Page 47 of Friend Zoned

“I am. Will you?” I take one of her hands and intertwine our fingers. “I know my schedule is crazy, and I’m gone a lot, but when I’m here, I promise to spend every single moment with you. And it won’t always be this way. My contract is up after next year’s season, and I’m not renewing it.”

Her eyes nearly bug out of her head and her mouth falls open. “You are not quitting the job you love because of me, and yes, I will be your girlfriend.”

“I’ve been considering it since before I met you. I’m tired of the traveling. I’ve been at this for eighteen years, and I’m ready for a change. Honestly, I don’t love the job like I used to, and I haven’t for a long time. You,” I say, tapping the tip of her nose, “were just a pleasant surprise. But that’s still a year and a half away, and I know it’s a lot to ask, but I promise I’ll make it good. I know you’ve been cheated on in the past, but—”

She puts a finger to my lips. “I’m not bringing any of that baggage into this. That’s my past, and you had nothing to do with it. I trust you until you give me a reason not to.”

“Youcantrust me.”

She caresses my cheek and says, “I know that, Aiden. You can trust me too.”

“I know I can. I’m not worried about that. And next time you go to a bar, it’s going to be with me.”

She rolls her eyes. “So, you were learning all the intel, huh? Well played, Coach. Well played, but don’t worry, my ho days are over.”

“Oh, you can still be a ho for me. I insist on it.” She lets out a giggle. “And those flirty looks? Also, only for me. That third button? Only when I’m around. These are mine.” His hands cover both breasts.

“I see you have kind of a caveman vibe thing going. Mine. Mine. Mine.” She does a good job of copying my voice. I pound my chest with a fist, making her laugh. She surprises me when she climbs on top of me. “I’m fine with it, but I’m going to be a cavewoman. This relationship is equal opportunity. This body? Mine. No one touches it but me. Got it?” She whispers the words right above my lips. I try to kiss her, but she inches just out of my reach. “Got it?” she repeats, firmer this time.

“Got it.”

“I’m the first person you call or text when you wake up.”

“Deal. I expect the same. Even if you wake up in the middle of the night, I want a text,” I add. “We spend every night together when I’m in town.”

“Oh, God, yes.

Chapter 25

Aiden

When I wake up the next morning, it’s to a warm but empty bed. It’s only seven, and we don’t have practice until later today. I grab my phone and call the assistant coach to tell him I’ll meet him later for our meeting, but I won’t be at practice. I think in all the years I’ve been coaching, this is only the second time I’ve missed a practice. This game has become an extension of myself. I don’t know where I end and basketball begins. It’s given me so much, but it’s taken from me too. I was willing to give everything else up for the love of the game. My family legacy, my father’s respect, a life that doesn’t require me to travel for two-thirds of the year, but I’m not willing to do that anymore.

After rolling out of bed, naked and content, I walk to my bathroom. Her smell still lingers on my skin and her taste on my tongue. After brushing my teeth and taking a quick shower, I put on a pair of sweatpants and head downstairs. She’s in the kitchen in my robe just like last night. She has the pantry open. I know the pantry is empty, so I don’t know why she keeps staring in there. I put my hands on her waist. I pull the neck of the robe to the side and plant a loud kiss on her soft skin.

“Why are you never in bed when I wake up? Do I have to handcuff you to me?” I spin her around and kiss her deeply. “Good morning, Ms. Dubois.”

“Good morning, lover.” Her hands end up in my hair. She gets on her tippy toes and kisses me again. “My goodness, I’m still coming to terms that this is all mine now.” She steps back to admire my body. Her hands glide up my chest, and I grab both her wrists and pull her back to my body.

“It’s been yours since I first saw you.” I kiss the inside of each wrist. “And what were you looking for in there?” I ask.

“I have a confession to make, Coach,” she says. All signs of playfulness are now gone.

“Aiden,” I remind her.

“Aiden. It’s serious.” She leaves my arms and walks to the kitchen island. “I didn’t tell you before, and I hope it doesn’t change anything between us.” She tries to hide her smile, but I catch it. I exhale in relief and walk toward her. I take her hand in mine and do my best to appear somber.

“What is it?”

“Well, the thing is, if I don’t have my morning coffee, I turn into a completely different person. Think of the Incredible Hulk or Mr. Hyde. It’s bad, Aiden. It’s really bad.”

I drop her hand and nod slowly.

“Should I be scared?”

“You really should, but you have about fifteen minutes before I turn into the Tasmanian Devil and destroy your beautiful house.”

“Incredible Hulk, Mr. Hyde, and the Tasmanian Devil.” I let out a loud whistle. “Who else are you hiding in there?”

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