“I have waited my entire life to love you and I refuse to let your stubbornness take you away from me.”

“Women don't like to be told what to do. They like to be the ones telling us what to do. You want her to do something, you're gonna have to go about it a different way.”

He reached across the car and took my hand. "I know I haven't been around as much," he said, "but after today, my schedule won't be so busy."

"I understand," I said softly. And I did. "Football is your life. It's your dream."

He made a sound. "You're just as important to me."

I smiled. "I have to admit I won't be upset when this game is over and all the girls around here stop wearing your number all over their bodies."

His white teeth flashed. "Is someone jealous?"

I snorted.

His smile grew wider.

"Maybe a little," I admitted.

He lunged forward and in seconds had me in his lap, my legs straddling him so we were face to face. He buried his hands in my tangled disaster of hair. I admit I hadn't even brushed it when we got out of bed this morning.

"You're my favorite girl," he whispered.

"I better be your only girl."

He smiled. "That too.”

"The sky is filled with stars," I whispered.

Braeden tucked the blankets around us and pulled me into his chest. "They're our stars, Blondie."

I leaned back into him and sighed. "I like that."

"Everything seems easier for us when we're under the stars. Ever notice that?"

"Yeah, I have."

"You know why?" His voice was a mere rumble against my ear. I felt his breath with every syllable he spoke, like my personal lullaby.

"Why?" I snuggled in closer to him, and his arm tightened around my waist.

"Because the stars don't have rules. Anything goes out here beneath them. There is no right or wrong. They twinkle and shine no matter what. The stars see everything, baby. They see us for exactly who we are."

“If you want only one woman, the rest is just noise.”