Blythe knew it was now or never, and they really brought up the heat. They had a successful conversion and won the game by eight points. Drake was celebrating with his team on the field, all the guys super excited to have won the championship. He glanced up at me and flashed a wicked grin before charging toward the stands to lift me out of my seat and swing me around.

“We won!” he yelled.

“You were awesome,” I breathed into his ear.

“Hell yeah I was. You’re my good luck charm, baby,” he said.

“How’s the leg?”

“What leg?” he joked, letting me know he was fine. He dropped me back onto my feet and swooped down for a kiss. “Can you wait until I get out before you leave? I need to grab a shower.”

“Sure. I’m sure Jackson and Aubrey won’t mind waiting. It’s not like we’re in a rush or anything.”

“I’ll go fast. Just want to see you before I have to get back on the bus.”

I watched him walk away before turning back to my friends. “That’s okay with you guys, right?”

“Yeah,” Jackson grumbled before wandering away.

“Don’t mind him,” Aubrey said as she bounced down the stands towards me. “He’s grumpy today.”

Drake had really meant it when he said he’d hurry since he was back in about five minutes. I was talking to Aubrey when he came up from behind and wrapped his arms around me. “Hey, baby. Thanks for waiting.”

“Totally worth the wait,” I answered as I cuddled into his hold.

“So glad you were here,” he said, nuzzling my neck. “It sucks that my parents couldn’t make it this weekend. Sent them a quick text to let them know we won, and I’ll call them as soon as you head out. Wouldn’t have been the same without someone cheering me on today.”

“I’m sorry they couldn’t come, but at least you’ll see them in a couple weeks for Thanksgiving.”

“I’m not sure I want to be away from you for that long. Can’t you talk to your dad about coming with me? You know my parents would love to have both of you.”

“Hey, no fair! No stealing my bestie for the holidays, Drake,” Aubrey complained.

“She’s my girl, Aubrey. You’re lucky I let you steal her from me at all,” Drake replied. He gently bit my neck in a possessive gesture that made me squeal in response.

“I’m not sure what Dad would say, but I’ll ask,” I reassured Drake. “Sorry, Aubrey. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just abandon me, why don’t ya?” she teased back.

Jackson wandered back over to us and nodded to Drake. “Good game, man.”

“Thanks,” Drake responded. Several of his teammates headed back our way. “I gotta get back to the team, Alexa. Be safe on the trip back.”

“I’ll take good care of her for you,” Jackson said.

“You better,” Drake warned before he turned me around and kissed the heck out of me. He flashed Jackson a triumphant grin before walking away.

“Let’s head home,” Aubrey said as she dragged me back to the car. “I’m ready for a road trip nap.”

The trip back was uneventful since we both fell asleep, leaving Jackson to play his music as loud as he wanted. He dropped us at the dorm, and I headed back inside for more sleep. Drake was going to be back late since the team was going out to eat and celebrate on the way back home. I figured it would be good to catch up on lost sleep as long as I had a night to myself, and I was still tired from the road trip.

chapter 12

Things were going so well with Drake, and I was excited to make another trip to Connecticut with him. I’d get to fly with my dad and then spend time with Drake over the long holiday weekend. When we went last time, our situation had been so different. I’d felt awkward being around his family since we’d barely known each other, and everyone had assumed we were dating. Now I really was his girlfriend, and I looked forward to getting to know them because they were a huge part of his life.

It would be weird not spending Thanksgiving with Dad and Aubrey’s family though. Dad got a last-minute request to do a charter for a past customer whose plans had changed due to an illness in the family, and they were willing to pay a huge bonus because they needed the flight so badly. Dad felt bad for them because it might be the last Thanksgiving their kids could spend with their grandparents, so he felt like he needed to say yes even though it meant missing the holiday with me. I talked it over with Drake and convinced my dad that it was perfect because it meant I could spend the weekend with Drake’s family without feeling guilty. Luckily, his charter was on the East Coast, so he could take us to Drake’s hometown first before heading up to pick up his passengers.