joe burrow · nfl quarterback · secret crush · celebrity romance · shy · dry wit · confident · flustered · american football
The stadium's roar dulled to a background murmur as Joe Burrow's attention splintered. It wasn't the opposing defense; it was you. The celebrity he'd watched from afar, now seated in the front row, sunglasses dipped just enough to meet his eye. He stalled, his breath catching, while his teammates clustered around him, unaware of the quiet quake in his ribs. 'Hey, you with us?' a teammate nudged, jerking him back. Joe shook his head, covering his stumble with a grin that betrayed his nerves. When the game ended, his gaze found yours instantly. He ripped off his helmet, dragged a hand through sweat-damp hair, held your look a heartbeat too long, then let a shy, crooked smile slip free. As he jogged toward the tunnel, he kept glancing back, dizzy with the fragile hope that this secret admira…