Explosions

The next two games, Ryan watched from Charlie’s suite with her coworkers. He sat next to her and analyzed from above. They had to sign another quarterback – Case Keenum – who wasn’t doing terribly at all. Tom just hadn’t been quite ready for an NFL start.

Olivia had stayed another week, but she had gone back to Andover after she received a call that the man who had been after her was arrested. She called Charlie when she got home to let her know she was safe, and Charlie finally breathed some fresh air.

Christmas was a little different this year as well. J.J. and Charlie exchanged gifts, but they didn’t forget about their temporary roommate. They’d surprised Ryan with a few things as well; Charlie had gotten him the collector’s set of the Lord of the Rings movies, and J.J. had gotten him a book on Norse mythology. As trivial as the two thought their gifts were, Ryan could not have been more appreciative.

During the regular season closer against the Jaguars, Ryan turned to Charlie. He watched her eyes scanning the field and darting up to the scoreboard on occasion. She smiled at him but kept her eyes forward, focused only on the game.

“I think I’m okay to move back into my own place tomorrow, Char,” he said.

“Are you sure?” asked Charlie.

“Yeah, I can put a little more pressure on my leg now, so I’ll be okay,” said Ryan. “Plus, you and J.J. need some privacy. I don’t want to just be around and in your guys’ business.”

“You’re not bothering us, Ryan,” said Charlie. “J.J. genuinely likes having you around. I love him, but I’m not into some of the same things.”

“It’s locker room clean-out day tomorrow,” he replied. “I think it might just be better if I took all my other stuff home too. I have your guys’ numbers if I need anything.”

Charlie looked at him and smiled. He touched her hand gently, but she didn’t pull away. He rested his hand there for a moment but pulled away when his mind had caught up to his body.

“It’s been great having you, Ryan,” said Charlie. “You’re always welcome to come over or stay.”

“Thanks,” said Ryan.

They were silent again, watching the next few plays. Charlie felt her heart pounding in her chest. From the game or from Ryan’s touch, she was unsure, but she didn’t let on. Ryan moved to stand up, and she shot out of her chair.

“I’ve got it, Char,” chuckled Ryan.

“Do you need me to help you?” Charlie asked.

“No, I think I’ll be okay to hobble over to the bathroom,” said Ryan. He picked up one of his crutches and put it under his arm, and he said, “There’s minimal room for me to fall over in these ten feet.”

“Okay,” said Charlie, sitting back down slowly.

She watched Ryan walk over to the restroom, making sure he didn’t trip or fall on the way there. She glanced behind her and noticed Jan on her phone. She looked over at Charlie occasionally, and Charlie rolled her eyes.

“You two seem pretty close,” Jan snickered. “One NFL player not enough for you, Miss Elliott?”

“Jesus Christ, Jan,” sighed Charlie. “Nothing’s going on. Even if it was, it’s none of your concern.”

“I work for this organization,” said Jan. “Everything in it is my concern.”

Charlie turned back to the game. Jacksonville was near the end zone, and she saw J.J. rush around the offensive line to sack Blake Bortles. In the end zone, the sack became a safety, and Charlie jumped out of her seat.

“Yes!” she shouted, everyone in the suite joining her in celebration.

Another kiss blown up to the suite, and her face broke into a smile. Ryan rejoined her, a smile on his face as well.

“I assume that was big,” he said, grimacing as he sat down.

“J.J. just got a safety,” said Charlie.

“No shit!” laughed Ryan.

The T.V. across the room broke away from the Colts and Titans game to highlight the play they’d just seen. Charlie indicated over to the screen, and Ryan watched with pride.

“You know,” said the commentator on the television, “you see J.J. Watt blow a kiss every time he makes a big play. That’s not brand new. He’s been doing that for two years now. He’s told us in interviews before that it’s for his girlfriend.”

“Well, he’s had a chance to do it plenty this year,” replied the other commentator. “Looks like the Texans are winning that game, so we will rejoin here in Nashville”-

Ryan stretched his leg out as best he could, and Charlie turned sideways in her chair so she was facing him. He scratched at the top of his boot, his face visibly irritated. She handed him a glass of water, and he took it.

“Are you excited for your party?” he asked.

“I am,” said Charlie. “This ballroom is absolutely magical. I’m going in the night before to decorate it so I can focus on food and getting dressed and making sure everything’s perfect.”

Ryan watched her eyes light up from over the top of his water. She leaned her head on the back of her chair, waiting for him to finish. He finally set the water back down on the other side of him.

“Do you remember when we went to that New Year’s party in Cincinnati when I was still with the Bengals?” asked Ryan.

“Of course,” said Charlie. “That’s part of why I’ve been wanting to have my own. I’ve just never had time to plan one.”

“Everything about that party fucking rocked,” Ryan replied.

“Mine will be better,” giggled Charlie. “I can promise you that.”

Ryan smiled and said, “I can believe that.”

He looked back out onto the field. The game was almost over, but despite the win, the Texans weren’t going into the postseason. He just hoped he could come back next year, stronger and healthier, and lead them to the playoffs. Charlie stood up, and she picked up his crutches. He moved to stand up, but she didn’t help him. She knew he could do it by himself – he’d just proved that to her ten minutes ago.

She handed him his crutches when he was finally standing. She grabbed her jacket off the coat rack on the way out, making eye contact with Jan. She rolled her eyes, and Charlie turned her back to her.

---

“It’s all set!” exclaimed Charlie.

J.J. wrapped his arms around her and said, “I’m sure it looks amazing, babe. I can’t wait to see it tomorrow!”

“J.J., you’re going to love it!” said Charlie. “Everything is so perfect. Way more perfect than I could ever imagine. Thank you so much for making this happen.”

“This wasn’t me, Char,” said J.J. “This was all you.”

She kissed his lips, and he moved his hands along the contours of her body. She looked around the room and put a hand on his chest, stopping him.

“Hey,” she said. “We’re all alone now.”

His face broke into a smile and said, “Feels like it’s been forever, huh?”

Charlie giggled as he put his hands on her rib cage. She put a hand on his cheek and the other in his front pocket. He nudged her chin with his nose, and he pressed his lips to her neck. His body felt so perfect against hers as he carried her into the bedroom.

He didn’t let her sleep that night, but she didn’t protest. She was completely absorbed in him. They didn’t get to bed until the sun was almost up.