Page 78 of Almost

Chris shrugs. “I might grow it back, but I didn’t want to show up to my lawyer’s office with it. I understand why men grow them; it grew on me not having to shave every couple of days.”

“You looked like a woolly mammoth. I’m glad it’s gone.”

“You’re so fucking dramatic, Lia.” He snorts, and I playfully stick my tongue out at him. “It’s about damn time you’re together again. Bash almost bit my head off last time I saw him, but he’s never not loved you. I’m just glad you two idiots could finally figure it out; we’ve all been waiting a long time for you to get back together.”

“I think we both had some growing up to do before we could get here.”

“I’d have to agree with you,” he says, smiling genuinely this time.

“Shut up.” I shove his shoulder as Chris laughs deeply. His smile remains as Henry’s laughter echoes again. Bash definitely won him over. “It’s going to be okay, Chris,” I say reassuringly.

He smiles uneasily. “I hope so.”

Henry points at us, and Sebastian tilts his head questioningly to ask if they can come over. Chris nods, pulling me to meet them in the middle. “I’m a giant!” Henry exclaims, laughing contagiously.

“Yes, you are, buddy,” I agree as Bash crouches down to let him climb down.

He throws his arms around my leg, beaming up at me with a toothy grin. This kid could ask me for the moon and I’d find a way to get it for him.

Chris is watching him sadly, and I hate the fear in his eyes. I wish I knew what Allie was thinking so I could do more to help, but unfortunately, I can’t do anything more than I’m already doing. Allie and I were never the best of friends.

Sebastian wraps an arm around my shoulders as they wave at us on their way out the gallery.

Shaking off the pit in my stomach about Allie, I indulge selfishly in my own happiness by looking up at the man I love. “So where were we?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Sebastian

OWEN HASN’T STOPPED boasting all night about his two touchdowns he ran in and I’m letting him gloat just like I always have. We’re lucky to have him. Maybe at some point I’ll call him on his shit, but at the current moment it’s not hurting anyone.

There aren’t enough words to explain how good it felt to be back on the field today. It’s always been the one place where everything disappears, and I feel completely in control. We demolished the other team to the point where I felt kind of bad about it until I spoke with the other team’s quarterback after the game. He explained it was the ass-kicking they needed to get them moving in the right direction.

The bar we’re at tonight is busy, but the VIP lounge is nice. Occasionally someone will ask for an autograph or a photo, but for the most part I’m left alone while I’m here. Other places I won’t touch because it’s too crazy.

Thalia’s at the bar ordering another beer, leaving me alone with Blake and Owen. I’m still nursing my first beer, unable to stop thinking about the conversation Owen and Ihad a few days ago. I honestly can’t blame him for questioning my intentions with Thalia, but I’d be lying if I tried to say it hasn’t stopped bothering me that he even felt the need to ask if I was ready. My answer must have been satisfactory considering he hasn’t brought it up again, but neither have I.

I know the timing isn’t great, especially with the press still in full swing.

Kiera finally made a statement to the media, taking some of the heat off of me, but the story has taken on a life of its own. It doesn’t help that she didn’t clarify the paternity of her unborn child, but she did admit I never cheated on her, nor did I leave her for Thalia. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough to salvage my sponsorships, and get the front office off my back.

For me, everyone in my life knows the truth, and there’s no reason to add more fuel to the fire by commenting on her pregnancy.

I, for one, am sick of seeing my name in the tabloids.

Thalia returns with a new bottle in her hand, her hand brushing along my lower back as she slides into the seat next to me. “What’s the look on your face for? I thought we were celebrating.”

I don’t need to force myself to smile. It comes naturally from looking at her. “We are. I was thinking.”

“You’re always thinking,” she teases, poking my cheek playfully.

Owen shakes his head, chuckling across from me. “Bash is probably thinking about his mistake during the game. I swear, I’ve never met anyone more obsessive with watching game tape.”

“I didn’t make any mistakes. The score at the end proved it.” I scoff, tapping my fingers on the table. “You’re one to talk, considering I’ve never met someone else as obsessed with themselves as you,” I reply cheekily, resulting in Blake sputtering, her drink caught in her throat.

Thalia laughs happily next to me as Owen rolls his brown eyes. “Fuck you.”

“You’re mad because I’m right,” I challenge, but thankfully, Owen smiles, shrugging his shoulders.

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