Page 52 of Make the Play

Not that I want to. No, the more time I spend with him, the greedier I become and the more time I want. I feel terrible lying to my brother, but once I’m in Knox’s arms, all of that disappears into the back of my mind.

“Where are you running off to again?” Landry asks. “I feel like I barely see you, and we live in the same house.”

Guilt. That’s what this churning in my gut is. “I know. I’m sorry. I’ve been helping Sloane paint her apartment. Giving it a fresh look.” That’s not a complete lie. I did go to her place and help her paint. I also ended up at Knox’s place later that night before heading back home. It’s been a lot of nights like that recently.

“How’s that coming along? I feel like you’ve been painting every night for a week. Her place is small, right?”

“It is, but we’re also hanging out,” I tell him.

“You can hang out here.”

“I know, and we do. Are you missing me, big brother?” I tease, ignoring the way my insides are churning from all the lies.

“Yeah. I was used to seeing you every night, and now, you’re always gone.”

I smile, because when I think about being gone, I think about Knox, and that man, he makes me happy. “I know. I promise I’ll make time for us one night, too. I can call Sloane and cancel,” I tell him. I don’t want to cancel on Knox, but I will.

“No. Don’t do that. I don’t need Sloane pissed at me.” He chuckles. “Just make time for your big brother between all the fun you’ve been having with your best friend.”

If he only knew.

“You got it.”

“I’m going to call it a night soon, anyway. Coach kicked our asses today at practice.”

“Do you need anything? Did you eat?” I ask, feeling the guilt roll in again like a punch to the gut. I’ve been cooking for him every night until Knox and I started this… whatever we’re doing.

“I did. Carla made this chicken and rice dish that Knox would be happy I’m eating. It was delicious, and it was healthy. There’s some left if you want some.”

“No, thank you. Sloane and I are going to grab dinner.”

“You seem happy,” he says out of the blue.

I smile because he’s right. “I am,” I confirm.

He nods. “Be safe. Are you coming home or staying at Sloane’s?” he asks.

“I might just stay there if it gets too late. I can always come home in the morning to get ready for work.”

“Sounds good. Love you.”

“Love you, too.” I hug him and rush out the door. My hands shake with excitement as I pull out of the driveway and head toward Knox’s place. He’s said a few times that he wishes that I could stay with him all night. If he asks tonight, I’ll be granting that wish.

I’m almost at Knox’s place when he calls me. “Hey, I’m almost there,” I answer. “I stayed and talked to my brother for a little while.”

“Have you eaten yet?” he asks.

“No. I wanted to eat with you,” I tell him honestly.

“Good. I’ll meet you at my truck. We’re going for a drive.”

“Should we do that?” I ask him.

“My windows are tinted, and we won’t really be out in public. Not for what I have planned.”

“That sounds suspicious,” I say, turning into the parking lot for his place.

“Listen, Corie, my girl just pulled up, and it’s been a full twenty-four hours since I’ve kissed her. I’m going to have to call you back,” he says as he ends the call and pulls open my car door. “Corie girl.” He grins.

---