Page 69 of The Run Option

Jason Kingsley

Soft, hazy morning light filters through our bedroom curtains, bathing the bed and Willow’s sleeping frame in pale gold. I carefully set two mugs of coffee on my nightstand. While I’d love to cradle Willow as we both sleep the day away, she does need to go to work, and I need to go to a game film review meeting.

I brush her silky hair away from her face, smiling at how peaceful she looks. My chest warms to know that she’s comfortable enough to sleep next to me so soundly.

“Lo,” I murmur, running my fingers through her hair. She hums when I begin gently massaging her scalp. “It’s time to wake up.”

She blinks her eyes open, a sleepy smile gracing her lips when her gaze lands on me.

“Good morning,” she says in an adorable sleepy voice.

“Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?” I continue running my fingers over her scalp.

“Amazing.” She snuggles under our comforter more, her eyes falling back shut.

“No, don’t do that.” I laugh. “You need to start getting ready for work.”

“I quit,” she mumbles, making me laugh more.

“I think you’d regret that decision later.”

“I doubt it.”

“I brought you coffee.”

Her eyes open once more. “That helps.”

Smiling, I reach over and grab her mug. She brought it when she moved in, a deep blue color with star-like speckles. It brightens up my cabinet of plain white diner mugs.

Willow sits up against the headboard, stretching her arms above her head. The sight of her in my t-shirt makes my smile grow. Once she finishes stretching, she accepts the mug, murmuring a quiet thank you over the rim.

I settle in next to her and pick up my cup. We drink our coffee in silence for a few minutes as Willow begins to wake up more. Soon enough, she’s turning toward me, her gray eyes sparkling.

“Do you have a lot to do today?” she asks before taking a sip of her now half-gone coffee.

I shake my head. “Just a game tape review, and I’ll probably get in some mobility work to make sure I’m loose for the game this weekend.”

“So you won’t be at the stadium for very long then?” She traces a fingertip along the rim of her mug.

I set my coffee on the nightstand. On days when we’d both be working most of the day, we’ve been taking my car and leaving together. “No, but I thought I could drop you off and pick you up so we have more time together,” I voice my thoughts.

She beams, warming me with her bright smile. “I would love that.”

“Me too.” I lean over and steal a kiss.

“I probably have terrible morning coffee breath,” she says against my lips.

“I don’t care if you don’t.” I take her mug and set it aside before sliding my hand along her waist and drawing her to me.

“I thought I was supposed to be getting ready for work,” she teases.

I kiss her soundly, only pulling back when we’re both thoroughly breathless. “We can spare a few minutes.”

She giggles in between my kisses. It’s the sweetest sound in the world…that’s then halted by a phone buzzing incessantly on the nightstand. With a frustrated growl, I move to check it. Brock’s name is on the screen. I almost silence it, but after the past few days, I know it might be important.

“It’s Brock,” I explain to Willow with a sigh. She nods in understanding. “Hello?” I answer, trying and failing to keep my annoyance out of my tone.

“Well good morning to you too,” Brock says with a laugh. “Did I wake you?”

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