:: Emma's POV ::
The Houston sun was shining brightly as I made my way across the parking lot of the local rec center; my steady pace causing the curls in my long brown hair to bounce with every stride. I was on my way to pick up my son, Noah, from his NFL Play60 practice.
At just 5 years old, he was a true lover of the game, something I believe he inherited from me and he's completely smitten by our local NFL team, the Houston Texans. Like most young football loving boys, JJ Watt was everything Noah hoped to be and his life sized Fathead graced his bedroom wall. Not that I can complain, I mean... What girl would? Am I right?
I finally reached the football field and took my place on the sideline with the other parents waiting to pick up their aspiring football players. I pulled my sunglasses down over my jade green eyes in order to get a better look at what was taking place on the field. The boys were all huddled in a circle, listening very closely to the man that spoke to them. I'm not quite sure who it was, as I could only see his back, but I do know I've never seen Noah so alert and focused. God love him but come on, he's a 5 year old boy, and he has the attention span of a goldfish at times.
It wasn't long before the coaches dismissed the boys and sent them running to claim their parents. I was always so happy to see my little man; he never failed to brighten my day.
"Hi handsome!"
I'm quite sure I was beaming as I squatted to Noah's level in order to fully accept his hug. His hugs were the best and I always made sure to get the best grip I could. He was growing so fast, the "it's socially unacceptable to be seen in public with your mother" days will be here before I even know it. I had to treasure the moments I had left.
He gave me the biggest smile and threw his arms around me like he hadn't seen me in days.
"How was football?" I asked him as I retied his shoe lace that had come undone.
"He came mommy! He really came!" Noah jumped up and down in total excitement. His genuine excitement was enough to make me want to jump and I don't even know what he's jumping about.
He pointed his little finger towards the man that had captivated him just moments ago. I still couldn't see his face and curiosity was seriously getting the best of me.
"Come on! I told him my mom wants to meet him!" His small hand grabbed a hold of mine and before I could even protest he was running, pulling me with him towards this mystery man.
"Noah, who am I meeting?"
My mind was racing and I couldn't help but to wonder why he was so determined for me to meet this person. Was I being sold out by my own kid?
I watched as Noah reached his hand out and tugged on the shirt of the extremely tall individual before us. At this point, I swear I can feel my heart in my throat. I'm nervous and I don't even know why. Perhaps it's the fact that I really don't even know what to expect.
The man turns around and I no longer think my heart is in my throat, I know it's in my throat. Mystery man is JJ Watt and he's even dreamier than his Fathead that greets me every time I walk into Noah's room. I instantly feel like a prepubescent teen at a One Direction concert fighting to contain my squeals. I'm a 25 year old Tahoe driving football mom; I have got to keep it together.
"Noah, my man..."
I watched as JJ held out his large hand waiting for Noah to accept his high five. Noah happily obliged and slapped his hand as he let out the happiest giggle I've heard out of him in a very long time. I had to laugh, it was too cute. JJ laughed as he squatted to break the large gap that separated him from Noah.
"Is this mom?" JJ asked Noah as his finger pointed right at me. Noah gave him a proud nod and I couldn't help but to smile as I pushed my sunglasses up to rest on my head.
JJ stood up straight and looked right at me, his blue eyes taking the breath right from my lungs.
:: JJ's POV ::
As I stood up to introduce myself to Noah's mom, my eyes had met hers. I can't explain the feelings that came over me. I suddenly knew what it felt like to be the quarterbacks I sacked week after week; it felt like the wind was knocked right out of me.
The contrast of her long brown hair against her sun kissed skin made her green eyes stand out, but it was her smile that really made her eyes sparkle. Call me crazy but she had to be the picture of perfection. I immediately envied the man lucky enough to call her his own.
"I'm Emma."
She extended her perfectly manicured hand and I gladly welcomed her introduction as I took it in mine. I felt slightly embarrassed that she may have sensed the moment of awkward silence I had created while I was picking my jaw up off the floor.
"I'm JJ." I smiled at her, "You have quite the little football player on your hands here."
She laughed and I instantly felt increasing warmth around my heart. She was captivating.
"He is determined. He's got big NFL dreams."
I turned to look at Noah, suddenly noticing that he shared the same eyes and smile as his mother, "Oh yeah?"
He nodded his head before speaking up, "I want to be just like you."
He was so sure of his statement, it never ceased to amaze me at the way my career path truly influenced this young generation. It was flattering and beyond humbling. It kept me grounded and really allowed me to keep my focus and certainly helped me to continue being the man my parents raised me to be.
"Spiderman is cooler; wouldn't you rather be like him?"
:: Emma's POV ::
"I want to be just like you."
Noah was so confident in his remark. He wanted to be like JJ and there was no persuading him otherwise. I watched as the emotions washed over JJ's face. He was flattered; there was certainly no denying that.
"Spiderman is cooler; wouldn't you rather be like him?"
I wanted to melt at the playful smirk on JJ's face. Noah let out a goofy little laugh and it instantly caused JJ and me to join him. There was nothing more contagious than a little kid's laughter.
"He really admires you." I spoke up causing JJ to look in my direction, "He's got a Fathead of you on his bedroom wall."
"Oh yeah?"
Noah nodded, his smile never leaving his face. It was no wonder his cheeks weren't sore.
"Well, I really admire you..." JJ softly poked Noah's chest with his finger, "make sure you keep practicing so I can put you on my wall someday."
I fought back my urge to 'awwwww' at JJ's comment. It was beyond sweet and I know that Noah was going to live on those words for years to come. JJ is the epitome of gentle giant.
"Will you be at my game?" Noah looked up at his idol, anxiously awaiting his response.
"I don't know buddy. When's the game?"
JJ looked at Noah, then followed Noah's gaze to me. I couldn't help but to laugh. It was as if I suddenly had two hopeful puppy dogs eyeing me as they waited for a treat.
"It's at 11am on Saturday."
I knew JJ likely wouldn't show but I divulged the information regardless.
JJ rested his hand on Noah's head, "I don't know if I'll be able to make it bud but I'm really going to try. Okay?"
Noah accepted that answer and gave JJ a nod.
"I'm so glad I got to meet you today." JJ returned to a squatted position putting him at Noah's level.
In response, Noah wrapped his arms around his broad neck. Once again I felt the smile creep across my face. What can I say? I'm a total sucker for guys who are good with kids. As the single mom of a little boy, I know how extremely rare it is to find a man that has a way with kids so I can certainly appreciate it.
Noah released his grip on JJ allowing him to return to his natural 6'5 height and rejoined my side.
"It was really nice meeting you."
I once again felt my heart beat speed up as his eyes landed upon mine. He was killing me.
"You too Emma."
..................................................................................
:: Emma's POV ::
Saturday had come quickly and Noah had such high hopes that JJ was going to show up at his game and refused to listen to the excuses I made for why he may not make it. Not that I would fault him for it, I totally understand that its football season and his schedule is demanding, I just couldn't bare the idea of Noah's little heart being broken. I had already convinced myself that JJ wasn't going to show, even if his intentions were good.
I stood on the sideline as the teams formed their little huddles around their coaches who gave them their pre-game pep talk. I could see Noah's attention continually shifting towards the spectators on the sidelines looking around hopeful he'd spot his hero. I'd be lying if I said my eyes didn't scan the dozens of faces with him, as if JJ would be hard to miss. Nothing.
I lit the screen on my cell phone in order to see the time. 11:01. I slid the phone back into the snug pocket of my jean shorts and looked at Noah just in time to see the slight slump in his shoulders. It really pulled at my heart strings to see the hope slowly fade from his otherwise very optimistic self. I could only hope that he understood it wasn't personal.
:: JJ's POV ::
I had pulled into the parking lot much faster than I should have and parked in the first open spot I could find. I looked at the blue numbers of the clock on my dashboard. 11:13. I was late but I would still get to see most of the game, at the rate our team meeting was going this morning I was surprised I even made it at all.
I walked towards the football field; actually I sprinted towards the football field. The last thing I wanted to do was disappoint Noah by not showing. Who knew such a small little man could leave such a lasting impression on me?
Emma came into sight as I made my way around the large set of pop up metal bleachers. Her long brown hair was swept up into a ponytail and her oversized sunglasses covered her beautiful green eyes. Those eyes have been imprinted in my mind since Tuesday and I just couldn't seem to shake it. I mentally cursed myself for it, for all I know she's someone's wife.
"Sorry I'm late..."
I couldn't help but to chuckle as she jumped at the sound of my voice. I had unintentionally startled her. It seemed obvious she didn't expect me to show at the look of utter surprise on her face. I don't know whether to be offended she doubted me or happy that I managed to prove her doubts wrong.
"Did I scare you? I'm sorry. Our morning meeting went longer than I expected."
"I hope that means we're getting that win on Sunday." A smile crept across her lips and a laugh escaped my mouth, "Noah is going to be so happy to see you here."
"I'm glad I could make it. That kid touched a place in my heart. His passion and his spirit... Just reminds me of myself at his age."
It was true. Noah had such a strong drive for such a little person. If only adults had half that ambition.
"He's a special kid, that's for sure. It really means a lot that you took your time to be here."
Her face lit up when she talked about Noah.
"You and your husband should be proud. He must get that drive from one of you."
She laughed at my comment and held up her left hand and showed me her ring less finger and I instantly felt like I needed to put my foot in my mouth. But, at the same time, I felt relieved to know that someone hadn't stolen her heart.
"I think I need a man in order to have a hubby."
I laughed through my smile, "Touché."
"Noah is the only guy in my life."
"Well, he's a lucky little guy."
I managed to surprise even myself at my response. The smile on Emma's face put me at ease and the slight redness on her cheeks made me feel like I had accomplished something with that compliment.
:: Emma's POV ::
"Well, he's a lucky little guy."
My heart was racing at JJ's comment and I'm sure the evidence was all over my face. Even the combination of my sunglasses and the intense Houston sun wasn't enough to disguise the redness that I know my cheeks were showing. I wasn't even sure what to say to that. Not only was I at a loss of words but replying with a 'thank you' seemed silly. So, I did the only thing I could at that moment, I smiled at him.
JJ's words had created silence between us, but I wouldn't say it was an uncomfortable silence. We had both just returned our focus to our reasons for being there, Noah and football. We found ourselves occasionally making eye contact with each other every time we cheered Noah on and it seemed as if we couldn't help but to smile at one another. I guess I found myself to still be in awe that a man in such high demand took the time out of his busy schedule to watch my little 5 year old play flag football on a Saturday afternoon during football season.
Before we knew it the whistle had blown to signal it was the end of the game and all I could think was how quickly the last 20 minutes had gone by. A sea of kids ran towards their benches picking up their water bottles and handing in their flag belts before dispersing to find their parents and loved ones. Noah had taken a long drink from his green Gatorade water bottle as he slowly walked towards JJ and I, seemingly in no hurry to get out of here. Being the little boy he is he was distracted by everything on his trek to the sideline and he had yet to spot JJ beside me. I couldn't wait to see his reaction when he realized JJ had actually made it to his game.
I knew he had finally spotted us when his eyes lit up and his jaw dropped open. It took all of 2 seconds before he was in an all out sprint to get to him as fast as he could.
"You made it! You made it! I knew it!"
Noah's little voice was so full of excitement as he ran full speed towards JJ, his arms opened wide. I had all of a sudden become chopped liver to him but couldn't even be upset over it. Nothing could possibly beat the smile on his face.
JJ and I both laughed as he squatted down, arms open and ready to catch Noah as he threw himself full force into his arms.
"Of course I came. I wouldn't miss it." JJ smiled at him, "And I saw that awesome touchdown."
He held is large hand up and Noah jumped to slap it and giggled when he succeeded.
"Now do you think you could do me a favor?" He asked.
Noah nodded proudly and was ready to take on any task JJ was about to give him.
"Do you think you could come to my game tomorrow?" JJ looked up at me, "If it's okay with your mom of course."
Noah's eyes got wide and all of a sudden his eyes were on me too, "Can I mommy? Please can I?"
"Are you sure?"
He nodded, "I want you guys to be my guests tomorrow." His attention shifted back to Noah, "And I need someone to help me warm up before the game. Do you think you could do that?"
"Yes!" Noah jumped up and down and I had to laugh, to be young again, "Please mommy!"
Once again I had two sets of hopeful eyes on me; I seemed to be finding myself in this situation quite a bit lately.
I nodded before I could even get my response out, "Yes."
How on earth was I supposed to say no after that?