Page 36 of The Run Option

“I’ve been trying to think of a nickname for you. Do you hate it?”

His eyes flick back and forth between mine, as if he’s searching for something. I don’t know what he could be looking for though.

I slowly shake my head. His gaze softens, his smile warm. “Good. Lo it is, then.”

The bus bounces, jerking us out of this moment. Jason’s hand falls away from my wrist.

“Must have hit a pothole,” he notes.

“Um-I should go see if I can get a few clips before the guys get too rowdy.” I slip out from under his arm and grab my phone out from my Lions backpack. “I’ll be back.” I cringe at my words.Of courseI’ll be back. Where else would I go?

“Okay, let me know if you need anything or if anyone gives you any trouble.”

I nod, not daring to look at him again after what just happened. I need space, but that’s going to be hard to find for the next few hours. Maybe this little bit of a breather will settle my nerves and cool my flushed cheeks. If it doesn’t, I’m not sure how I’m going to make it through today.

“Lo, it’s time to wake up. We’re here,” a low voice says.

I snuggle against my warm pillow. “Five more minutes,” I murmur.

Air puffs against the crown of my head and I hear chuckling. “We need to get off the bus.”

I frown. The bus? My eyes shoot open. It’s then that my senses come alive. A masculine scent fills my nose, my pillow is warm because it’s a sweatshirt-cladbicep, and the low voice belongs to Jason.

I quickly sit up and run my fingers through my hair, embarrassment flooding my veins.

“I-” My throat is dry, stifling my speech. Oh no, was my mouth open? Was Idrooling? I glance down at his arm, relieved to find no wet spots.

Jason hands me my reusable water bottle. I take a long swig. “I’m sorry,” I breathe out once my throat is no longer doing an impersonation of the desert.

His brow crinkles. “For what?”

I blink. “For using you as a pillow.”

“Why would you need to apologize for that? I’m your fiancé, I think that’s a part of the deal.”

“Yes, but–” I pause, realizing we’re on a bus full of people. I can’t very well say this isn’t real. “You’re right. I’m just dazed,” I say with a forced laugh.

He raises a brow like he knows I’m faking. “Let’s get into the hotel. Maybe you can rest some more before the game. I know it’s been a long past few days.”

I nod in agreement. It has been, but I’m not sure a quick nap will help. My legs ache from being seated for too long when I stand. The guys are filing off the bus, but when I stand, the line stops.

Troy, one of our wide receivers, smiles at me. “Ladies first.” His eyes flick to Jason, then back to me. My brows furrow. I glance over my shoulder to find Jason giving him a stern look. What is going on?

I pick up my bag and slide by Troy. He backs up into Lawson, our kicker, in order to avoid being close to me.

“Seriously, man, I just got these new shoes,” Lawson grumbles.

“Sorry, she needed more room to pass.”

I really didn’t, but there’s no use telling him that now. Jason follows behind me, pausing to give Troy a firm clap on the shoulder.

“You’re a good guy, Troy,” he says, his casual tone not at all matching his body language.

I shoot him a confused look, but he just gestures for me to keep going. Shrugging off the weird interaction, I head down the bus stairs, my backpack jostling against my back as I do. When I step off the bus, I feel the weight of my bag lifted.

“What are you doing?” I ask, looking over my shoulder at Jason. I step out of the loops and he throws the bag over one shoulder, his other holding a maroon duffle bag.

“My wife doesn’t carry her own bag,” he states.

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