Page 21 of There is No Try

“No. Stay right there. I’m on my way.”

We hang up and thirty minutes later he pulls up to the curb in his black sports car, which is more suited for two passengers, not three. He gets out, the car still running and door wide open, and rushes over to us. The moment I’m in his arms, I’m finally home for the first time since he left. He pulls Gavin into our embrace, and I’m unable to keep myself from crying.

“I missed you so much, pup.”

“We missed you too,” I sigh, holding him tighter.

A security officer approaches to tell us we need to move our vehicle. Lucas lets go of us and a tear leaves the corner of his eye. As I wipe it away, he leans into my touch. “I love you, both of you. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? How long are you here for?”

I glance to Gavin, then back to Lucas. “I bought us one-way tickets. We’re here as long as you are.”

“Are you serious? You’re moving here?”

“Move along, or you’ll be towed,” the security officer chimes in.

“Right, sorry, mate.” Lucas puts our luggage in the boot, then adjusts the passenger seat for Gavin to climb in. He barely fits but doesn’t complain. “Sorry, Gav, it’ll be a tight squeeze but we’ll be home soon. I’ll buy a new car in the morning for you and your mum to use and it will have more room.”

Lucas moves the seat back to the original position and I slide in. He rounds the car and once he’s inside he laughs to himself, shaking his head. Keeping his hand in mine, we drive to his house and as soon as we’re inside, he shows Gavin to the spare room. It’s bare, with only a bed, vanity, and plain navy walls.

“You’re welcome to decorate it however you like, and we can order whatever you need until we get your things from Ireland delivered,” Lucas insists, then gestures to the attached bathroom. “That one is yours, and there’s a smaller one down the hall too.”

“It’s late, we should all get a good night’s sleep. Especially you.” I poke at Lucas’ chest. “You have a big match tomorrow.” Evenwith him benched due to his injury, I don’t want to be the reason he’s nodding off in the middle of the match.

“Yes, Mum,” he teases, then tells Gav, “If you need anything, let me know.”

Gavin rocks back on his heels. “Thanks. Were you surprised?”

“Yeah, and it was the best surprise I’ve had in a long time.”

We leave Gavin to shower and change for bed. Once we’re in his bedroom, Lucas sighs, pulling me into his arms. “You’re really here? Really moving?”

“You didn’t think you could get rid of your wife that easily, did you?”

“My wife. Fuck, I love the sound of it each time you say it. Let’s get to bed, it’s been far too long since I’ve tasted you. Can you be quiet, pup?”

I lightly lick my lip and reply, “I don’t know, why don’t we find out?”

CHAPTER 11

LUCAS

She’s here. Bridget, my wife, my whole fucking world. She’s. Here.

My soul has felt as if it was ripped in two, with one half of it remaining in Ireland when I left. Having Bridget in front of me doesn’t feel real; I have to pinch myself to ensure it’s not a dream. I’ve had a lump in my throat, willing back tears from the moment she confirmed she was at the airport. As much as I’d love to do more than make her come on my tongue, she needs to rest. We both do. I’ve spent too many sleepless nights without her. Holding her is enough, even if my cock protests.

My ankle is almost healed, but I am still prohibited from doing anything more than warm-ups. I’d give just about anything to have a doctor sign off, allowing me to play. Bridget and Gavin are watching me today, and I hate that I’m stuck beside my coach with a bloody headset when I could be on the pitch.

Fifteen minutes into the match, I glance over to Bridget and Gav, only to find an all too familiar face behind them. James wasn’t there before, maybe he was late, but he’s the last person on the planet I’d want to see. My phone is in my duffle, and I’m kickingmyself for not having it on me. I can’t warn Bridget, though he can’t know who she is unless…

Fuck, is he stalking me?

I only last four minutes before I can’t take it any longer, asking to be dismissed. I rush off the pitch to the changing room to retrieve my phone, and send off a text to Bridget.

I promise I didn’t invite him.

Bridget

What are you talking about?

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