Second Chance Boyfriend

He stepped in front of me and told Adele to shoot him. I can’t believe he did that. That he would sacrifice himself for me…blows my mind.
    Makes me realize just how much he loves me.
    He finally relaxes his hold on me and I pull away from him slightly so I can see his face. “Did you see her do it?” I ask. I have to know.
    Slowly he shakes his head, his gaze never leaving mine. “I saw her put the gun in her mouth but I turned just as she was pulling the trigger. I couldn’t watch that.” He exhales on a shaky breath. “I hated her, Fable. But I couldn’t stand there and watch her blow her brains out.”
    I close my eyes and press my forehead to his firm chest. “Thank you,” I whisper. “You saved me.”
    “I’ll always save you. You never have to worry about that.”
    I finally, finally believe him.

 
     
    Chapter Twenty-Two
     
     
    Two people in love, alone, isolated from the world, that’s beautiful. – Milan Kundera
     
    Seven months later
     
    Fable
     
    Drew and I were never believers in the fairy tale. We both had our own issues, our problems, our fucked-up home lives that blew all thoughts of happily ever afters right out of the water. Once upon a time, we were cynics facing the world alone. Our story changed into two warrior cynics facing the world together.
    Now, we own the happily ever after and we refuse to let that bitch go.
    I watch him now, sitting on the sidelines of the football field. It’s hot, even though it’s only nine in the morning, but the summer sun is intense. I have a pretty nice tan already from sitting out here for hours watching Drew practice with his team.
    He’s sorta dreamy out there on the field. I love watching him play. He’s so talented, so in command of his teammates and his gameplay. Rumors are already spreading how his chance at a NFL contract is getting closer and closer.
    Once upon a time, that would’ve scared the crap out of me. The thought of him leaving me behind. He’d want me to go along with him—and that would’ve scared me too.
    Now I take everything day by day. No need for panic. When the time comes for a decision to be made, I know we’ll do the right thing.
    Together.
    I love how sweaty my man gets when he plays too. Does that make me a freak? Oh, I put on a big show when he grabs me and hugs me after practice, complaining loudly how gross he is, all stinky and damp.
    But I’m lying. I love it.
    He’s coming toward me now, a big grin on his face, and I stand, offering him a big smacking kiss before I hand over a fresh bottle of water. He takes it from me, tears off the cap and chugs every last drop within a few swallows.
    Did I mention how sexy he is when he drinks? No? Well. I’m tempted to fan myself every time I watch him.
    “Did you put on sunblock?” he asks, crushing the empty plastic bottle in his fist before he hands it back to me.
    I clutch the bottle in my hand. “Maybe.”
    He taps the tip of my nose with his index finger. “You’re turning pink. You need some.”
    His concern for me is slightly over the top. Since what happened with Adele, he’s very overprotective. From always being there to pick me up when my shift is over at work to slathering on enough sunblock to his satisfaction, he wants to make sure I’m safe. I appreciate it more than he’ll ever know. “I’m trying to get a tan,” I tell him.
    “You’re pretty tan already, baby.” He draws his finger across my bared shoulder, sending a shiver through me. “You know what my favorite thing in the world right now is?”
    I frown. Where is he going with this? “What?”
    He leans in close, his mouth hovering just at my ear. “Your tan lines,” he whispers. “And the fact that I’m the only one who gets to see them.”
    I’m blushing. That he can still do that with a few words, a mere look, blows my mind. “You’re bad,” I say when he pulls away from me.
    A grin flashes. “You like it.” He glances over his shoulder, checking out his teammates, who are all taking a break like he is. “Look, you should go on home. It’s too damn hot out here for you to sit around. I’ll be done in a few hours, okay?”
    I nod, sad he’s kicking me out. But he’s right. It’s so hot outside. Owen’s around here somewhere, helping out with carrying the equipment, organizing stuff, handing out water and whatever else is needed. Drew got him the job, though it’s more of a volunteer thing.
    Owen doesn’t care. He’s thrilled to be hanging out with