Page 63 of Make the Play

“Safe flight.”

“Sweet dreams.”

“Who are you talking to?” I hear Reid—I think—ask.

“My girl,” Knox answers, and my heart stalls in my chest.

“Hold up. You’re seeing someone?”

“It’s new, but yeah.”

“Is that why you’ve been so busy lately?”

This time, I recognize the voice as my brother’s, and I hold my breath, waiting to see what Knox will say.

“Yep.”

“Whoa, he’s not denying it. Boys, I think QB1 has been hit with the love bug,” Landry teases.

“Knox, I’ll let you go,” I tell him. I feel restless and uneasy being on the other end of the line.

“Sweet dreams, baby,” he says softly, and the line goes dead.

I’m lying in the dark with my phone clutched to my chest, trying to even out my breathing. Landry doesn’t know it’s me. Everything is fine. “Everything is fine,” I whisper the words as my phone vibrates.

Knox: I changed your name in my phone just to be safe.

Knox: Don’t freak out on me. He doesn’t know, but I had to say something. They’ve been riding my ass about spending less time with the group because I want to spend all my spare time with you.

Me: This is risky.

Knox: You’re worth every risk, Corie.

I don’t know what to say to that. That he is worth it, too? Because yes, I obviously think so, because I went into this with my eyes wide open. Before I can think of a reply, he sends another message.

Knox: Getting in the shower so I can get home to you. Sweet dreams.

Me: See you soon.

It’s lame as far as replies go, but that’s the best I’ve got right now. Placing my phone on the nightstand, I close my eyes and will sleep to claim me.

I wake with a jolt, my heart racing. I feel the bed dip, and I’m ready to scream when I hear his sleepy voice.

“It’s me, Corie.”

“Knox?” I blink twice to make sure I’m not dreaming, and he’s really here.

“I better be the only man sneaking into your room at night.” He leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth.

“How are you here?”

“Told Landry my car wouldn’t start. It was easier to come here instead of him dropping me at my place.”

“He can’t find you in here.” I start to panic. “What happens when he finds out you lied?”

“He won’t.”

“But he might.”

---