Spotlight: Chapter 34

The stadium goes wild when Flynn strikes out the last batter. His teammates crowd around him and everyone in the stands jumps up and down in celebration.

“They did it!” I say to Greer.

She grins at me, her sadness temporarily forgotten in the moment. “Hotshot was on fire!”

Ruby and Gigi are yelling and clapping along with everyone else.

“I have to get down there,” I say to them.

“I’ve got Greer,” Ruby says. “Go congratulate your man!”

“Thank you,” I say to her, then hug Greer. “I’ll be right back.”

I rush down to the lower level, squeezing past celebrating fans. Grandpa is waiting for me, almost like he knew I’d be making my way down to see Flynn.

He lets me past. I hug him quickly and peck him on the cheek and then look for Flynn. The rest of the team has worked their way off the field, but he’s over by the Renegades’ dugout, talking with their coach.

He shakes hands with him and then starts across the field. He’s smiling big, and I guess he should be. What a way to go out. It’s hard not to think about what could have been with the team if Flynn stayed, but I’m so proud of him.

When he finally spots me, I take off toward him. There is no better feeling than being in his arms. I jump and he catches me, holding me tight while I bury my head in his neck.

“You did it! That was amazing,” I say to him. “The perfect way to go out.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“What?” I ask, certain I misheard him.

He sets me down in front of him.

“I’m staying. The Mustangs are my home.”

His words take me by surprise and fill me with hope. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah. I want to win here, with this team, in this city, with you and Greer and my family up there cheering me on. I thought being a part of the best team in the league was the most important thing, but now that I have the choice, I don’t want to leave. This is my home.

are my home.”

My heart beats fast in my chest. I’m speechless.

His mouth pulls into a cocky smirk. “Hope you weren’t looking forward to long-distance.”

“I…” Words still fail me, so I hug him again. “Are you kidding? I’m so glad. I would have missed the shit out of you. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

“Does the team know?”

“Not yet.” Flynn grins. “I need to tell a few more people first.”

We walk over to where his agent Everly is waiting just inside of the tunnel that leads to the locker rooms.

“If you were trying to get the attention of every team in the league, then congratulations. My phone’s been ringing nonstop.” She has a sly smile and a way about her that tells me she has no problem winning people over or telling them off.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he says, holding my hand.

“I thought you might say that which is why I emailed you over another contract.”

“I don’t understand,” Flynn says slowly, glancing from Everly to me and then back to his agent.

“The Mustangs want to lock you down for the next five years.” She beams at him. “Think it over. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Flynn’s face is pure elation as his agent walks away. He dips his head and kisses me.

When he pulls back, he taps the brim of my hat. “Now that I’m staying, we’re going to need to get you a new one of these.”

“What? Why?” I ask. “It’s my favorite.”

“You can’t wear my brothers’ team colors. It’s not even the right sport.”

“It’s a hat.” I laugh. “Everyone knows I’m yours.”

“Double or nothing?”

“What exactly are we betting on?” Another laugh slips out as his arms circle my waist.

His eyes sparkle with happiness. “Forever.”