Mason raised his hand to his mouth, releasing a shrill whistle and signaled for a time out.

“You’re in for it now. Wonder how long it’ll take for him to start lecturing us?” I whispered quietly, watching the teams separate into their own huddles. Mason shared a few short commands before he started jogging over to where we were sitting.

“Hey babe, looking good out there. Is it almost time for us to join in? Jasmine and I have been practicing since the last time.” I flashed an innocent look, trying to hide the wicked grin I could feel under the surface. He gave me a look that melted my insides before pointing his finger at the both of us.

“What have I told you two about haggling from the sidelines?” he questioned sternly.

“Not to do it because it’s distracting,” I began.

“Because we sound silly yelling out nonsense,” Jasmine finished.

We answered him as though he was a teacher, repeating back his instructions in singsong voices. There was a brief pause before we broke into laughter, and it only became worse as he scowled.

“Come on, it’s funny. Admit it, you love every moment of it, and it’s the highlight of the game.” I reached to touch him, but the feel of his sweaty shirt made pull back my hand. He caught the action, and a mischievous twinkle lit up his eyes.

“You know me so well, Darcy.” He closed the distance between us, and I realized what he was up to.

“Oh no you don’t, Mason O’Connor. You take that sweaty body of yours back over to your team mates and do some… I don’t know… male bonding or something.” With my arms outstretched to ward of his attempts to hold me, I wasn’t strong enough to keep him away.

Iron bands enclosed me, dragging me from my seat and into his embrace. I struggled slightly, trying to appear as though I was escaping, but I was exactly where I wanted to be-in the arms of the man I loved.