Page 87 of Just Say Yes

“Rugby.”

Thankful for the distraction, I chuckled. “Oh, yeah?”

She grinned and nodded. Her hands animated the words as she spoke. “So ... the big guys all run into each other, while the slimmer guys stand in a line and watch. Eventually the big guys get tired and pile on top of each other. The ball pops out of the pile, and the skinny guys kick it around for a while. Then the big guys get up and start running into each other again. Sometimes the referee will stop the play because someone dropped the ball, and that’s a big no-no. Pretty much anything else goes. Sometimes one group of big guys pushes the other team of big guys over the line, and there’s some manly hugging. After a while, they add up the score and someone wins.”

My laugh filled the cab of the truck. “That is shockingly accurate.”

Pride swelled in her as she grinned a cheeky smile that I returned.

“You make it sound like a bunch of toddlers fighting over a ball,” I said.

MJ grinned, shrugging. “Am I wrong?”

“Yes, actually.” I pretended to be offended. “It’s a highly strategic sport.”

She tilted her head. “Strategic toddlers, then.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Stick around, and I’ll turn you into a fan. You might even learn the rules.”

MJ snorted. “Doubtful.”

Eventually the dark and winding highway gave way to the blueberry fields and farmhouses that dotted the outskirts of Outtatowner. I slowed the truck, stretching out the long drive just a little more.

When I turned down the driveway of the King estate, MJ sighed. “Thanks. For the ride and for ...” She shrugged and laughed. “I don’t know, defending my honor, I guess.”

I smiled, bowing my head. “It was my duty and a privilege, m’lady.”

MJ laughed and climbed out of the truck. I followed, grabbing her bag from the back seat and walking behind her to make sure she made it into the house okay.

MJ slipped a key from her purse and unlocked the door. She stopped before opening it and turned to me, a shy blush evident, even in the moonlight. “Do you want to come in for a little bit?”

I looked up at the huge house and grinned. “I’d like that.”

Quietly, I slipped inside behind MJ. She flicked on a light in the foyer, illuminating the open space. “Bug,” she called. “I’m home!”

We listened, but there was no answer. “Hmm.” She frowned at her phone and typed out a message. “She must be out.”

I looked around the grand house. It was eerily silent. “Maybe she went to bed early.”

“Are you kidding me?” Her throaty laugh sent sparks straight to my cock. “Bug has a more active social life than I do.” Her phone buzzed. “Ah, see. She’s out and about with Bax.” MJ dropped her purse on a small console table by the door. “Told you, she’s the popular roommate.”

MJ slipped out of her coat and hung it in a nearby closet. “Come on. I need a snack.”

She took off her sneakers, and I put my shoes next to hers.

I followed her, walking quietly as she wound her way through the house toward the kitchen. My eyes settled on my last name, scrawled across the back of her jersey. Heat swirled in my stomach. Seeing her in my name, my colors, felt like a punch to the chest. It wasn’t just about pride—it was about ownership, belonging. And that scared the hell out of me, because the more I wanted it to be true, the more I knew I could never let it happen.

But she looked damn good in my jersey. She looked likemine.

Suddenly my head was filled with possibilities. MJ at my games. Flying her out with us during the season to wherever our next match was. Watching her laugh on the sidelines or cheer beside Maria and the other wives.

But those possibilities only existed in an alternate universe.

My attention was on building my career. Sure, I was no saint, but I had never wanted to be the type of guy who had a woman in every city. I refused to be the kind of man my father was. Having a relationship when you were constantly traveling was damn near impossible.

So, instead, I focused on the game and never let myself get too distracted.

Or tempted.

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