Page 25 of Make the Play

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” I speak up. My voice is gritty and rough.

“It’s not you, Knox,” Corie assures me. “I just miss her. Some days, it hits me harder than others.”

She steps out of her brother's embrace and slowly steps toward me. It’s not until she’s standing right in front of me, with her arms open, that I pull my hands from my pockets and return her hug.

Looking up, I find Landry watching us. I can’t read his expression, and I quickly look away, scared that he can read mine. Can he see that having her in my arms like this feels right? Can he tell that I’m having a hard time releasing her?

Knowing the hug has lasted long enough, I drop my arms, and she steps back, out of reach. Too far.

“Thanks again for dinner. Reynolds.” I nod at Landry. “We still on for poker tomorrow night?” I ask him.

“I think you mean, am I ready to take all your money? The answer to that is a hell yes.”

“Here?” Corie asks.

“Yeah, unless you have something going on. One of the guys can host it.”

“We can have it at my place,” I offer. I’m bummed that I won’t get to see her, but I know it’s best if I keep my distance until this—whatever this is that’s sparking between us—fizzles out.

“No, it’s fine. It’s your house. I was just going to offer to make snacks.”

“Best sister ever,” Landry praises.

“I’m out. Text me and let me know what to bring.” I wave and rush out the door, putting some much-needed distance between me and the dark-haired beauty.

I’m lying in bed, willing sleep to claim me when my phone rings. Lifting it from the nightstand where it’s charging, I seeMomflash on the screen and smile. “Hey, Mom,” I answer.

“I know it’s late. I got busy with your sisters and wedding planning, but I wanted to call and see how the last day of training camp went.”

“Not too bad. I wasn’t in as bad of shape as some of the others.” I chuckle, thinking about Landry whining about how out of shape he was. I tried to warn him. This isn’t his first rodeo. It’s as if he forgets the pain and suffering of letting himself go in the offseason every year.

“Will Landry ever learn?” she asks with a small laugh. She’s been around him almost as long as I have, so she knows his habits.

“Nope. So, what’s new with you and Dad? How’s Everly and the wedding planning? Is Emma dating anyone?”

“We’re all good. Wedding planning is done; now we just wait for the big day, and as far as I know, Emma isn’t dating anyone. Your dad has hired more help, younger guys, and he’s spending more time supervising than he is actually working.”

“I bet he hates that.” My dad owns Beckett Construction. He and four of his best friends, one of whom married my dad’s sister, Reagan, have worked together longer than I’ve been around. They’re all getting older, and like me, with football, aches and pains take over. Your body can only last in strenuous situations for so long before it gives out on you.

I’ve been trying to get my parents to retire for years, telling them I’d take care of them. They both tell me that they’re too young to retire. They sacrificed so much for me growing up, all the football practices, games, and gear. It’s the least that I can do. They gave me unwavering support; I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

“You know your dad. He enjoys the work but knows he won’t be able to do the heavy lifting forever.”

“What about you? Anything riveting in the world of pediatrics?” I ask her. My mom is a nurse and has worked at the same pediatrician’s office since before I was born. She loves what she does.

“Nothing new. Just waiting on my kids to make me a grandma.”

“Everly’s getting married soon. You might get your wish.”

“What about you? Seeing anyone?”

“I promise you, when that happens, you’ll be the first to know.”

“I’m your mother, Knox. I can see right through your pretty lies, but I’ll pretend I don’t.” She chuckles.

“It’s hard to meet someone who wants me for me, you know?” We’ve had this conversation before, but it deserves to be repeated. I’ve played with too many guys who get sucked into a relationship with kids, and the woman leaves him for someone else. He was a meal ticket to support her.

On the flip side, some guys on the team have multiple kids with multiple women and don’t seem to care. I’m the opposite. I want someone who wants me. Not Knox, the quarterback. Just Knox, the man. In a perfect world, they’d also love the game, or at least support my love for football. Finding her is like finding a needle in a haystack. My thoughts instantly flash to Corie, but I shove her back in the “do not touch or think about” box and slam the lid.

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