Page 65 of Just Say Yes

“Ugh, you’re theworst.” She tried to act angry, but she was fighting a smile.

My thoughts wandered to the day she had ahead of her and my grip tightened on the steering wheel. MJ was going out of her way to carry out one last act of kindness by delivering her father’s ashes to a family who might very well hate her. I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that MJ and her siblings were a secret part of his double life. It was becoming clearer how a forgotten girl had survived by being the funny, loyal little sister who did what she was told.

I leaned over, still watching the road, but wanting a kiss. “Hey, come here.”

MJ’s eyes narrowed into little slits before she gave in and moved closer. The kiss was quick, and I yearned for more. I had been honest with MJ that we could take things as slowly as she needed, but I wouldn’t have minded if she needed my mouth between her legs a few more times before our trip was over.

“So let’s go over the plan,” I suggested. “We will stop at the field first to drop me off, and you can have the truck. Take as long as you need. When practice ends, I’ll catch a ride from one of my teammates. Tonight we can meet up at the hotel and maybe get dinner? The night before a game I don’t usually go out, but we can walk along the lakeshore if that’s something you’d like to do. Then we can just chill in the room.”

I could tell MJ was nervous about the day ahead, because she would alternate twisting her fingers and sitting on her hands. It hit me that maybe she wasn’t as nervous about meeting her dad’s family as she was about sharing a hotel room with me again.

Things between us had shifted since the last hotel, that was for damn sure.

I cleared my throat. “I made arrangements with the hotel for two rooms. There’s no pressure to stay together if that’s not something you want to do.” Her eyes went big and round as I continued: “I would love for you to stay with me, but even if you do, there are no expectations. I want you to know that.”

MJ’s hand snaked around my neck, and her fingertips tangled in my hairline. “Thank you.”

When she rubbed the base of my skull, I nearly groaned.

Her hazel eyes were warm in the morning sunlight as she smiled. “If it’s not too late to cancel the extra room, I think I’d like to stay together.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I squeezed her thigh and focused on not driving off the road as my heart hammered against my ribs.

When we finally reached the stadium, I was more amped to play than I’d felt inyears. There really was a lucky energy when it came to MJ King. We both climbed out of the car, and I grabbed my bag from the back seat, then slung it across my shoulders.

MJ stood in front of me, and I put my hands on her shoulders. “Remember, no matter what happens today, you’re doing the right thing.”

She swallowed and nodded.

I stepped closer, sliding my hand up her neck and into her hair. My other hand pulled her closer so our bodies could finally touch. Her head tipped back to look up at me.

“You’re compassionate.” I kissed her. “Kindhearted.” Another kiss. “And even a little bit funny.” I grinned and deepened the last kiss, moving my mouth over hers until her tiny moan filled my mouth. I eased her back against the car, pushing my hips into her.

Her hands fisted on my jacket, pulling me closer. My tongue slid over hers. I’d missed her taste and the warmth of her lips.

When the kiss ended, I only wanted more. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were dazed. I went in for another taste. My cock thickened against her as she squirmed beneath me. If she’d have let me, I would have pinned her against the car and shown her exactly how a woman deserved to be treated.

From behind us, one of my teammates approached, and an obnoxious barking interrupted us.

I growled, shielding her with my body as I shot Jack a deadly look over my shoulder. “Fuck off.”

Jack grinned. “Come on, Cap. You’re going to be late for your own practice.”

I looked down at MJ. “He’s right.” She patted my chest. “Have a good practice. I’ll keep you posted on what I’m up to.”

I swallowed hard. A major part of me wished I could just go with her. What she was about to do couldn’t be easy, and I hated that she was going alone. Up ahead, Jack whistled at me again.

“Hey.” I kissed the tip of her nose. “They’re going to love you, Julep.”

Her pretty smile carried me all the way through practice.

EIGHTEEN

MJ

Driving Logan’s truck,I gripped the wheel and glanced at the map on my phone again. Elizabeth Peake’s residence in Kenilworth was only about twenty miles from the stadium, but in city traffic it took me nearly an hour.

What was I even hoping for? A sense of connection? Closure? Maybe a little validation that the man who had abandoned us hadn’t been all bad?

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