Page 79 of Make the Play

I ache to kiss him. To wrap my arms around him and tell him,Good game, but I refrain. There will be time for me to do that later at his place, away from prying eyes. Still, I can’t resist leaning into him and whispering, “Good game, Quarterback.”

Knox smiles. “Thanks, baby.” He lifts his hand as if he’s going to reach for me, and quickly drops it. The look he gives me tells me we’re on the same page. This situation is not ideal, but we’ll handle it like all the ones before it, and count down the minutes until we’re alone.

I’m glad that Reid, Foster, and Baker are joining us. I’ve been around the group of guys well enough to know they’ll carry the conversation. Not only that, but it’s sure to be a good time anytime they all get together, and coming off a win after a touch-and-go game like it was tonight, they’re bound to be fired up.

ChapterTwenty

Knox

We’re all sitting at dinner. It’s loud and chaotic. It’s also a tradition after home games with my family. Sometimes, it’s just my parents, and other times, it’s all of them. It’s always a good time, but I can’t help but think that tonight is the best one yet.

I’m positive it has everything to do with the beautiful woman sitting beside me, with her thigh pressed to mine. I don’t know how we managed to make it happen, but Corie is next to me. I’ve caught myself more than once, starting to lean in and kiss her temple or toss my arm over the back of her chair to play with the silky strands of her hair. Thankfully, I caught myself. I have to settle for my leg pressed to hers; it’s small, but it’s something.

Foster stands, and I know he’s going to pay the bill. Foster, Baker, Reid, Landry, and I always take turns picking up the check. My dad and uncles moan and groan every single time, but this is something we can all easily afford to do, and we enjoy it. Besides, not all of the guys have the huge family support system that I have. Mine make them feel like they’re a part of us, and that’s worth more than the price of a meal here and there.

“Foster, how much do we owe you?” Dad asks when he gets back to the table.

“Come on now, Mr. B, you know better than that,” Foster replies.

“You boys,” Dad grumbles. “We’ll get the tip.”

“Already handsomely taken care of.”

Dad starts to speak, but my mom places her hand on his arm. “Thank you, Foster. We appreciate you boys spoiling us so much.”

“Mom,” I groan. “We’re men. Grown men.”

“To me, you will all always be boys. Especially you,” she says, leaning over the table to look past my dad to me. She gives me her mom look, the one that saysdon’t mess with me, and it makes me smile.

“Fair enough.” I nod.

“I’m so glad you’re seeing things my way.” She laughs.

We all stand to leave. Corie and Sloane pass out hugs to my mom and sisters. To my surprise, Dad and Uncle Tyler get in on the action, too. The guys hug the ladies and offer handshakes to Dad, Matt, and Tyler. Everyone thanks Foster again for the meal. I want to tell Corie to wait for me, but I know I can’t do that. Instead, I manage to snag her hand, giving it a soft, quick squeeze as she passes me to head out the door. I watch until I can no longer see her, before turning my attention back to my family. “Thank you for coming.” I pull Everly into a hug and release her before offering my hand to Matt.

“We miss you, brother,” Everly says. “Things are going to be busy with the wedding just a few weeks away. We might not see you again until then,” she says as Matt slides his arm around her waist. She leans into him, and jealousy punches me in the gut. I want to be able to hold Corie like that and not give a single fuck who's watching.

“How will you survive not seeing this face for that long?” I tease.

“Stop.” Everly laughs. “We’re leaving.” She sticks her tongue out at me, and with a final wave, they turn and walk away, leaving just me and my parents and my younger sister.

“Bring it in,” I tell Emma, opening my arms for a hug. She smiles as she steps into my embrace, before telling my parents she’ll meet them in the car, taking the keys from Dad, and heading out. I’m glad she’s not driving back to Jackson by herself.

“I like her,” Mom says.

“I would hope so. You made her and the bratty one,” I tease, talking about Everly. I know she’s not talking about my sisters, but I can’t help but give her a hard time.

Mom shakes her head. “Corie, I like Corie.”

I nod. “Me, too,” I confess.

“I knew it!” Mom launches at me, wrapping her arms around my waist in a hug, which I happily return.

“Let the boy breathe, sweet girl.” Dad chuckles.

“Tell me everything,” Mom insists, stepping away. As soon as she’s close enough, my dad pulls her into his side, holding her close. Even after all these years, he still needs her next to him. I smile because, finally, I can see the appeal.

“It’s complicated.”

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