Chapter 18 - Spring Break
Tuesday, March 1st, 2022
Gabi's POV
"Gabi," Brooke screeched as she wrapped me up in her arms. She was still sweaty from practice and I couldn't stop my laugh and shrieking trying to pull away from her sweat. She laughed as she pulled away, Coach P cast me a look and I smiled with a big smile on my face. "Hi, I'm so glad I'm here." I said as I was squeezing this in between studying and working tonight. I didn't have class on Wednesday so I was frequented to work on Tuesday night.
Troy had left for Spring Training ten days ago and since the moment we were married – we haven't slept in different beds and the adjustment had been hard. Yet, I was proud of him. So proud of him. Troy was in charge of a lot more this year and he was handling it with grace. Our wedding was absolutely one of the best days of my life and then the honeymoon that followed – it was equally amazing. Troy and I spent so much time together exploring the island and having so much sex I could barely walk when we got home.
It was the best kind of feeling and since then – we were living in wedding bliss. We had weekly date nights and I was planning on joining him in Florida for ten days during my spring break. I was excited to go and see him and spend time in the sunny weather. First, I had to make it till next Friday before I was sharing a bed with him again. "Hi, how is practice?" I asked her as she was still bouncing on her toes at my arrival. A lot of girls smiled and waved as most of the same team was last year except for a handful of freshmen. "Good, will you come scrimmage with us?" Brook pleaded and I laughed as I shot a look over to Coach P.
"It's your call," she said with her own laugh and I smirked before leaning over to tie my shoes and hit the court. Coach P was running them through several drills and slowly began to use me in a different way. It was probably against all of NCAA rules but it was this one time. I bounced the ball and it felt good to be back on the court. It had been a while since I had picked up a basketball and I knew once Troy was back, we needed to make it back out to the court. I was in desperate need to be out there again.
I passed the ball to Brooke while I ran to the other side to receive the pass before putting up a three. The girls all groaned as I sunk it and I smirked, "Haven't lost it…yet." I said with a big smile on my face. Coach P laughed as she blew her whistle and ordered all of them to go get water. She walked over to me and gave me a big hug, "How are you?" she asked in the middle of the squeeze. "Really good, really happy." I told her and she smirked, "How is Troy?"
"Good! He's in Florida for Spring Training and keeps sending me pictures of the beach and palm trees." Coach P laughed and she nodded, "Missing him though?" I sighed with a nod, "Yea, I am. I am getting a lot more work done though without him here pestering me. Doing a lot of studying and making sure I'm ahead for when I go see him during Spring Break." Coach P released a laugh, "Your dad was showing me all of the pictures from the wedding. It looked beautiful." I smiled as my cheeks blushed, "I'm glad he was able to escape for a few days to come. I kept apologizing that we scheduled in the middle of basketball season but we had too."
"I think your dad was happy for the break. Sometimes we need those in the middle of a season." I smiled as I watched the girls get back to work. I figured I would have a pang of really, really missing this but I was mostly glad that I didn't have to work it into my schedule every single week. I was free to study and see my boyfriend, excuse me, husband on the regular. I didn't have to plan around road trips and rearrange my clinical schedules of observation.
I watched the end of practice and lingered to talk with a few of the other girls as we all agreed we needed a wine and dine night whenever they slowed down. I promised to attend their next game and I headed for my car as I figured I could go see Trevor and Vivian or I could go home and study. I sighed as night time was the time I missed Troy the most. I picked up my cell phone as I sat back in my car seat and let it ring.
"Hey baby," his smooth voice came over and I smiled just hearing him. My heart settled and my stomach flipped with butterflies just hearing him. "Hey, you have some time to talk?" I questioned and I felt his hesitation on the other end of the phone. "It's okay," I interrupted him as he started to speak. "I know you are busy and working. Can you talk later tonight though?" I questioned because his hesitation was everything I needed to know. He was busy.
He would always try and put me in front of what he was doing but I had to make sure he focused on work. I loved him for it. "Are you sure? Are you okay?" his words were quiet and I smiled as I let my fingers trace the steering wheel logo. "Yea, I'm fine. I just miss you. Talking to you makes me feel closer to you and I just wanted a long conversation. You don't have time though and that's okay." Troy exhaled heavily on the other end of the phone. "Tonight. We'll facetime. I'd rather see your beautiful face anyways. I miss you, too." I smiled as I looked out my window to see students walking across campus.
"Promise?" I questioned in return and Troy chuckled, "Promise. I love you, B."
My smile went bigger, "I love you, too. Text me when you have a good time to chat, okay?"
"Yes ma'am,"
I hung up the phone as I wondered what I could do tonight but nothing was really sticking. Maybe a nap was in order.
Troy's POV
I collapsed on the couch after a long day of work with the minor league system and I was ready to crawl into bed but I made a promise to my girl. I picked up my cell phone as I rolled onto my stomach and pressed on her icon that now said Gabriella Bolton. My heart fluttered when she told me that she was going to change her last name. I know that she didn't have too and that she earned her degree with her name but she said we did it together. I encouraged her, supported her, and I will be there every single step of the way. There is nothing more than seeing her success that makes me happy.
She was still in the process of changing everything over but in my mind, she was all mine. I couldn't believe it had almost been three months since our wedding in Costa Rica and it was the damn best few weeks of my life. Marrying her and then honeymooning together? I'm not sure I've ever had that much sex in a short frame of time but holy damn could we not stop either. I was forever thankful for her IUD.
The phone rang out as I face-timed her and she picked up, those beautiful brown curls were piled on top of her head, those brown eyes shining with happiness, and her lips tilting up into a big smile on her face. God, she was beautiful. I would give anything for her to be right next to me right now. I just wanted to hold her and snuggle her close. It had been a long ten days apart already with about another ten days to go. I was thankful she was coming down for Spring Break because I don't think I'd survive until the end of March without her.
"There is my handsome man," she greeted and I gave her a grin, "My beautiful girl," I said back causing her cheeks to flush. Fuck, I missed her. "How have classes been?" I asked her and she sighed while she turned the camera to show me her study material. "Okay. I've just been so busy." She concluded and I gave her a tiny smile. "I'm preparing for step 1 and I'm nervous. What happens if I fail?" she asked the nerves eating away at her words.
"You aren't going to fail," I said gently, "You are smart and I know how hard you have been studying. You're going to do amazing." I reminded her and she gave me a tiny smile in appreciation but I could see the worry starting to build on her shoulders. "B," I said her name and her eyes met mine in the phone. "I was telling our athletic trainer about how you were really interested in sports medicine and he mentioned to me that he was really good friends with the team's orthopedic surgeon. He said he could probably get you an internship/observation thing with him."
Her eyes grew wide and she sat up quickly while grabbing her phone, "Seriously?" she asked with a big old grin on her face. My heart hammered in my chest with excitement for her because I could see it in her. I could see the excitement with just the mere opportunity and the want to be one of the best. God, I loved her. I love her passion and to help others. I swallowed on the lump in my throat that she was bouncing on our bed.
"Yea, if you are interested, I will tell him. I told him you would probably love it." She squealed with excitement and I couldn't hold back my chuckle while I watched her bounce with giddiness. "Oh my god, Troy! Tell him yes!" I laughed watching her and the urge to want to touch her, brush my fingers over her skin, or just fuck her into another world was high right now. She was so beautiful with all of the happiness and excitement glowing on her.
"I wish I was there right now," I whispered to her and Gabi sobered up for a moment and her eyes leveled with mine. "I love you, Troy. I am so thankful for this opportunity and…" I shook my head back and forth, "No, it's not that. I love how excited you are and I just want to brush my fingers over your skin and I want to kiss you right now and I want to celebrate with you." I explained to her with a bit of frustration lacing my voice. "I should have waited to tell you," I grumbled and she giggled from the other end. "No, it makes me more excited to see you and this is exactly what I needed today and you knew that."
I looked at her for a moment and I breathed with a nod, "I love you, B."
"I love you, Troy. I am thankful that I only have about ten more days before I get to see you again. I don't think I could go much longer than that." I smiled as brushed my hand through my hair, "Then after you leave it's only another week." Gabi grinned, "Good. I hate how empty our bed is every single night." I rubbed my lips together in agreement, "Yea, tell me about it. We spent the last how many months sharing a bed and then this? Nah, not the life for me." Gabi laughed with a smile on her face and I breathed.
"How was work?" she asked me, "Busy. Trying to get everything settled for the season. Tomorrow I am going to spend all day on the phone with the press to help organize meeting times over the next few weeks and I just…it's a lot." I rubbed my nose and yawned just thinking about it. "I need to revamp our social media page and made sure all of the player's social media pages are clean." Her laugh echoed from the other end of the phone. "That sounds like a tall task. Could you imagine having to do that for the Duke basketball team? Looking through Anderson's Twitter or Instagram?" I gagged with a laugh. "No, that sounds awful."
"Grey probably wasn't great either. Lucky for you…you was in a relationship the entire time." I rolled my eyes with a teasing smile. "Couldn't imagine it any other way." We shared a look with each other and I winked at her. "You should get some sleep," I told her. "I need some sleep." She let a tiny pout come over her lips and I blew her a kiss. "I was hoping we could talk longer." She said with a tiny pout coming over her lips. "I know, baby, but I see those bags under your eyes and I know I have them myself. A little sleep and maybe a chat over coffee tomorrow morning." Her pout deepened and I groaned, "I love you, baby,"
She sighed and her fingers brushed through her hair, "How long until I'm with you again?" she whispered, "Not that long. A week from Friday." She released a heavy sigh and I wanted to just wrap her up and keep her close to me. "I love you, too." She finally said, "Hey Troy," I lifted my head to look at her and she sighed, "You okay?" she questioned and I nodded my head, "Yea, I miss you. A lot. I wish you were here but I know we are both doing our thing. It's only a couple of weeks until we're back together full time. We're going to make it."
She laughed, "You act like it's been a month."
"After the past couple of months, it feels like it has. Being with you every day to not seeing you at all? It's been a shock to the system." A laugh pushed through her lips again and I smiled through the phone. "Can we facetime again tomorrow?" she requested and I nodded, "Yea, we can. I'll talk to you tomorrow." She gave me a wink and a smile.
Friday, March 11th, 2022
Gabi's POV
My leg bounced up and down as my flight landed in the dark night. I had to wait until after my last test to leave North Carolina and I was so excited to see Troy within the next twenty minutes. The past week and a half had been much longer than I ever wanted it to be. Troy and I facetimed as much as possible to try and make the time go faster. The plane bounced once and then twice before the overhead announcement came on greeting us to Fort Myers.
Troy was coming to get me from Port Charlotte and I couldn't wait to wrap myself around him. Once we pulled up to the gate, I began to pack everything up into my bag as it was a pretty empty flight. It was almost eleven on a Friday evening. I stood up as I got into the aisle while everybody began to de-board from the flight. I walked down the ramp and into the airport as I started to pick up my pace. I grabbed my cell phone to see if he had sent me a text after I told him I landed.
We were to meet at baggage claim and I was literally buzzing as I ran down the stairs and hooked a left following the signs to baggage claim. I passed through the security exit and I didn't even have to wait till the baggage claim because he was right there. Tears filled my eyes as I ran four steps forward and I launched myself onto his body. His strong arms wrapped around me tightly as I buried my face into the crook of his neck and I smelled the sunscreen, his masculine smell, along with his body wash.
"God, I missed you," he murmured and I pulled back as I pressed my lips to his in a frenzied kiss. My fingers ran through the back of his hair and he slipped his tongue into my mouth as I framed his face with my hands controlling the kiss. "Good lord did I miss you," he said as his blue eyes scanned every single feature on my face, he gently eased my feet to the floor before I was crushing him in a hug. His nose inhaling my skin and his lips kissing my temple.
"I can't wait to get you back to the hotel," he murmured into my ear and I grinned as I tilted my head back to look up at him. His fingers stroked my face and a slow smile curled up onto his lips. "God, you're beautiful and I missed the fuck out of you." He dropped a kiss to me one more time before his fingers slipped with mine and we headed towards baggage claim. "Hi," I whispered as we walked and he chuckled, "Hi," those bright blue eyes were full of life and happiness. The way his eyes kept scanning my face over and over again to make sure nothing had changed. "I'm so glad you were able to come this year."
"I'm glad I'm here. I don't think I could have made it a few more weeks. You didn't have an excuse to come to watch me play basketball so I missed seeing your face. Even if it was only for a few hours." Troy smiled while he kissed the top of my head as we waited for my baggage to spit out. "How was your flight?" he asked, I squeezed his bicep and sighed, "It was long because I just wanted to be right here with you." Troy chuckled as he spotted my bag first and he went over to grab it for me. He was in a pair of basketball shorts with a Durham Bills t-shirt with a pair of Adidas tennis shoes. My eyes lingered on that gold ring on his left hand and the thrill shot through my body again.
He was my husband. My person. My everything.
He saw where my eyes lingered and a smile pulled onto his face, "What are you looking at, Mrs. Bolton?" I couldn't stop the slow grin that came over my face and he chuckled at my reaction. "Nothing, Mr. Bolton. Just really fucking lucky to have you as my husband." He linked our fingers as we walked out together and towards where he parked his car. "I am so sorry that I have to work all week but I do have a few surprises up my sleeve for you." Troy said and I pulled back away from him.
"What? What are you talking about?" Troy chuckled as he popped open the back of his car that he drove down for Spring Training this year to save some money. "I am going to make sure you are entertained all week. Promise."
"Troy, I just want to wake up and fall asleep together. That's all I want this week." Troy smiled as he slid into the car and he reached across the console to kiss me softly. "Oh, there will be little sleep." He winked over at me as I couldn't fucking wait. I reached over and rubbed his thigh up and down as he growled, "Gabi, you're going to have to hold off." I couldn't stop my laugh as I cupped him and he quickly reached down to remove my hand.
I couldn't stop my laugh as he linked our fingers together, "We have a fifty-minute ride and it's already uncomfortable as hell, thanks," I couldn't stop my laugh as I stroked his hand. "I am pretty sure you were already hard before I touched you." Troy shot me a look and he smirked, "Well…maybe. You're beautiful and seeing you for the first time in weeks…" we both shared another smile together as I started to question him on work and what was going on down here.
"I have a question…" I said as I adjusted in my seat to face him. "I'm not saying I'm ready to even talk about this but I just…it's been a thought in my mind recently. What is going to happen when we decide to have a baby and our working lives?" my voice was quiet but I quickly started to speak again as he opened his mouth. "I don't want you giving up on your dreams and we'll make whatever work but I just…what are you thinking? I just have so much training left and it's going to be years and me just…" I blew out a breath as Troy looked over at me for a beat before turning his eyes back to the road.
"You ready for my response or…" I laughed but I nodded my head, "Yea, I'm ready."
"I'm going to find something that will allow me to stay home. I might not have the best schedule but I will be home every night and little travel. I don't know what it will be yet but…I understand that some sacrifices will have to be made. I know that you have a lot of training. I know that we will probably be moving and maybe…maybe I'll be a stay at home dad and that doesn't bother me. For now. Yes, I'll want to work and I'll need to find something but to do your dreams and I'll continue to achieve mine. We are going to figure it out but I'm not going to be traveling like this. That is something I do know."
My heart eased with his words, "I just know you have ambition and I could never ask you to stop doing something because of a baby. I can't pull my own weight and I'm nervous. I also don't want to be 30 before we're having our first kid when…" I paused as I looked over at him, "How many kids do you want?" I questioned and Troy smiled, "At least two but three to four wouldn't be bad either." I cracked a smile, "I always thought three to four. I want a big family. I want a lot of laughing and talking and loving. I want the loud giggles and the loud screams and all the smiles." Troy pulled my hand up to his mouth and he smiled against it before dropping a kiss onto it.
"Good but I agree – I don't want to wait forever either but I know it's too early and we'll talk about it more when the time is right." I was content to drop the conversation there because I know that Troy didn't want to be with Hallie because she lacked ambition and I never wanted Troy to lose him but I also understood what he was telling me. His job was a lot more fluid than my training. We were both quiet for the last fifteen minutes of the trip.
Troy pulled up to his hotel and as he shut the car off, we both slipped out of the car as I walked around to hug him. "You okay?" he asked and I nodded as I buried my head into his chest. "I love you and I will tell you if I need something, if something needs to change, okay? I want to enjoy some more marriage with you first before we take that step though." I nodded my head as he tilted my chin backward and kissed me hard.
"Ah, I see somebody found his wife," Hanson called across the parking lot and Troy chuckled, "Yea, I'll see you tomorrow morning Hanson," Troy called as he grabbed my suitcase out of the back of the car. "Glad I don't have to share a room with your snoring ass," I let a bubble of laughter echo out of my mouth. Troy winked at me, "Hi Gabi,"
"Hi, Hanson,"
We walked across the parking lot as I looked over at Troy, "I didn't know you were sharing a room with Hanson." He shrugged, "The Bulls are paying for it so we room up together. It's typically not an issue until this week. I just bought my own room for the week though." I smiled as Troy took me to the elevators and the moment, we were in there alone he had me pressed back to the wall, his lips opening mine, and my fingers brushed through his hair.
"God, I love you," he whispered into my mouth, I let my hand lower over his ass as he picked me up and devoured my mouth. Yea, tonight was going to be fun.
Saturday, March 12th, 2022
Troy's POV
I woke up as our naked bodies were tangled together. Her breasts pressed against my body, my dick wedged against her but not in the correct spot, and her hair fanning the space around us. I brushed my fingers over her face gently as I had to get up soon for work but I didn't want to leave her. I hadn't told her yet that I took Thursday and Friday off this coming week to spend with just her. I missed her too much the past few weeks that it almost didn't feel healthy.
It caught me off guard last night that she asked about my career plans when we have kids because I was surprised, she was thinking about kids already. We never talked about it and our timelines and whatever but…I was surprised. I figured she would at least want to get through med school but she seemed…as if it had been a recent thought. I had thought about it and I knew I was going to get a 9-5 type of job at home. I told Hanson my concerns already and he took them and just nodded.
I couldn't travel like this when I have a kid. I didn't want to travel like this when I have a kid. It was fun for now but I loved seeing Gabi when I was home. It was already hard enough to sneak in time with her but it felt near impossible during the summer. I brushed my lips over her cheek as I went to roll out of bed but she moved in the bed and rolled onto her side. I paused as she reached over for me and frowned when she came up missing. I rolled back into the bed and pulled her body into mine.
"No," she pouted in her sleepy voice. I pulled her into my grasp and inhaled deeply, "I'm sorry, I don't want to go either but, you can stay in this bed and sleep some more." I rubbed her arm as she hooked them around me and straddled my body. "I don't want you to leave." Her cheek brushed against my bare chest as I let my fingers tug on her hair gently. "I have to go to work but I'll be done around three. Hanson was very nice to allow me to be done early most of this week."
"I knew I liked that man." We both laughed together and I pushed her gently onto her back and I let our lips fall together. Her chest rose and fell with need as I let my lips trail down her neck and down between her breasts. I linked our fingers together as I went back up and pressed my lips to her mouth. Our tongues explored each other as we were both breathless at the end. "Please," she whimpered as if I had completely worked her up with that kiss.
"B," I growled as I lifted my head to look at the clock. I had to be in the fields in forty-five minutes but I couldn't leave my girl hanging. I let my fingers dip between her legs and she cried out as her nails scraped along my back. She lifted her hips to demand more as I let my fingers do all the work as my lips tasted each breast and then found her lips again before sending her flying over the edge. I slid into her before her orgasm was over. "Troy," my name was a gasp on her lips as I drove into her with force. My dick is happy to be squeezed by her as we found a rhythm together as we worked back and forth. She tugged on my hair and pushed me onto my back before she climbed onto me.
"Fuck," I groaned as she rode me and watching her caused me to lose all control. She wasn't far behind me and I pulled her to my chest and tried to control my breathing. "Wow," Gabi whispered, "I do miss morning sex with you." I chuckled as I buried my lips to her forehead and looked to see I had to be at the field in thirty minutes. Fifteen minutes and I got her off twice – not bad if I don't say so myself. "I do have to get up. I have to be in the fields in thirty."
She pouted as I kissed her one more time and I rolled out of bed before she did anything to change my mind. I hopped into the shower as I washed my hair really quickly and ran a bar of soap over my body before I dried off and pulled on a pair of khaki shorts with a polo. I slid on my tennis shoes and ran my fingers through my hair with some gel before I grabbed my wallet and press badge before dashing back out when I came to a holt. A cup of coffee in my to-go mug and a container of yogurt waiting for me.
I pulled a smile onto my face and pulled her into a crushing kiss, "God, I love the hell out of you." I whispered while pinching her chin. She laughed and gave me another kiss, "I love you, too, baby. Have a good day," she said, I picked up my backpack and slid my breakfast into the packet. I headed for the door and I turned around as she was watching me and I smiled, "You have a massage appointment at noon. I'll send you the address." I winked and her mouth fell open as I smirked, "Love ya, B."
Tuesday, March 15th, 2022
Troy's POV
I laughed and swirled in the chair as I finished writing a press release as Hanson settled into the chair next to me. "You know, you are a much nicer human when you're getting laid." Hanson slapped my back and I rolled my eyes as I leaned back in the chair. "I love my girl; I don't think sex would change that. It's just a really, really nice perk." Hanson chuckled as he shook his head. "Have you told her that you are off Thursday and Friday?"
"No, I haven't. I'm going to surprise her." Hanson smiled with a nod and he looked up at me, "Okay, I have something for you." I nodded as I twisted to face him and he looked down at his paper and then back up to me. "Remember how we talked about when you and Gabi decide to have kids that you'll need a different job…" I slowly nodded and Hanson blew out a breath, "What if I had something for you now?" I gave him a questioning look and he leaned forward.
"The position of digital and social media manager is opening up – Hays is leaving next month to take a different job because his wife got another job. I recommended you because you have been handling all of the road social media and you can learn the digital quickly from Hays standpoint. The best part is – you wouldn't travel often. We'd replace you to do social media on the road and you can approve anything from home. Plus, it would be a significant pay increase for you and more responsibility. Also…this is me promoting you."
I blinked once, twice, and then a third time as I stared at him. "Excuse me?" Hanson laughed and shared a look with me. "You'd manage Jason and Rylie. We'd hire one more and you wouldn't have to travel anymore. You could control social media at home more often. You could pick trips to go on. I would still be traveling and you can delegate to me. I don't want you leaving us and I know you and Gabi aren't having kids yet but…you're perfect for the job,"
I couldn't stop the grin that came over my lips, "Shut the fuck up, yes, I want it. It's perfect." Hanson breathed easier, "I was scared you loved this part of the job too much. The only hard part will always be Spring Training but I'm assuming everything will work itself out. You're doing a really, really good job at the social media site and working underneath Hays." I grinned as Hanson was the overall communication manager.
"Yea, Gabi and I will both love it. The pay increase and the less traveling." I paused as I swallowed, "I hate being away from her. You are right. I am not nearly as fun when I'm not with her all the time and this will be better. I will be better and I can't wait to bring ideas and…Dammnit, Hanson, this is perfect." I smiled as Hanson grinned, "Go find your girl and celebrate." I gave him a surprised look, "Just go." I laughed as logged out of my computer and stashed it into my backpack. Gabi was getting her nails done right now and I couldn't wait to surprise her.
Every day I had been leaving her something to do while I was gone and it was mostly pampering. A massage, a facial, nails done, hair appointment, all of the things she put off back home when she was focused on school and clinical rotations. I wanted her to enjoy her time here when I couldn't be with her. I was excited to go to the beach with her on Thursday and Friday. I didn't want to say good-bye to her on Sunday.
Yet, I knew my traveling was going to come to an end sooner than later. I bet I would spend most of this season on the road to get everything under my leadership. It was exciting and I couldn't wait to share the news with her. It was a good step in the right direction because Hays only traveled if it was a big series or if somebody was sick. He mostly manned everything back in Durham. I hopped into my car and I pulled out as I headed towards the hotel.
I sent her a text to see how much longer it was going to be and when she didn't respond I could only assume it was because she didn't have access to her hands. I drove across town as I drum my finger to the radio with excitement filling my blood at the thought of being home with her this year. Little distance. It almost sounded too good to be true. I parked my car next to the salon as I hopped out and went inside. There were only a few people here and I quickly found my girl.
She was laughing with the nail tech, her hair down her back, a tank-top with a pair of shorts on and a big smile on her face. Fuck, she was beautiful. Those brown eyes turned to see who had just entered and a big smile graced her face when she realized it was me. "Troy," she breathed and I smiled as I walked further into the shop before I leaned over and kissed her. "Hi," I whispered. "Kimmy, this is my husband, Troy."
I smiled, "Hi, nice to meet you."
"Hey, what are you doing here?" she asked as I sat down in the chair next to her. "Hanson let me go a little early today. Figured I could spend some time with my pretty, pretty girl." Her cheeks flushed as they always did when I complimented her. "How much longer?" I asked quietly and her eyes turned back to the lady and smiled. "Not too much. I appreciate all of this Troy. You didn't have too," I brushed the hair away from her face as I shook my head. "No. I did. If you had to be down here and by yourself, I would much rather you be doing something with your time – like pampering yourself. You work hard, baby."
Those cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red while I kissed her temple. We made small talk with Kimmy before Gabi handed over her gift card, I had gotten her. I slipped my fingers into hers as we walked out. I quickly turned her and pressed her back against the brick building to pull her into a kiss. She laughed against my mouth as her arms snaked around my neck. "Why are you really here?" she whispered as I pulled back. My eyes drifted down the sidewalk and I tugged her towards the park down the road.
"Troy?" her voice held a lot of questions and I smiled over at her, "Remember how I mentioned to Hanson that I was going to need to eventually change my position for whenever we had a family?" she slowly nodded her head trying to figure out where this was going. "He came up to me today and told me that he had the perfect position open for me – now. I'll be the manager of digital and social media. Hays is apparently leaving and they are choosing me to take his position." My voice rose in level with excitement causing Gabi to let a big grin come over her face.
"Seriously?" I nodded my head as she jumped up and wrapped her legs around my waist. Her lips were on mine as I pulled her in closer to me, "Troy, that's amazing. That doesn't include traveling though?" she questioned as I held her. I shook my head, "No. I work underneath of Hays and he is rarely on the road. If somebody was missing, like when I went to Europe, or if it's a big series that we're going to need more hands-on-deck but for the most part – no. He stays back and controls everything from the office. I might have to work at home late sometimes but I will be home. I will be in this area. I won't have to travel excessively and we can have kids without as much worrying."
Gabi gushed with happiness, "Troy, oh my god, that is amazing."
"Also, a big pay increase," I told her with wiggles of my eyebrows. She kissed me again and wrapped her arms tight around me. "I'm so proud of you." She murmured into my chest. I pressed my lips into her hair and held onto her tightly. "I think we should do some serious celebrating." I told her, "How about a fancy dinner on the water tonight and find some trouble to get into?" I asked her and she smiled up – her face beaming. "Yes, I think I need to go find a new outfit though if we are doing fancy. I didn't bring fancy."
I chuckled as I nodded, "I just got a raise. I think we can make something work." I let out fingers slip together and I smiled as we walked down the main street. "I will have to travel a lot more this season. Training and trying to figure out who my replacement is going to be and then training them on my job. So, we won't see the lack of travel for a little bit but by next season – it should be better. Hopefully, after the all-star game, it'll be better too."
She squeezed my hand, "I'm proud of you for the promotion. You deserve it. I also want you to know that I'm thankful that you are willing to give up the road life for our future family. I'm not sure when I'll be ready to have a baby but I do know I am thankful for you and I am excited to have babies with you." I tipped her head backward and I kissed her softly. "I think this will be good for our family all around. I want to be around you more. I am moody as fuck when I'm away from you. I need you in my life. I want to be home more. I want to work from home and snuggle in bed with you. I love you, B."
"C'mon, let's go shopping," she said with a laugh and tugged my hand into the first boutique she found.
Gabi's POV
Thursday, March 17th, 2022
The sun-soaked into my skin as Troy stroked my hand from his chair next to me. I woke up this morning at nine o'clock with my husband next to me and I panicked. He woke up chuckling and pulled me in tighter telling me that he took Thursday and Friday off. He then made sure I remembered our morning off together in Florida for the rest of my life. I swear, the man read magazines or something to keep our sex life different.
"Any big plans when you go back home?" Troy asked, his head twisting to face me. I sighed as I brushed my finger down my leg brushing some sand off. "I am going to study for my upcoming tests and start seeing some topics for my research next year." Troy squeezed my hand, "I can't wait to see what you come up with. I've talked with Brad again and he contacted the surgeon. Dr. Bryson is the team's orthopedic surgery and Brad made it sound like he was very, very interested in you coming to observe and intern in his office this summer."
I couldn't contain my squeal as I jumped up and I straddled his lap. My arms hooking around his neck and I kissed him hard. "I love you," I whispered into his ear and he chuckled, "I tried to tell Brad that I want you some of the summer and he just laughed. He reminded me that you are going to be working some long-ass hours before too long." I felt a frown come over my lips but Troy tilted my chin back to look into my eyes. "Hey, we'll make it all work. We are going to make sure we are able to do this together. If I have to come to eat dinner with you at the hospital every night or take a day off to spend with you for a day – I'll do it. We'll do it. Let's not worry about what hasn't happened yet."
My forehead leaned against his and I sighed, "Again, I ask, where did you come from?" I questioned and he chuckled while running his fingertips down my back. "You in this bikini isn't doing good things for me." He husked and I rolled my hips against him and his head whirled around to see who was around us. The beach was full of families enjoying spring break and that alone caused Troy to growl in the back of his throat. "Gabs, c'mon, I just got promoted. I can't be getting arrested." I couldn't stop my own laugh as I kissed him again.
"I can't help myself."
We both smiled and shared a look as I went back over to my chair. I grabbed the suntan lotion as Troy took it from me. He gently started to rub it into my skin and with every pass of his hands over my body – I wanted to leave. The sun felt good but his hands on my body felt better. His fingers slipped behind my bikini strap on the back and slowly guided around to scrap below my breast. "Troy," I whispered and he placed a kiss on the back of my shoulder.
"What would you think about me getting a tattoo there?" I questioned him. "I still like this one," Troy's fingers brushed over my imperfect tattoo and I smiled, "I do too," I shared a look with those blue eyes as those memories came flooding back from that first year together. The secrets and lies and trying my damn hardest to not fall for the love of my life but failing miserably. "I was thinking about getting the words I promise to love you so fiercely and so deeply on that spot on my shoulder with something around it,"
His fingers paused on the back of my shoulders, his vows surfacing in his head, he cleared his throat and continued to rub. "Yea? You want that?" he questioned quietly. I twisted around as I faced him. His blue eyes flickered up to meet me and I smiled, "Why wouldn't I? It's not like I'm putting the date, or names, it's our vows and I want to remember that promise. I want to make that same promise to you. I don't know where this life will take us but that…those are good words to live by."
He pulled me into a quick kiss and smiled, "I think we should work something out." I smiled over at him as he finished rubbing the lotion into my body. "My turn," I said reaching for the lotion and Troy laughed shaking his head. "No way, I'm already hard. I don't need any more help." I couldn't stop my own smile and I laughed as I relaxed back into the chair. My feet digging into the sand below me as I breathed in the salty fresh air.
"I think after we are done here, we need to go find a new coffee shop. I am in desperate need for a Rents coffee,"
"You want an Iced Caramel latte with almond milk?" he questioned and I rolled my eyes with a big smile pulling on the corners of my lips. "I love how you can do that." Troy winked with a smile on his face as he tossed the lotion back into the bag as he relaxed. "A coffee does sound good." Troy agreed, "I do miss Rents. That was one of my favorite jobs for some reason. I loved remembering people's coffee orders and getting to give that rush of caffeine in the morning."
"I still can't believe you worked there and played basketball."
"It was a lot but so damn worth it."
Our fingers brushed against each other again and I breathed in evenly as I watched the waves roll onto the beach. "I think for our one-year anniversary we should go somewhere. Right during my break." I said glancing at him. Troy returned a look, "Yea? Where do we want to go? We have to make a visit to Chicago to see Lauren and Grey during the season. He promised me sideline tickets." Troy said and I laughed, "Yea, that is something we have to go cash in."
"I think we should go explore somewhere different. What about Arizona? Go hike through the desert or something like that?" Troy smiled, "Yea, maybe. We'll have to keep that in mind and see how everything falls out here." I gave an impatient sigh and Troy sent me a look, "Okay travel bug – you have a lot on your plate and we went to Costa Rica + Europe this past year. I think our bank account said to hold up,"
I couldn't stop my little laugh as Troy pulled me back into his lap and he pressed his lips back against mine. "Maybe once my job settles, we can get a dog or something. I feel like we need a dog." I giggled as I threaded my fingers through his hair and tugged gently. "I love you, baby," I whispered. "I love you, too." His blue eyes twinkled under the warm sun and our breaths both picked up a pace while we tried to not rip each other's clothes off.
"You ready to head back? We can come again tomorrow," Troy said casually and I bounced off his lap, tugged on my shorts, and threw on his t-shirt. "Let's roll,"
Hey Guys! I am so glad ya'll are hanging out! I'm sorry it is taking me so long to get chapters out because I want to do it faster, I really do, I just don't have the time anymore. I really do appreciate your patience. Thank you for coming back and reading the chapters and reviewing! I read them all and I know how much you guys love this story!
Somebody asked about another story coming out and YES there will be but NOT until after this semester is over. My full focus is on this story and I want to give you guys these chapters as fast as I can but yes, I do have another story in the works (with many, many chapters written) and I really can't wait to SHARE!
Please REVIEW! Tell me what you think! I can't wait for you to read the chapters to come!
