The coach is going over our pre game set. I'm in uniform, I've warmed up, I know what I have to do to win this game. I'm ready to get out there and do this. Sitting around like this just makes me antsy. Not because I don't think we can win but because I want to get started.

The problem is I'm nervous. This is new for me. I'm usually pretty relaxed, loose before a game but not tonight. Not because of who we're playing, not because I'm not prepared, I am more than ever. I'm ready to get out there and play. The game isn't what has me tied in knots.

It's her, Riley

My leg is bouncing fast and hard while I nod half listening to the coach talk. I grip the bench I'm sitting on so tight my knuckles are white and my fingers hurt. This could be bad. It could make me really screw up tonight. What if I cost the team the game? What if someone gets hurt because of me? What if I get hurt and ruin my career?

Sawyer bangs his knee against mine. His voice is low so the coach doesn't hear us. "What's your problem, dude?"

"Nothing. I just want to get out there." I lie because I don't want anyone to know I'm worked up over this.

I didn't tell them what I planned. I didn't want to catch flack for it. I didn't want it to be a big deal. It shouldn't be. I mean, how many people have I played in front of over the years? How many girls have watched me play? Why is this time so important to me?

"You hear from Leighton again? Do you think she's out there?" He asks sure that Leighton will show up here to take me back.

I'm not as certain about that as he is. "Nah, she's called but that's it. Dad said she called him too but that Mom fielded the call and told her to forget me. I guess Mom said more but Dad didn't get into it."

I know Leighton has been making calls to my family to get to me but no one is breaking rank. We stand together and stand for each other when the chips are down. Mom, Dad, Uncle Blake, even Grandma will put Leighton in her place if she pushes the issue.

I'm not worried about her. The only thing Leighton wants is a trophy to take her over the red carpet. That's not me. She knows the only way I'll even consider doing a red carpet is by family pressure or if there's no choice. I'm not a black tie kind of guy.

"You hear from her again, you know you should tell Blake. He and Matt said they'd deal with her." Landon reminds me of the conversation we had when we left Arizona the other day.

We had several long conversations that night. The guys had another men's meeting at grandma's house. I heard from everyone on how I decided to handle the situation with breaking it off with Leighton to going to Arizona, all of the guys voiced their opinion including grandma.

They agreed that going to Arizona to get the girl was a good move. They liked that I talked to Riley's Dad. They liked that I want to prove myself to her. The consensus against me was I should have actually talked to Leighton instead of leaving it in a message.

Oh well, too late now

I don't want to talk to Leighton. I don't want the fight, I don't want to hear that I'm wrong, when I'm not. I don't love her. I don't want her. I want my shot with Riley. That's my focus, that's my goal.

"You should tell them she's bugging you." Harper whispers. "Grandma will kick her ass gladly. She never could stand any of us with a gold digger."

My eyes dart over to him. Frowning with the truth about Leighton now coming to light. Why did everyone else see it and I didn't?

"I know." The coach looks over and raises his eyebrows at me. "Pay attention." I grumble to my cousins trying to get out from under the coach's glare.

"Have you heard from Hunter yet?" Sawyer asks, ignoring what I just said. My head snaps up. I didn't tell them about my plan, only Blake knew and Hunter because she was there when I talked to her Dad. She encouraged this.

Looking down to the bench next to me, the only thing I see is a blank screen staring up at me. I don't get it. I should have heard something by now. Hunter promised me she'd send me a text but so far nothing. Maybe I should have waited for school to be back next week. Maybe she changed her mind.

"No word, huh? Maybe Hunter decided to sit in the student section. She said she might." Harper says from the other side of me not having a clue what he's talking about. "Hey, if Leighton does show up you could always get with that redhead. That would put her in her place. Get rid of the both of them."

Flipping my middle finger at him, both he and Landon burst out laughing. When all eyes in the locker room turn to glare in our direction the two idiots muffle their laughter behind their hands. I swear they take nothing seriously.

"You boys want to share with the rest of us what's so damn funny!?" When both of them shrink at getting caught they shake their heads muttering an apology to the coach. "If you boys have a better play to start this game, I'd love to hear it."

I hear the annoyance in the coach's voice. He doesn't tolerate much crap on game days. He lets our practices stay pretty relaxed so we can joke around, talk and keep each other in line with a healthy dose of competition between us but on game day we're all business.

Today not so much

"She won't be here, relax." Sawyer mumbled as the coach turned his back to move on.

"I'm not worried about Leighton!" I snap at him. I can't stand it, I don't keep secrets. I never could. "I sent Blake's plane to get Riley and her Dad. Hunter is supposed to be bringing them to the game."

"You're pulling out the big guns." Sawyer grins at the idea. "I'm impressed, Dude. Her Dad's a huge fan of Blake's. He's not going to pass up a chance to meet him."

"What if she changed her mind? What if I pushed too hard? I got cocky thinking I could push her. Fucking stupid!" I'm quiet but not quiet enough.

"Bradford, why don't you tell all of us what's so damn important that you boys keep interrupting me!" He bellows and I look down again at the blank screen.

"It's a family thing, sir. We're waiting to hear from our uncle for news. I'm sorry for interrupting, I'm just a little worried." I know the coach has a lot of respect for Uncle Blake. I figure if he thinks it's him, he'll back off. I motion to the guys to keep it quiet after that.

"I didn't realize there's a problem with Blake. I hope he's okay. Now, let's focus. We've got a game here to worry about. Defense! Let's look at this play." He turns to the other side of the room and all three of the guys look at me.

"Ass kisser." Harper mutters, getting a snort from Landon.

We listen to the coach continue on with plays he wants added, reminding us of the new formation for the offensive line and the first play he wants me to run. After that I zone out my mind is still elsewhere. When my phone vibrates next to me I look down at the message from Hunter.

Without giving the guys a noticeable response

I put my phone into my locker and grab my helmet as we get up to head to the field. It's time to get my head in the game. We walk from the locker room to the tunnel and wait as the announcer runs his mouth about sponsorship from the school boosters, mainly my family and thanks them for the donations and for being here tonight.

Not that my family misses many games

As the team is announced we high five, do our ritual start and run out of the tunnel into the bright lights on the field and to the home team sideline. My helmet still in my hand, I turn to the crowd and flatten my hand over my eyes to look up, blocking the bright lights from my eyes. Spying the fifty yard line my eyes go up to the student section finding no sign of Hunter or the girls. Moving higher to the box suites and I see my family's faces smiling and cheering down at us.

Mom and Dad, Blake and Emma, Grandma Georgia and Jim, Grandma Viv and Alan are all right down front at the glass. There's plenty of bodies in there moving around. Bri and Kincade actually made it with the newest family member on her hip. The plump pumpkin just grins up at her mom and kicks her chubby legs. I can't help but have a soft spot for the munchkin.

Then I see Maddie sitting with Chels and Tess laughing, her swollen belly looking even bigger than the last time I saw her. It's been a while since the family had her with them. I know they were taken back with the news about the baby. I think grandma got her way again as usual.

Seeing her belly I have to say, Maddie has really sprouted. Wow! That kid should be popping out any time now. I know Cade and Isabelle are supportive of her but they wish she would tell them who the father is.

The girls are up there too but I haven't gotten a good look yet to see them. They're huddled in the back near the food and drink spread. Probably loading up on snacks so they don't miss anything. I know my cousins, we don't move during a big game.

Sawyer stands next to me and his hand falls hard on my shoulder. "Riley's there?"

"I don't see..." I mutter but then I see the girls take their seats and I see her talking with Colby. Matt is standing in the corner with Derrick talking to her Dad. They're here.

The weight I've had on my chest all day is lifted. I hoped I made the right move but I wasn't sure. We've been texting each other since I left and it all seemed okay but I haven't gotten my confidence with her yet.

I cleared my plan with Riley's Dad before we left Arizona. I thought if I included him, if I asked Uncle Blake for a favor I could get them to come tonight. It paid off and I'm about to start the game with her watching me play for the first time.

"I hope you've got your head in this game." Sawyer says as we run out onto the field. "Wouldn't want you to fuck up in front of the girl you're trying to impress."

I had been nervous ever since I saw Aiden sitting at that booth in the diner. He always seems so sure about what he's doing, what he wants. He's probably used to getting everything he wants. I'm not. I'm used to working my butt off for everything I have.

Aiden was sweet to include my Dad. He asked for his permission to bring us to the game. He offered to send his family's plane and we rode here in a limo. If Dad hadn't agreed before I knew what was happening I don't think I would have come.

Not because I don't want to be here for Aiden but because I wanted to spend time with my Dad. He took that into consideration and made it so I could have both. I have to appreciate that. My Dad and our time is important to me and Aiden understands that.

The ride out here was so exciting. It was a first for both of us. Not just the first time I've been on a plane but on a private plane. The luxury of the soft leather to the drinks and service on board. I think Dad was even impressed.

To think this is what Aiden and his family are used to. The ultra rich and the toys they have at their disposal. Aiden doesn't act like he's ultra rich, at least not always. He doesn't have that snobby air about him that I've seen in others who have money. None of the guys from his house do.

Hunter and the girls either. I think I might even be considered a friend to them or at least the closest thing I've had to one in a really long time. When your life revolves around school and work, friendships tend to take a backseat.

When we landed here in California, Hunter was waiting for us on the private tarmac in another limo. She was so excited about the game and talked nonstop to my Dad about the team. They seem to genuinely like each other and hit it off right away.

It's strange thinking about how much my dad loves the game but my mother never liked sports. She didn't go to any games, wouldn't watch them with us on TV or even read the sports section of the paper. They couldn't have been more opposite.

My dad has more in common with Hunter than he did my mother.

Hunter knew exactly where she was going. She guided us through the stadium as if she knew it like the back of her hand. Hunter pointed out certain aspects of the building and the architecture that she thought was of interest. Pointing out that Bradford Drake built the stadium then ushered us upstairs. The elevator opened right into the already packed suite.

The huge crowd we learned was most of the Bradford Drake family here to watch the newest football players of the family play. The most important thing I learned in the first meeting of this family is that they are so supportive of each other and the love they feel for each other is overwhelming.

Taking my seat near the glass I want a good view of the game. The girls are enjoying themselves talking with family and filling their plates. Taking a moment to just look out to the field I search the faces of every uniform out there until I find Aiden and smile to myself.

He's looking right up at the stands. His eyes seem to be searching, looking for someone until they look to reach mine. Can he see me in here? Does he know I'm watching him? Can he see how nervous I am for him?

"How are you, honey? I'm Aiden's grandma, Georgia." The sweet oldest member of the family slid over to sit next to me. "I'm so glad you and your daddy could join us. I know Aiden was so excited to have you watch him play."

"Really?" That really does surprise me. "I... I mean, I'm fine. Thank you for having us. It's nice to meet you Mrs... uh.. Georgia. I've never been to a game but I've watched it on TV."

Patting my knee she smiles looking over my head at an older gentleman. "Well you're in for a treat. You've got the best seat in the house up here and I see your daddy and my Blake are just hitting it off. That's a good thing, honey. A very good thing. Aiden holds a lot of stock in his uncle's opinion. Family matters. Now let me give you my two cents then you can relax and enjoy yourself. Aiden's a good boy. I know he's been quite the ladies man but all my boys seem to have the ladies in love with them."

"Oh, I'm not...."

"I know, dear. I know, but you will be. That's the point. My Aiden is a doll and he knows how to charm the pants off the ladies. But he's a Bradford and once he gives his heart, that's it. He wouldn't have gone to the effort he is if he wasn't taken with you. Now my advice to you is this..." Turning in her seat, Georgia faces me taking hold of both my hands. "Don't you let that boy have you too easily. You make him work for it. He'll appreciate you all the more when he finally wins you over. No one ever truly appreciates anything that's just handed to them. It's what really matters that we're willing to fight for."

I don't know what to say to her. "Are you telling me to..."

"To take your time with this. Enjoy Aiden courting you. Let him treat you right and if he doesn't then you let me know." She squeezes my hand and nods. "My boys know not to cross me."

"I'm not sure I... we aren't..."

"Of course you are or you wouldn't be here. I can see it on your face looking down there at Aiden. It's all over your face." I can feel the heat rise into my face. "You like him and he feels the same."

"How do you know that?" My question is quiet in the midst of the loud voices around us.

"My eyes are old, honey but I'm not blind." Now I feel bad that she thinks I was calling her old. Leaning her shoulder to mine she goes on. "He told me. Aiden never has been able to lie worth a damn. He'll omit details but he can't lie."

Looking out at the field I watch him as they huddle up for the first play of the game. As they listen to the coach give final instructions Aiden looks up at me one more time. I know he sees me this time when he smiles and just stares, our eyes locked on each other. Only when Sawyer pushes Aiden in the shoulder to move does he finally break his gaze.

"I was going to move out and tell Aiden to forget me. I was going to find another tutor and I got a job to help pay for everything because I know there had to be a mistake in my dorm room assignment." Voicing my plan to her wasn't what I meant to do.

"There was no mistake. You stay put in that dorm. I'm giving you my blessing, honey. That doesn't come easily either but I've done my work too." Georgia reaches over to give me a hug. "We don't have to have anyone support us but it's so nice to know we have someone in our corner looking out for us when we need it. You earn your way and I like that. But you shouldn't give up a good thing because you don't feel you deserve it. You work so hard for it. Don't forget about that. You keep what you have with Aiden and you stay in the dorm with the girls."

We hear the start of the game and Georgia goes back to her seat while Hunter and the girls come sit with me. The family cheers on the team, yells at the ref for a call they feel is wrong and celebrates when we get the first touchdown.

I get up to get a drink and watch my Dad having the time of his life sitting with Blake and Derrick, in his own little fangirl moment and watching the game. Fixing a drink I stay back away from the rest and watch this moment, savoring this so I don't ever forget it.

"It's a lot, huh?" A tall willowy woman with a baby on her hip smiles at me. "I remember the first time I met this family, I was so overwhelmed. I think I was like six. It was at Blake and Emma's wedding. All these strangers running around and so happy to meet me. And we weren't half the size we are now. It was such a madhouse. Besides all the wedding craziness there was so much press snapping pictures and yelling out questions at us. It scared the crap out of me."

"I can understand why." The baby kicks out and lunges from her arms towards me.

"She wants you. Here..." Handing me her baby she grins stretching her back and arms out. "I'm Bri, by the way. I'm Aiden's cousin in a really weird way but the roots to this family tree are multiple. I'm a Drake not a Bradford."

"Oh." Again not sure what I'm to say.

"You won't remember all our names, don't worry about it. We all love Aiden and want him happy. Trust me when I say we were celebrating when he told us he broke up with Leighton. She was horrible." Bri smiles and yells out at the play on the field. "I'm just glad you're normal."

"Normal?" What does that mean?

"Yeah, you know, you aren't going out with him just for his money. Believe me there have been plenty of girls that have tried that one. Leighton is the only one that got passed grandma but I don't think that will happen again."

"I don't want his money." I defend myself hoping she doesn't think that way.

"Aiden said you weren't. But you should keep your wits about you. Leighton isn't going to just let her meal ticket walk away without a fight. Grandma has your back. Just let her know if Leighton starts shit. No one messes with grandma!" Bri says as if all this is just a normal conversation.

She leaves me standing there with her baby in my arms when there's a bad call on the field. A tall broad shoulders man comes over and takes the baby from me. "These refs suck, huh? Kincade, I'm Bri's husband. Are you completely overwhelmed by us yet?"

"It's a lot. Family is just me and dad. I can't imagine what Christmas must be like you guys." Just thinking about it makes my head hurt.