the huddle over the first line went out and the game began. The two teams had zero history of a rivalry but you couldn’t tell tonight. It was like watching an Ohio/Michigan game. The fans were going crazy and animosity hung thick in the air. Both teams played a lot more aggressively than in any other game. Thankfully our strategy was giving us just the edge we needed. We knew they would be gunning for Kahlil so we focused on plays that gave him minimal contact with the ball. It was obvious that their focus was solely on Kahlil as run after run, touchdown after touchdown, their defense still gunned for Kahlil more than any of our other players.

I was happy for the team but I couldn’t help being worried about Kahlil. He was taking too many hits, to brutal of hits followed by pile ups of massive bodies that used to be his friends. I had to grip the back of the bench to keep from running forward during one particularly bad hit. He lay there for a few minutes and I held my breath until he got up and shook off the medic that had rushed forward. I bit my tongue to keep from telling coach to pull him out. The time on the clock ticked away just enough time for one play before half time.

Everything seemed to be going fine. Both teams lined up ready for the next play I could hear murmurs going back and forth. It was typical for there to be trash talk at every game but I could tell by the set of our guys shoulders that this was no ordinary trash talk. When the QB made the call for the play instead of the game being played the teams met in a clash of bodies, the ball being forgotten between them. Francis seemed the only one remembering what they were there for he picked up the ball and made a run for the end zone free and clear. Some of the defense had come to their senses but it was too late the touchdown was made but none of the gaggle of players in the middle seemed to care. Helmets went flying quickly followed by fists.

The rest of the coaches rushed in to break up the fight and I caught a glimpse of Kahlil knocking Quaid on his ass before stalking off the field and directly to me. He ripped off his helmet and looked like he was about to kiss me but I put my hand up.

“Don’t! This isn’t the time or the place. Half time has been called. Grab your shit and get to the locker room.” I said and he scowled at me before storming off towards the locker room.

The rest of the team made its way into the locker room while myself and the other coaches met with the refs to figure out what the hell was going to happen next. I was sure that after the fight the game would be called as a forfeit on both ends but it seemed the refs loved the idea of a bloody battle in the second half. Quaid made a case for Kahlil to be benched since he was the only player to have attacked a coach but I stood up for him.

“He had already separated himself from the brawl when you charged him. He was only defending himself.” I countered.

“Of course you’d lie for your lover.” He spat.

“I’m defending my player. Review the tapes. If anyone should be ejected it’s this ass hat.” I replied.

“So you don’t deny you two are fucking?” He continued and I rolled my eyes.

“Enough! Review the fucking tapes. Kahlil was not a part of the fist throwing but number 40 most certainly was.” My head coach yelled.

“Of course you would say that! You ae just gunning for our best player. Did she put you up to that too? She tell you Kahlil left our team because he couldn’t stand the fact she was fucking half of them.” Quaid said and I lunged for him.

It didn’t matter that I was still technically recovering from a c section. I just saw red.

“You lying piece of shit!”

Thankfully Greg had grabbed me before I could reach him. He picked me up and carried me into the locker room where one of the medical staff was checking on the guys for scratches as such.

“You can put me down now.” I said as calmly as I could.

“You sure because you seem like the type to try and make a go for it.” Greg said and I rolled my eyes.

“I’m good just put me down before Kahlil loses his shit.” I said and I saw his gaze flick to Kahlil who was shooting daggers with his eyes in our direction.

Greg put me down gently and held his hands up before taking a few steps back. Kahlil stalked over and pulled me into his arms, kissing me like we’d been apart for years instead of just a few minutes. I melted into him for a moment forgetting where we were. I actually whimpered a little when he pulled away and faced the rest of the team and the shocked staff that hadn’t pieced it together yet.

“I’m sorry my drama effected our game tonight. I just want you all to know the truth and not the lies those assholes were spewing out there on the field. Yes, Quaid Green is my biological father but no he was never in my life in that capacity. Hell I didn’t even know until last year. Yes, Coach Stewart was dating Drew Merchant and yes I was the reason they broke up. I came to this team because I wanted to be with Coach Stewart and to get away from the drama with Quaid and Drew. She was dating Drew when the Triplets were conceived but they are without a doubt 100% mine. Also Coach Stewart is actually Coach Moss which the head coach is well aware of we just didn’t want it to cause issues obviously we failed in that respect.” He said.

“Look man. No matter your reasons for coming both you and Coach Stewart-Moss have made it possible for us to even play at this level. We respect both of you and honestly we’re kicking their asses regardless.” Joyner one of the defensive backs said.

“Yeah man. Most of us knew you two were together. We were just waiting for you to come clean about it. I mean not the married part but we’re glad you’re not a douchebag who’d leave a gorgeous woman like Coach Stewart hanging with three babies.” Francis said and I held Kahlil’s hand tighter.

“Thank you all for being so understanding but I’m going to slip into coach mode now. What the hell were you guys thinking getting into a fight like that! You’re better than that! I get it you wanted to defend my honor or whatever but screw them. They don’t matter, their words don’t matter. What matters is the game and all but Francis forgot that.” I said and all those big strong men hung their heads a little.

“Sorry, Coach.” They muttered.

“Don’t be sorry. Just if we get the chance. I want you to go back out there and show them that playing dirty doesn’t mean shit if you can’t play right. Now take the time before Coach gets in here to get your heads out straight.” I said even though that didn’t really make since now that I had said it but they knew what I meant.

With that said I pulled Kahlil into a corner away from the others. I wanted to talk to him personally.

“I wanted to kill them all. The things they said.” He began but I kissed him.

“It doesn’t matter what they said. The team was going to follow your lead and you chose the wrong path. That can’t happen if you want to go pro. You need to be the example, you have to be the one to reign them in. Don’t ruin your shot over some petty bullshit. Not to mention what kind of example you are setting Julian and the babies who are out there watching you play.” I said and he sighed stroking my hair.

“I love you so much, Nairobi. You know how I get when people do anything to disrespect you.” He said and I sighed before kissing him.

“I know babe but right now you need to put up blinders or whatever you need to do to put your best foot forward in this matter. For me.” I said.

“Anything for you my love.” He said and kissed me just as Coach came in looking pissed off.

“Hey, lovebirds. Cut it out!” He shouted and I blushed pulling away from Kahlil.

That was not how I wanted my boss to see me in that moment. Especially with everything. I moved away from Kahlil and joined the rest of the staff while Coach tore into the team. I honestly didn’t think it was doing any good the way coach tore into them but he just kept tearing them down until he was red in the face and breathing heavy. I thought it was just because he had run out of things to yell at them about but then he clutched his chest and the team medic was came rushing over.

He was having a heart attack and had to be rushed off to the hospital. Greg and I just looked at each other when the ref came down asking which one of us was going to step in as head Coach. Greg put up his hands.

“Look the guys listen to you more than me, even though I’ve been here longer and would love the job. I think tonight it needs to be you. We can figure out other stuff later.” Greg said and I sighed wringing my hands a bit as we went back inside.

“Looks like I’m taking over this shipwreck. So get your heads right and let’s get back out there and kick some ass. On the scoreboard that is. Let’s show them who we really are alright.” I said and the room was dead silent as they all sat staring at me in shock and disbelief.

“Yes, Coach.” Kahlil said standing and grabbing his helmet.

“Yeah, we got this coach.” Francis said.

“I know I’m ready to wipe the floor with their asses.” Joyner said and one by one the rest of the team followed.

I lead them in the team chant to get them hyped back up and then we headed out. The rest of the game was amazing. Both teams were on their A game but my boys kept up their drive and touchdown after touchdown we destroyed our competition. When the final quarter ended the team rushed me and held me up as we celebrated our win but I knew we couldn’t celebrate too much. I let the guys have their fun but I gave them a quick rundown of the rules for the night and prayed they wouldn’t get too crazy in town before we had to leave in the morning.

THE END