Page 78 of A Game Plan for Love

“We reconnected last year, but after a few meetings, she asked for money again, and when I denied her, she blew up. She lives somewhere on the East Coast now.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, and it’s for the best.”

It hurt for a long time, but I’ve healed from the loss.

“What do you think I should do?”

I can’t hide the shock from my features, and Addie chuckles as she scrubs paint out of a glass cup.

“I’ll never tell you what to do,” I say.

“Good to know, but I’m asking as a partner. I want your input and advice.”

The world pauses its rotation around the sun as her words settle into my soul. Addie puts down a cup and leans toward the phone. “Declan? Are you okay? You look a bit pale.”

“I-I need a second,” I choke out, emotion short-circuiting my processors. Concern overtakes her soft hazel eyes, and I slow my breathing, forcing my pulse to return to a steady beat.

Right now, I don’t have the words to explain how her words impact me. How, for so long, I’ve wanted someone to navigate life with. Someone to lean on, and confide in—apartner.

One day I’ll have the right words, but for now, I can answer her question truthfully.

“I’m in a unique position, but I think…I’d give them one shot to prove me wrong.” She nibbles on her lip. “I’ve made mistakes in my life, and if it wasn’t for people allowing me to prove them wrong…”

“Your friends,” she cuts in.

I nod. “I would have never found my friends.”

She contemplates as she finishes cleaning the last of the silverware and wipes her hands on a dishtowel. Her hair fans out on an emerald pillow as she lies down on the couch, holding her phone over her head. At this angle, the soft, warm light from a lamp highlights the freckles on the bridge of her nose.

“You don’t need to make a decision right now,” I say, to fill the air. She nods, and it ends the conversation. “So, about this date on Tuesday? Do I need to bring anything?”

The air between us shifts, and Addie’s lips tilt up into a coy smile. “Stamina.”

A bolt of lust zaps down my spine, and she fights laughter at her subtle jab.

“Very funny.” She scrunches her nose. “You’re going to regret that.”

“Can’t wait.”

CHAPTER 22

What You Need – The Weeknd

Addie

Aknockonmydoorrattles the walls at exactly 3:30 pm.

Nerves flutter around my stomach as I scramble to the door and rip it open. Declan leans against the doorframe, dark waves damp from a shower, blue eyes sparkling, and a bouquet of daisies in his grip.

He leans down and plants a searing kiss on my lips—one that causes my legs to wobble and my core to clench. With one hand on my waist and the other holding the daisies, he walks us backwards into the apartment, never breaking the kiss.

The door falls shut with a loud thud, and my eyes snap open briefly to see him toss the flowers on the hallway table.

“I missed you,” he says against my lips, guiding us deeper into the apartment until my back hits the kitchen counter and I’m lifted into the air and dropped onto the granite.

I squeak, but he steals the sound with another kiss, trailing his tongue along the seam of my lips and demanding entry. He moves to settle between my open legs, his erection digging into my thigh.

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