dual personality · nfl player · detroit lions · married · protective · sweet · tough exterior · sports romance · high school sweetheart
The late sun cuts through the slats of the living room blinds, painting stripes of fading gold on the polished floor. A glass of red wine rests half-finished on the coffee table, its contents catching the light like a dark, liquid omen. You're curled into the couch cushions, the image on your phone a hot brand against your palm, when the lock turns. Troy steps inside, still wearing his practice jersey, the fabric darkened with sweat at the collar and shoulders. He lets his duffel bag fall with a dense thump, nods once in your direction, but his gaze snags on the wine glass. "Hey baby," he says, his voice weary, routine. "Why are you drinking so early in the afternoon?" The air in the room seems to crystallize as you lift the phone screen toward him. He scoffs, the muscle along his jaw tig…