Catching the Pass (Football Fantasies) by Alexandra O'Hurley Page A

wanted to dance around the room.
    She wanted to be in Jennings arm.
    Reid laughed.  “You didn’t know?”
    A tear passed her tight control and she wiped it away.  “No.  I didn’t know.  He’s dreamed of being in the NFL almost his whole life.  And to know he made it—it feels real good.”
    “He made it here with your help.  Why don’t we tour the facility and talk about the job offer,” Reid said as he stood up.  “And just in case I’ve put my foot in my mouth, don’t say anything to Jennings until he tells you.”
    How in the world was she going to keep that inside?  Her phone buzzed at her side.  As she headed for the door behind Reid, she snuck a peek.  It was a text from Jennings.
    Stay there.  On my way to Houston.  We’re celebrating.
    He knew.  Hopefully that’s what the text meant.  She sent a quick Ok before heading through the door.
    Reid looked up at her as they started down the hallway.  “Who’s Brian?”
    “Trust me.  Nobody you want to know.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Jennings stood outside his truck as he waited for Maggie to come out of the building.  He was a ball of nerves and he needed to see her, hold her, and then tell her his good news.  After she screamed and talked his ear off, he’d kiss her into submission.  Then he’d hold her tight and slide into her welcoming heat.  He couldn’t think of a better celebration than to be with her.
    When she finally walked out of the building, the urge to run up and grab her took hold, but he had to get control of himself.  He leaned against his truck and waited for her to come over.  She sidled up, a big smile on her face.
    “They offer you a job?” he asked her.
    She nodded, the smile tight on her lips.  Tears suddenly glistened in her eyes, and he drew her close.  “What’s wrong, baby?”
    Maggie shook her head.  “Nothing.  Absolutely nothing’s wrong.  I was offered a job, and I’m going to take it if things work out.”
    “Things?”
    Maggie stared at him, her normal motor mouth silent.
    “What’s up with you?” he asked.  Did she already know his news? 
    She shook her head, still silent. 
    He sensed she had a lot to say but was keeping it in.  Maggie looked ready to burst at the seams. 
    She knew. 
    A smile came to his lips.  They’d told her not to say anything until she was sure Jennings knew.  He’d bet his life on it.  She’d been sworn to secrecy and it was killing her.  The smile played on his lips as he decided to tease her a little.  “I got us a hotel room in town.  I thought we could go have dinner.  Maybe dance the two step somewhere, then go to the hotel and do some special one-on-one dancing in the sheets.”
    “Your text said you wanted to celebrate.  What’re we celebrating?” she asked, a smirk twisting her lips.
    Jennings grinned down at her.  “I knew they’d offer you the job, and I wanted to do something special.”
    He started pulling her to the passenger side of his truck and could almost feel the words steaming inside her head.
    “That’s all?” she demanded.
    Jennings paused, a sly grin on his face.  “What else would it be?”
    Maggie spun to look at him and narrowed her eyes.  “You know.  I know you know.”  She playfully punched him in the stomach.  “You should be ashamed of yourself.”
    “What do I know?”
    Maggie glared at him, and he couldn’t hold it in anymore. 
    “Okay, okay.  You’re not the only one coming to Houston,” he said, unable to hold back the smile.
    She let out a whoop and threw her arms around his neck.  Jennings kissed her before spinning her around in his arms.
    He’d made it.  He’d actually made it.
    “I’m so proud of you,” Maggie said when he’d finally stopped moving.
    He lowered his forehead to hers.  “I couldn’t have made it without you.”
    Maggie lifted up on her tiptoes and kissed him, her fingers grasping at the fabric of his shirt.  As soon as she drew back, she looked up at him, an