Page 51 of A Game Plan for Love

“Doesn’t she always travel?” Maren asks, flipping her camera to show Jack crouched over a pot. “Look at how hot he looks, guys.”

Jack glances over his shoulder and rolls his eyes. “Hi, Addie! How’s Nora doing?”

“Well, that’s what we wanted to talk about,” Declan says.

We?

“Addie doesn’t travel because she doesn’t have overnight childcare for Nora,” Declan says the words out loud, and shame settles in my stomach. I feel like a horrible mother. “But Ben is out sick, which means she needs to cover for him.”

There’s a pause, and the girls exchange a glance before screaming, “Sleepover!”

“What?” It’s the first word I’ve spoken.

“My house or yours, Maren?” Sawyer asks.

“We could show her the greenhouse and use the vegetables for dinner,” Maren says.

“Perfect,” Nathalie says, “You guys leave Wednesday, so I can pick her up after school and bring her over.”

“I’ll make sure both of the guest rooms are set up,” Maren adds.

“Addie, what time does Nora go to bed?” Sawyer asks, “Does she have any allergies or a routine we need to know about?”

I’m mute, trying to keep up with the conversation but miserably failing. What is happening right now?

“I-I’m sorry. I’m confused.”

“We’re going to take Nora for the night,” Sawyer says, “if it’s okay with you.”

Her eyes are soft and full of understanding. She knows there’s no one else in our lives thanks to the enrollment paperwork at GameChangers.

I look at Declan on the phone, and his smile is full. He subtly nods.

“Thank you,” I say softly.

I don’t know how to express how much it means to me that they’re stepping in to help. I’ve never had that before, and it’s overwhelming knowing other people are willing to help.

I sniffle, and Declan catches the sound.

“We’ll text you the details,” he says, then ends the call. A few moments later, his name reappears on my screen. “Problem solved.”

“You have wonderful friends.”

“They’re your friends, too,” he says. I shake my head. “Invite Addie to Book Club. Do you think Addie would like to come to family dinner again? Buck up and make Addie your girlfriend already.Those are all messages from the girls. The last one is from Maren.” He smiles, shaking his head. “The book club group chat is already blowing up with ideas to entertain Nora.”

“I didn’t realize.”

“We’re all pretty obsessed with you,” he says, “Deon the most.” I laugh. He’s not wrong. “But I’m battling him for the top spot on the list.”

I bite my lip to hide a smile. “That might be a Herculean task.”

“You’re worth the fight.” My smile cracks through, and I let the giddy feeling wash over me. He makes me feel wanted in a way I haven’t before, and we’ve only shared a peck on the lips. “So…does this mean you’re mine for the night?”

My heart races, and a small kernel of lust settles in my lower stomach. His smirk grows when my face heats.Fuck, I’m blushing.

“I can’t wait,” he says. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Adeline.”

He hangs up, leaving me reeling on the couch.

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