Page 70 of Make the Play

We’re gambling in a high-stakes game. There’s a lot on the line, but I can tell this is important to her, so we’ll do it her way. Until then, I’ll sneak as much time with her as I can and let the chips fall where they may.

ChapterEighteen

Corie

With the door shut, I’m barely in my room before my phone rings. Glancing at the screen, I see Knox’s name. “Aren’t you supposed to be playing poker?” I answer.

“I stepped outside for some air.”

“And you thought it was a good time to call your secret… friend?”

“My secret girlfriend, and yes, I wanted to talk to you.”

“Okay?”

“We have a game this weekend.”

“I know. First regular-season home game. I’ll be there.”

“Good. I want you there, but I wanted to offer something to you. To you and Sloane.”

“Landry already got us tickets.”

“I know, but it’s supposed to rain, and I thought the two of you would be more comfortable in a suite.”

“Do you have a suite?”

“I do.”

“And you want us to sit in your suite?”

“I do.” He pauses. “With my family.”

My breath hitches. “You want me to sit with your family? Knox, this is a bad idea.”

“Not all of them are coming. Just my parents, sisters, Aunt Reagan, and Uncle Tyler. The others, I’m not sure can make it.”

“‘Just,’ Knox. That’s all of them.”

“No, we have three more families, my aunts and uncles by choice and their kids.”

“And I tell them what? Hi, I’m Corie. I’m sleeping with your son, butshh, don’t tell anyone. Oh, and this is my best friend, Sloane,” I scoff.

“Fuck, I knew I should have skipped tonight and came to see you in person. It won’t be like that. I already told my dad that Landry’s sister and best friend might join them.”

“But why?”

“I don’t need a reason why, Corie. Just because. I promise you it won’t be awkward. My family is cool as hell.”

“Knox, we’re lying to everyone. How am I supposed to meet your parents under false pretenses and without you there?”

“Then let’s tell them.”

My belly flips at his words. I want to tell the entire world, but too much is at stake. “You know we can’t do that.”

“Then be there for me. I want to know you’re there when I look into that suite. That you’re with people who are just as important to me as you are. I want to know you’re not standing in the pouring rain. I want my family to get to know you. Even if they think you’re only Landry’s little sister, for now, I want them to know the woman who has captured all of my attention.”

“This is risky.”

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