Free Justice: A Billionaire Romance by Lauren Landish Page A

of the cheerleaders Riley'd been talking to disappeared only to reappear about halfway through the fourth quarter, I guessed what had happened.
    "Riley can get himself back from the stadium," Dad said, "and I'll have a word with him in the gym later."
    Part of me wished I could see that. Dad's idea of having a word with you in the gym would involve discussion for sure, but it would also involve a large amount of swapping punches and kicks, or occasionally escrima sticks and staffs.
    "Riley can get a ride home with me and Alex," I said, "if I find him."
    Mom and Dad nodded, giving me a hug before leaving. At the escalator I turned right while they turned left, heading for the parking lot. I was met at the security line by Gene, the GM of the Spartans who'd announced his retirement coinciding with the end of the season. He was actually staying on through the end of the playoffs, but this Sunday would be the last real day of work for him. "Hey Gene."
    "Andrea, you look more and more beautiful every time I see you," he said, giving me a hug. "How's your parents?"
    "All four are doing well," I said, knowing Gene was in on the joke. Among friends, it wasn't the McCafferys and the Bylurs, but a combined clan that differed only by legal name. The only reason those of us in the younger generation used the term Aunt and Uncle with the adults that weren't our genetic parents was to prevent scandal. "Tabby regrets not being here today, but she wanted Mom and Dad to have a date to themselves."
    "Well, if we'd made the playoffs, I'm sure that she would have been here for at least one game," Gene said, letting me go. "So what did you think of Alex's performance today?"
    "If it's the last chapter written in the Spartans history book, I'd say he gave it one hell of a exclamation point," I said. "And to end it on a win, too. I'm sure this whole city will appreciate that."
    Gene led me down to the locker room area, where the press was gathered to try and get quick interviews and sound bites for the evening news casts. Of course, Alex, being the man of the hour, was surrounded by microphones. He looked huge and muscular, his California beach-boy look beaming even with the last of the dirt and sweat dripping off his hair.
    Some of the second stringers were already coming out when Gene patted me on the shoulder. "I'll go tell Alex that you're here."
    I nodded my thanks and waited, smiling and waving politely at the players I knew. Some of the veterans had been with the team nearly long enough I remembered them from my kindergarten days, and even those on injured reserve had made sure to at least attend the final game of the Spartans.
    Alex came out about ten minutes later, looking amazing in his Spartans polo shirt and jeans. "Hey baby," he greeted me, swinging me up into a kiss. "Did you like the game?"
    "Of course I did," I said with a grin. Alex was so strong, it was nice to be in his arms. "You were a holy terror out there."
    "I had great motivation," he said, kissing me again. "I was looking forward to seeing you after the game, and I needed a win to do what I wanted to do."
    "Which was?"
    Alex led me down the hallway, towards the tunnel. "Have you ever been out on the field?" he asked, holding my hand.
    "Once, but it was a press event," I admitted. "You could barely see the grass there were so many other people around the place. It must be different when you're playing."
    Alex tugged, pulling me along. "Here's your chance. Sure, the crowd will be gone, but the feeling is still awesome."
    I walked out with him, looking around. It was impressive, and at the same time kind of sad. The few lights that were still on left the field in dim shadow, while a few of the lights still on were mainly directed at the stands where staff were starting the massive job of cleaning up. "What do you think?"
    "I wish it wasn't the last time the Spartans were playing here," I said softly, holding his hand. "Especially as it means you'll be in a new city next