Page 150 of Even Exchange

I lean down, inhaling her, memorizing her, sending up a silent prayer for her, then press a light kiss on her cheek and drag myself out the front door. It clicks shut, the sound a bullet to my heart.

Then I get in my truck and cry.

* * *

Did she leave?

Does she not want me involved?

Will she push me away?

Should I let her?

A few days ago, I was cursing myself, wondering how the hell I got in this situation. And now? I’d wish on every dandelion in the world it won’t be ripped from my hands.Theywon’t be ripped from my hands.

“Caruso!” The shout penetrates my self-pity wallow fest, and my head snaps up to discover Coach Bexley with defined wrinkles on his forehead, eyes blazing. “What the hell’s going on out there?”

I blink the field into focus. The guys are staring at me, ball in my hand, and it all comes rushing back. The center hiked, offense started the play, and I froze—completely lost in my thoughts. Luckily, we were practicing a play with no defense, otherwise I would’ve been blitzed.

“It won’t happen again!” I promise.It can’t happen again.

I have to stay focused.

For Charlotte, and for the little baby girl growing inside of her. Even if it’s not biologically mine.

“It better not. We don’t pay you to daydream. If I wanted that, Knox would be out there!”

“Hey!” Knox says from the sidelines, and I crack a smile.

Inspira… due… tre… espira… due… tre.

“Down, set, hike!”

* * *

I’m ten houses from ours and already suffocating. Charlotte’s Bronco is in the driveway, which is a good sign, but the house is dark. Too dark. When I’m not home, she keeps every damn light on. That drove me crazy when the guys did it, but it makes her feel safer, so I won’t argue with that.

“Please be home,soffione,” I mutter to myself, pulling in the driveway.

I barely have time to turn off the ignition before jumping out and running towards the house.

Releasing a shaky breath, I unlock the front door and head inside. “Charlotte?” I call out, dropping my duffle and flickering lights on as I walk through the house.

Silence.

“Charlotte?” I call out again, checking our bedroom.Empty. Bathroom.Empty.With each room I check, I grow more panicked. “Fuck!”

Pausing in the kitchen, I white-knuckle the counter in an attempt to steady my breathing, but it’s no use. Every muscle in my body aches. Including my heart.

Snatching my keys from the counter, I make a beeline for the front door. Where could she be?

The Baller Pad?

Andi & Stella’s?

Swallowing hard, I think of a third place I wouldn’t even know how to check.

Jonathan’s?

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