"Okay," I say hesitantly. The look on her face makes me almost feel bad for her - almost.

"I always had a thing for Jaxson. I followed his career for a while and hoped our paths would cross at some point so I could get my chance with him. Not as his image consultant, as his...woman," she says, searching for the right words. "I made suggestions to him about what to do and how to act, but Jaxson being with you is his own doing. I played no part in that. I'm embarrassed to say though, that I did play a part in trying to break you both up. I thought if I got the right thoughts into your head, I could make you change your mind about him. Then I would be able to pick up the pieces when he fell apart."

My jaw falls open as I listen to Nadia tell me what has to be the truth. She wouldn't lie about something like this. She sounds desperate and sad.

She continues, "I staged that photo in the parking lot. I thought seeing us together like that would seal the deal for you. I knew he wouldn't risk getting that close to another woman, so I did it myself."

"Well, your plan worked. We broke up."

"I'm sorry."

"No, you're not. You're just upset that it backfired and Jax wants nothing to do with you now. You fucked up, and if anyone finds out, your career is going to be over also."

Nadia looks down at the ground. She looks like a lost puppy, "That's why I'm here. I needed to try and fix what I did. It's the least I can do. I let my emotions get the best of me. It's never happened before - and it will never happen again."

"For your sake, I hope it doesn't. That was completely unprofessional." I look at my watch.

"Thank you for listening, Sydney. You're a good person. You deserve to know the truth. Jaxson loves you - everyone can see that. I'm sorry for trying to get in the way. True love always prevails." She tries to smile with the last sentiment.

"Thanks for the apology. I hope everything works out for you." I say snidely. I look at her with pity.

"You too."

With that, I start walking toward the entrance and she gets in her car.

I'm shaking. I can't believe that just happened. The ice queen just showed her true feelings - her most vulnerable side. I hate confrontation, but I'm proud of the way I handled that. I'm glad I let her speak her mind. It was obvious that she was speaking from the heart. I'm also glad I kept my cool. I kind of wanted to hug her, but I wasn't going to show her how much she affected me. No way.

I get to my classroom and sit down at my desk. There are so many thoughts racing through my head. How could everyone see how much Jax loves me when all I've done is doubt him. I need to explain. I need to make it right. If he really does love me, he must be hurting. I know I am. I can't wait anymore.

Chapter 37.

SYDNEY.

This day could not move any slower. All I want to do is find Jax and jump into his arms. I want to apologize and kiss him all over. I just want him to take me back. I hope it can be that simple.

Just when I think the school day is never going to end, the bell rings. Mikey stops at my desk on his way out.

"Are you going to the game tonight?" he asks.

"I didn't think you had one?" I reply, confused.

"We don't." He chuckles, "the Rattlers have a big playoff game tonight. Some of us bought tickets so we could go cheer them on."

Oh my God. With everything going on, I totally forgot about the game. Without Jax around to remind me, I didn't even think about his schedule.

"Yes. I plan on being there. Of course," I answer. I'm only partially paying attention now though. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to get tickets to the game and how I'm going to talk to Jax before he plays.

"Cool, Ms. Hayes. Maybe we'll see you there."

"Cool," I reply, absent minded.

As soon as Mikey leaves and I'm alone in my classroom, I take my phone out. I have to get to Jax.

I dial his number and it goes straight to voicemail. He must already be getting ready for the game tonight. Shit.

I head straight home and change. There's no way I'm missing this game. Kelly isn't home and I don't expect her to be for a while. That's okay. I've been to games by myself before, surely I can do it today. Hopefully I will be able to buy a last minute ticket.

I'm running on autopilot. I drive to the stadium. The parking lot is already full of tailgaters getting ready for the big game. I park in the first open spot I see and march up to the ticket window.

The only ticket available is in the nose bleed section and even that is a small fortune. I take a breath as the agent swipes my credit card. That one's going to hurt. I've been spoiled getting free tickets so close to the field.

Now I have a new problem. How is Jax going to see me? How will I find him? I have to get to him before the game.

I walk through the turnstile and stride toward the far end of the stadium where the locker rooms are. There are a few security guards near the entrance. I attempt to walk past them like I own the place, but they easily stop me.

"You can't go that way, sweetheart."

Sweetheart? Really? "It's okay. I'm Jaxson James's girlfriend."

One of them laughs. The other two look at each other. "Sure you are. Like we've never heard that before."

"No, really. Ask him. Please," I beg.

"Sorry, sweetheart. You're going to have to wait until after the game with the rest of the fans."

"Please, just let him know I'm here. He'll verify who I am."

"Look. I'm sorry, but you need to leave. Come back after the game if you like. Maybe you'll get lucky and he'll notice you."

These guys think I'm crazy. Then again, why wouldn't they? How many women have tried this in the past.

"Fine, but he's going to be pissed when he finds out you didn't let me in," I say, more for effect than anything.

I turn and walk back toward the main concourse. I really must sound crazy. I'm losing it. I'm completely full of emotions. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the whole game like this.

I find my seat. It's so high up, I can barely see what's going on on the field. Now I know why Tim was so excited to get good seats. What a difference. I buy a beer from one of the vendors walking passed me. Maybe that will help me relax a little.

The seats around me fill in no time and the game begins. From the first minute, I'm on the edge of my seat. I'm cheering and screaming at the field. Well, at least now I know what to do with all of my nervous energy. In fact, I get so into the game, I almost forget about why I came in the first place. Almost, but not quite.

I can tell Jax isn't playing like himself. He's playing hard, but he's also being a little sloppy. After watching him so many times, I can tell. He's being rough and careless. It's my fault. I did this to him. If they lose, I'll feel terrible knowing that it's because of what I did to Jax.

Despite Jax being 'off' on the field, the Rattlers have a secure lead. Luckily the rest of the team is holding their own and picking up his slack. I'm sure playing on their own turf isn't hurting either. Whatever it is, I feel a huge sense of relief when the final whistle blows and the Rattlers win. My whole section cheers and screams. One more win, and they are headed to the Superbowl.

I don't stick around for the celebration though. Once I heard that whistle, I took off for the locker rooms. I made it down in record time and got myself a spot up front. I need Jax to see me. I can't chance not being noticed.

It feels like forever before the players start filing out of the locker room. Each time a new face appears in the doorway, I get excited. Then my heart sinks when it's not Jax.

Finally, I see Jake emerge and I know Jax will be right behind him. He is. The fans around me push forward for a chance to get an autograph or picture. I freeze. What am I going to say with all of these people around. With all my worrying and thinking, I never really planned on what I was going to say.

Jax sees me standing there. Our eyes meet. He seems hesitant - like he doesn't know exactly why I'm there or what to do. I give him a meek smile. He takes it as a signal to come over.

"Hey," I say, quietly.

"Hey."

The girls next to me nudge me aside and excitedly ask Jax to sign a football. He gives me a look and signs the ball for them.

"Can you meet me outside?" he asks. This clearly isn't the place to have a conversation.

"Of course."

Jax makes his way to the double doors, stopping to pose for a photo or sign something for a fan. I wish I could make all of these people disappear. I'm following close behind. The same security guards that stopped me before the game try to stop me from going past the next door, but Jax takes my hand and gives them a nod. I'm sure they don't remember me from earlier, but I give them a smug look anyway.

Once outside, it's just the players and some of their close friends or family that they let through with them. Jax still has my hand in his. He leads me over to the far end of the gated area, not saying a word as we walk passed everyone. He just smiles and nods. When he's satisfied that we're out of earshot, he stops and faces me.

"Good game," I say, unsure of how to start.

"Thanks. I wasn't expecting you."

There's an awkward silence. Neither of us know what to say or where to begin. I wish we could skip the talking part and just kiss and make up. I sense that Jax feels the same, but it may just be wishful thinking.

"I wasn't planning on being here, but," I pause. I need the right words. I want to say something perfect. I owe him that.

"But?" Jax asks. I can see that he still doesn't know if I'm here to make up or solidify our break up. I hate seeing him like this.

"I fucked up, Jax. I'm so stupid. I love you - a lot. I can't let my insecurities sabotage what we have - had," I add, looking down, "I just...whatever it takes, whatever I have to do - I'll learn. Nothing is worth losing you over. I shouldn't have pushed you away."

Jax doesn't respond. He looks like he's trying to contain a smile, but I'm not sure if it's because he's happy, or he wants to hear me beg before he tells me it's too little, too late.

I search for the right thing to say, but feeling crushed, I give up and just ask, "I'm too late, aren't I?"

That crooked smile appears on Jax's lips, "I would wait forever for you, babe."

My whole body relaxes, all of the tension I've been carrying visibly disappearing. "Forever?"

"Well, maybe not forever. I am a man after all." He winks, "but a very long time."

"Oh, Jax. I thought I lost you. I was so worried." I throw my body up against his and hug him tight.

"I've told you before, fate works in mysterious ways. I love you, Syd, but losing you - even for a short time - made me realize just how much you mean to me," Jax says, pulling me closer.

Tears are falling down my face. This time, they're tears of joy though.

"Me too. Thank you for making this so easy for me. I wasn't sure what was going to happen when you saw me."

Jax kisses me on the top of my head, "I have no intention of making this easy on you." He grabs my butt and yanks me into him, "this is only the beginning. You're going to pay for making me suffer."

A chill travels down my spine, "I'll do whatever it takes."

"Oh, I know you will."

I look up at Jax. He returns my gaze and leans down to kiss me. Our lips lock and it's the most amazing feeling. His tongue enters my mouth and twists and turns with mine. We kiss with such intensity, we don't hear Jake walk up next to us.

"Break it up, kids." Jake says.

Reluctantly, Jax pulls his mouth from mine.

"Thank God you took this guy back, Sydney. I thought we were going to lose him there for a minute," Jake kids, "apparently he can't play football anymore if you're not there to cheer him on."

Jax looks at me and shrugs.

"Come on, we have some celebrating to do," Jake says, "let's go. You lovebirds can finish that business later."

Jax winks at me and takes my hand, "you coming?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Nope."

We walk toward his car and drive to the bar to meet the rest of the team.

"Just in case you're wondering, you don't have to worry about Nadia showing her face tonight. She won't be coming around anymore," Jax explains.

"Thanks. I'm not worried about her - or any other woman from now on for that matter," I declare. "Besides, Nadia apologized and explained everything already."

"You saw Nadia?"

"Yes. She payed me a visit."

"Are we talking about the same Nadia? Nadia Tate? The woman with no soul? She apologized to you?" Jax is in shock.

"She sure did. Seems her soul isn't all black."

"Shit. Who knew?"

"Probably no one."

We both laugh.

"I kind of felt bad for her," I admit.