It's Time

Stay or Go

"On the count of three, we'll both say whether we want to stay or leave Chicago," I suggest to Spencer that way; neither one of us feels pressured to answer based on the other person.

"Aight, bet. One... two... three."

"Leave." "Stay," I respond, genuinely shocked by my husband's answer.

We stare at each other for what feels like forever before Spencer finally attempts to thaw the ice.

"So much for easing the pressure," he teases. But I know Spencer and his words are anything but a joke.

"I thought you'd be excited about the idea of playing with Jordan again. The kids could grow up with their cousins. I'm missing the disconnect, babe." I walk over to the couch in our room before plopping down, defeated.

"You don't get it, Liv. How can I possibly play for an organization that doesn't respect me? Them bringing J here was just another way to manipulate me." He sighs before joining me on the couch.

"You're being a little cynical about this. You love the game, and even more so when you play it with my brother as your QB."

"There's more to it than just my love for the game." Spencer quickly rebuttals.

"Okay, so I guess I better ask... is this even up for discussion? Or is your mind already made up?" I decide to rip the band-aid off because my husband has the tendency to make plans and reveal them to me once they're already in motion.

"Of course, this is up for discussion. We're a team, and if you want to stay in Chicago, I'm willing to entertain the idea. I just want it on record that my staying here would only be because of you."

Wow, thanks. He may as well have said he'll be miserable as long as it means I'm happy.

"What am I supposed to do with that? My brother and Simone are here now. My niece is here. The kids could all grow up together. You don't see all of that as a good thing?"

"Liv, you're asking me to stay even though I can't trust the Bears as an organization anymore." He drops his head in his hands.

If I were smart, I'd call 'SOS' and resume this conversation later. If I were smart.

"I'm asking you to stay because you can trust me. I'd never vouch for staying if I didn't think you could overcome the events of the last few weeks." I rub the top of his head.

Spencer sighs, and I know he's going to give in to me any minute now. Still, I'm not comfortable standing by the decision to stay if he isn't all in.

"Fine, Liv. I'll give it some more thought." He concedes, and I smile inwardly.

"I could use a little extra convincing, though." He smirks at me before scooping me up bridal style and plopping me down on the bed.

"Don't get any ideas." I stare into his deep brown eyes, trying to convince both him and myself.

He lowers himself until he hovers above me on the bed, holding his weight up with his fists pressed into the mattress. If he stays this close to me, my resolve will break. His scent, coupled with the unbelievably sexy smirk on his face right now, is enough to make me forget about the two weeks I have left before my husband and I can finally get back to our favorite hobby.

Spencer lowers his face to mine, daring me to make a move. "I think it's time for a little fun." His lips brush mine with each word he speaks.

"Baby." I sigh.

"Don't worry, Liv. There's other fun to be had." He winks at me, and I crash my lips onto him, unable to resist any longer.

Spencer traces his fingers down my neck, followed by his lips. The feeling sends a shiver down my spine. I crave his touch the moment his lips leave my skin. He continues working his way down, a trail of tender kisses on my abdomen serving as a tease for what's to come.