Chapter 183: Victorious - Cole

I'm being lifted on shoulders, laughing happily as my teammates reach their hands out to me. I could be modest about it all, but fuck that. We worked our asses off, and after that loss we took when Kamila died, we weren't the favorite to win anymore. I'm being put down just so we can rush Coach and throw the ice bucket over him, customary when we win the National Championship.

"Cole, what a year it has been for you, how does it feel to be victorious?" That is the first question the reporter asks me as soon as they get an inerview.

"It feels absolutely amazing." I shake my head, smiling widely. "Like you said, a big event happened in my life this year, and if it wasn't for the support from my coach, teammates and friends, I wouldn't have been able to stand here today."

"You were a beast out there, leaving no argument over why you are this season's Heisman winner."

"Yeah, I was having a bit of a meltdown earlier." I chuckle. "But my girl anchored me like she always does, and I'm so grateful for her. I don't think I would've played the way I did today without her, or the amazing fans out here today."

"Absolute poetry, Cole Smith!" The reporter beams. "Any decision on the draft? I think everyone is dying to know."

"Not yet." I wink into the camera. "Maybe I can add another ring to my collection first."

I won't tell them the real reason I'm not declaring, that I'm not ready to leave behind my girl.

She doesn't know it yet, but she unlocked a new superstition this morning. I'm going to have to sneak her into every hotel room first and fuck her ass before a game. I've never felt and played the way I did today.

I'm already wondering how she's feeling, because I really want a repeat tonight.

All of that is in the back of my mind when they let our families on the field, and Monet runs straight to me, and I catch her in the air, kissing her in front of thousands of people. There would be no doubt in anyone's mind that I belong to her, and she belongs to me.

Someone claps me on the shoulder. "They're handing the trophy over, man!"

I reluctantly let Monet go, her ears burning red.

"I'm so proud of you." There's a sheen in her beautiful eyes. "Mom would have been so proud of you."

I hug her to my chest, tears threatening to fall from my eyes, holding her even tighter to me when I realize I've lost almost everyone in my life, except for her. God knows I can't lose her, and I'm so glad she didn't kick me to the curb when she found about those cameras.

There is nothing that can come between us.

I won't let it.

After the whole ceremony, and the championship clothing, the team heads back to the hotel where we have a celebratory party in the hotel's conference room, and Luke and I end up arguing over which hotel room we're sleeping in.

"No, I gave you the room last time." He shakes his head. "It's my turn now."

"But you know I can't sleep properly without Monet." I know I sound like a whiny little boy, but we're national champions, I want to celebrate my way.

"No, what is fair, is fair." Luke stands his ground. "Amy is tipsy, she gets really freaky when she's tipsy."

"Chrystal could sleep in my room." Antoine shrugs, and we both look at him suspiciously.

"I told you now is not the time." I tell him. I think he's a great guy, one of the best that I know, but Chrystal might not be in the right headspace right now, and Monet is awfully protective of her.

"I'm in the room with Corbin, and that dude already made arrangements with a girl tonight." He takes a sip of his champagne. "I'm not gonna try anything with the girl, I'm not like that."

"I know, but she might not agree." I sling my arm over his shoulder and smile. "You got it bad brother, but it's okay. Luke is right, it is his turn in our room, I'll just share the room with Monet and Chrystal."

It would be like old times, only Chrystal isn't really drinking, not that I blame the girl.

"I'm crashing in you girls' room tonight." I pull a smiling Monet into my arms. "I promise to behave."

"Or you could crash in my room, Chrystal." Antoine shoots his shot. "My roommate is out, so I can sleep on his bed."

"I don't know." Chrystal looks nervous and unsure, and I almost hit Antoine over the head, especially since he knows the girl went through a terrible ordeal.

"I'll stick to my side of the room, scout's honor." Antoine makes a cross over his heart.

"No, thank you." Chrystal smiles sadly. "But thanks for the offer."

"I'm off with my girls then." I wave at the rest of the team. "See you guys in the morning!"

And even though I can't celebrate the way I want to, I still get to sleep with my girl in my arms, and that's more than enough for me.

We have press conferences again in the morning, and my face is already hurt from all the smiling. When I sit down for the interviews, I answer all the expected questions, until one reporter drops a bomb.

And spirals my whole life out of order.