Page 8 of Make the Play

“They’re lucky to have you.”

He doesn’t comment and instead holds his arms out at his sides. “Bring it in, Corie girl.”

I hesitate for a fraction of a second before walking into his embrace. His muscular arms fold around me in a hug while he rests his chin on my head. It’s me who pulls back. “Good night.” My nipples harden, and I know I need to get to my room, away from this intoxicating man.

“Night.”

He follows me up the stairs, and we both pause at my bedroom door. I wave like a weirdo and disappear into my room. Standing still, I listen for the door of one of the other spare rooms down the hall to close before stripping out of my clothes, changing into pajamas, and sliding into bed. As soon as I close my eyes, I dream about Knox Beckett, and in my dreams, he’s mine.

ChapterThree

Knox

The house is quiet, and the sun has been up for over an hour. I’ve been lying here, staring at the ceiling, waiting for everyone else to get up. From the moment I opened my eyes, my thoughts went to her.

To Corie.

Corie Reynolds and her long dark hair and those big green eyes kept me awake last night. I kept picturing her smile and her toned, lean body in the bikini she was wearing. She’s gorgeous and off-limits. I have to keep reminding myself that she’s Landry’s little sister, and my best friend wouldn’t hesitate to kick my ass if he knew the thoughts I’ve had about her. Even though it took me what feels like hours to fall asleep, now, I’m wide awake. My body is used to getting up and starting early, and I guess old habits are hard to break.

When my stomach growls, I know it’s time to haul my ass out of bed and find some food. The guys will likely sleep a little longer, but Corie will surely be up soon. Hell, she might already be awake. If she is, she’s been as quiet as a mouse. Maybe she’s hiding out in her room like I am.

After tossing off the covers, I pad to the bathroom and handle business. “Yes,” I say aloud when I find a spare toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in the cabinet and brush my teeth before sliding back into my clothes from last night.

Padding my way down the stairs, I’m careful not to make any noise. I listen for any life within the house, but it’s eerily quiet, especially since knowing my four best friends and the beautiful Corie are behind closed doors.

Shuffling through the fridge, I find a gallon of orange juice. Double-checking the date, I see I have three days until it expires and silently celebrate as I grab a glass out of the cabinet and pour until it’s almost overflowing. I down it all at once and then pour another half glass before placing the lid back on the jug, sliding it back onto the shelf in the fridge, and closing the door.

When I turn around, I don’t even try to hide my smile when a sleepy Corie walks into the room. She moves toward the coffee machine, not even noticing I’m here. I watch as she chooses a pod from the drawer, grabs a cup from the cabinet, and leans over, resting her elbows on the counter and her hands under her chin as her coffee begins to brew.

She’s wearing a tiny pair of sleep shorts and a tank top that shows off her curves, and I have two thoughts at once. One, I must have done something right in a past life to be able to see her like this, and two, she needs to change before my teammates wake up and get to witness the same view.

“Morning,” I say, my voice gruff with desire.

She jumps, letting out a little screech, while placing her hand over her heart. I know I should feel bad for scaring her, but she’s cute as hell right now. Her hair is in a mess of a knot on the top of her head, her eyes are only half open, a bright red line mars her cheek from her pillow, and her clothes are rumpled.

“Why are you so damn chipper?” she asks with a low, sleepy, yet sexy grumble to her tone.

“He’s always like this,” Landry says, dragging his butt into the kitchen and falling onto a stool at the counter. He rests his arms on the island and drops his head. “Coffee. Beckett, I need coffee.”

“Oh, sure, let me get right on that,” I say sarcastically. However, I grab Corie’s coffee and hand it to her before making Prince Landry's cup as requested.

“That’s better,” Corie says, taking a seat next to her brother and sipping on her steaming cup of joe.

I watch her as she takes slow sips, and her eyes slowly widen with each sip. I guess she gets the need for caffeine from her brother.

“Wait.” Corie places her mug on the counter, pointing her gaze at me. She studies me for a few long heartbeats. “Do you not drink coffee?” Her mouth hangs open in shock, while her eyes are now wide awake and full of disbelief.

“Nope. Never could handle the aftertaste,” I tell her.

“How do you wake up in the mornings?” she asks.

“He’s not human,” Landry mumbles.

His coffee sputters, letting us know it’s done. After grabbing it from the machine, I place it in front of him. He takes a big gulp and sighs, almost as if he can feel the caffeine start to work through his system.

“I just wake up and start the day.” I hold up my half glass of orange juice. “This is more than enough for me.”

“You’re an animal,” she says, a slight smile curving her lips.

---