Tara nodded. “We had several events on Sundays, so I missed a few games. Fortunately, I hired great staff, so on occasion I could shift events to some of my staff and go to a few home games. And Mick understood the nature of my business, so he certainly didn’t expect me to be watching or attending every one of his games.”
“Of course,” Amelia said. “Same here. I do have to work some Sundays, and Flynn knows that. We’re businesswomen and our jobs always come first.”
“I’m sure you’ve set Nathan straight about that, haven’t you, Mia?” Tara asked.
Mia blinked. “What?”
Tara gave her a knowing smile. “About you not being at his beck and call during game days.”
She tried to play dumb. “Why would Nathan care whether I’m at the game or not?”
“Oh, honey, it’s just us here. And surely you realize I know how you feel about my son.”
A giant mental neon Uh-Oh sign flashed in her head. “Yes. We’re friends.”
“More than that, we think,” Amelia said. “All of us have eyes, Mia.”
Had they been that obvious? She thought they’d hid it well.
“Oh. Uh. I didn’t know everyone knew.”
Amelia shrugged. “I don’t know about everyone. But the way you look at each other? To me it’s obvious.”
Wendy gave her a knowing smile. “We all know, honey.”
Tara nodded. “Agreed. There’s been a lot more than friendship going on for a while now. No need to hide it. And no need to be afraid I’m going to say anything to anyone.”
“Neither will I,” Amelia said. “That’s between you and Nathan and it’s no one’s business. Until the two of you are ready to come out in public with your relationship, anyway.”
Mia sighed. “Thanks. We’ve been dating and having a wonderful time with each other. But that’s really as far as it’s gone. We need to talk to each other about how we feel first. I mean, we know we’re dating and in a relationship, but as far as talking about those deeper feelings . . .”
“Oh,” Tara said. “So that part hasn’t happened yet?”
Mia shook her head. “Not exactly.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to have that conversation,” Wendy said. “When you know you have feelings for each other, but you don’t know how to sit down and talk about them.”
Mia nodded. “Yes. We haven’t gotten there just yet.”
Tara patted her hand. “Then we’ll just mind our own business.”
Mick came over and put his hand on Tara’s shoulder. “What are we minding our own business about?”
Tara laughed. “Something that’s none of your business.”
“I see how it is,” Mick said with a grin. “Must be a woman thing.”
“Definitely.”
Mick slid into the seat next to Tara. “Then let’s watch some football.”
Fortunately football resumed, which gave Mia a reprieve from talking about her relationship with Nathan. With Nathan’s mother, of all people.
She’d had no idea they’d been so obvious about their feelings toward each other. She thought they’d hid the passionate part of their relationship well. Clearly, not so much. Maybe feelings couldn’t be hidden.
And if how she felt had been so obvious to those around her, she wondered if Nathan was aware of them as well? She supposed it was time for that long overdue conversation after the game.
She wished she had brought her planner so she could organize her thoughts before she talked to Nathan.
Passion was one thing. Sure, the sex had been great, and maybe the amazing chemistry between them had been what Tara and Amelia had seen. That didn’t necessarily mean Nathan felt the same way as she did. Fun and great sex was one thing. Love was something entirely different.
She rubbed her temple, feeling that stress headache bubble to the surface.
Go away. I don’t want to deal with you now.
Why did relationships have to be so damn complicated? Her relationship with Nathan had been so much simpler when they’d been just friends.
But, oh, she’d have missed out on the sex.
“Did you see that catch?” Amelia asked as everyone jumped up and clapped.
She stood, too, and clapped, though she’d had no idea what just happened, because she’d been all wrapped up in her thoughts. She mentally shoved all thoughts of Nathan her boyfriend aside to concentrate only on Nathan the quarterback for now.
They watched the rest of the game unfold.
Nathan played well and so did Flynn. The starters were pulled after the third quarter, which meant Mia could relax a little. She got up and wandered around to chat with some of the players’ wives and girlfriends, and noshed on some snacks.
“They look good,” Wendy said. “Jamal’s going to be happy about this game.”
Mia nodded. “I think they’re all going to be happy heading into the start of the season. The Sabers look strong.”
“Which means we all need to celebrate after this game.”
Mia grinned. “I’m game for that.”
Tara came up to them. “I thought we might all want to meet up at our house after the game. It’s close to the stadium, we can whip up some snacks and just chill. Sam’s in St. Louis with his grandparents this time so I’d love to have some grown-up time.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Amelia said.
“I’d love to,” Wendy said. “And I know Jamal would be thrilled.”
“Mia?” Tara asked.
“Absolutely.” Her conversation with Nathan could wait. There was no rush.
But she couldn’t wait too much longer. She had a lot to tell him.
THIRTY-THREE
MAN, THAT HAD BEEN A GOOD GAME. THE TEAM HAD been firing on all cylinders today. Sure it was still preseason, but Nathan couldn’t help but feel like it was a precursor for what was to come.
They still had one preseason game to go, and it was a road game, but he was beginning to sink into his role. And with every game he felt more and more ready to lead the team. He didn’t want to be overconfident because that could be the kiss of death, so he knew he had to rein in his enthusiasm. But damn was he ever fired up after today’s win.
He took his shower and did his interviews, then headed out of the media center to find his family there. He hugged his dad and his mom.
“What did you think?” he asked his dad.
“You look damn good out there. As good as I ever did.”
He knew that statement was just his dad trying to pump up his confidence, but still, it felt great to hear it.
“Thanks. I don’t think I’m anywhere near as good as you were, but everything felt right today. Team was overall in good shape on both sides of the ball, don’t you think?”
“If I’d been playing I’d have had no complaints, so you’re right about that.”
“We’re all going to the house to eat and celebrate,” his mom said after she hugged him.
“Sounds good.” Nathan looked over at Mia. “Are you coming?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. And you had a great game.” She came over to him and hugged him.
When she went to pull away, he held her there with his arm around her. “I’m glad.”
Reporters were filtering out through the hallways, and they stopped to get some sound bites from Nathan’s dad.
“What did you think of Nathan’s play today, Mick?”
His dad looked over at Nathan and smiled. “He looked like a pro quarterback today. He’s at ease in the pocket. He hit all his targets. I’d say he knows what he’s doing out there. I have every confidence he’ll lead the Sabers as well as, or even better than, I ever did.”
They took photos and that’s when Mia realized Nathan still had his arm around her. She started to ease away but Nathan held firm to her.
“What’s the status here, Nathan?” one of the reporters asked, referring to Mia. “Are you and Mia Cassidy dating?”
“Right now? We’re hungry. We’re all headed out to eat, so I know you won’t mind excusing us.”