Page 53 of A Game Plan for Love

The pilot announces our descent before I can respond, and I have to work my way back to my seat, but I give Addie one more glance before she’s out of sight.

I’d give Addie and Nora anything they asked for—no questions asked. The fact that she’s grateful for a sleepover is enough to know my zing wasn’t wrong.

She’s incredible, and they both deserve someone to show them.

I pull up the book club group chat.

Me: Did you do what I asked?

Photos flood in of craft supplies, dolls, dresses, and children’s makeup. There’s a few large boxes and bags of bedding.

Maren: I love spending your money.

Nathalie: We had to cut her off. No one needs a life-sized unicorn.

Maren: Nora does.

Sawyer: His guest room isn’t large enough.

Me: You guys are the best.

Nathalie: You’re making a large leap, Declan.

Sawyer: Are you sure about this?

Maren: I kept the receipts, but I’m all for this.

Me: I’m sure. The zing is never wrong. They give me that forever feeling.

The lights are low in the lobby as I wait for Addie.

I’ve sat in this leather chair for the last fifteen minutes in case she shows up early, but the only people who have exited the elevators on the other side of the lobby are my friends who now watch from the bar.

The hotel is modern and industrial with exposed pipes and light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, and the bar hums with people, brightened by light from neon signs.

A loud ding echoes through the lobby, and the elevator slides open. Addie slips out, eyes searching, before they land on me in the corner of the room. A smile blooms on her face, and my chest warms.

Her hair is pulled up in a messy bun, but small pieces fall in front of her face, and she took me seriously when I said to dress comfortably. Baggy sweats hang off her hips, a contradiction to the tight tank top that hugs her curves. The outfit is finished with fuzzy white slippers.

I meet her halfway, carrying the tote bag with our date plans.

When she’s within arm's reach, I pull her into a tight hug. She melts into my arms.

“Hi,” she mumbles into my chest.

Warmth settles beneath my diaphragm when she releases me.

I lift the tote bag. “I bought a game,” I say, feeling slightly bashful about my date plan. It’s not flashy, but I want to know more about her, “I thought we could play. I also have some snacks.”

When I say it out loud, it sounds like a pretty lame second date.

“Snacks!? What kind?” I open the bag for her to look inside. She squeals. “Kit Kats!”

I look around the lobby, trying to find a quiet spot, but it’s getting busy.

“Uh, we could…” A special-teams coach takes the only empty corner in the room.

Addie is oblivious to my inner turmoil of finding somewhere quiet, but not immediately inviting her up to my room. I don’t want her to mistake my intentions. The game in the bag is a way to get to know her, and I don’t want her to think I’m inviting her up to sleep with her.

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