Page 82 of Biggest Player
“’Cause. You either have to tell her what you just told me—about Trent telling you it would be good publicity to date her—or cut her off completely and never see her again.” He tosses a ball for the dog. “Those are your options.”
“I don’t like those options.”
He sighs. “Then you should have thought this through before letting your dick lead the way.”
“I didn’t let my dick lead the way. She hasn’t even seen my dick.”
Another sigh from Landon. “You know what I mean. You don’t blurt shit out to someone on a whim, not single moms. You don’t mess with them unless you mean it.”
“Funny, that’s what she said.”
Landon’s expression softens slightly, but his eyes remain stern. “It’s not funny, Dex. She’s not just some girl you walk away from. She has a kid. She has responsibilities. If you hurt her, you hurt her kid too.”
Damn. Since when is he the voice of reason?
Since you decided to tell him your problems, that’s when.
I glance down at the pasta. “I genuinely like her. And Wyatt—that’s her daughter’s name. She’s seriously something else.”
I didn’t expect to feel this way. Or this guilty.
“Feelings aren’t enough. You have to be honest with her. She deserves that.”
I run a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling up. “But if I tell her the truth, she might never forgive me. And if I cut her off, I’m just another guy who let her down.”
Landon nods, understanding the dilemma. “That’s the risk you take when you get involved with someone who has more to lose than you do. You need to decide if you’re willing to put in the effort to make it right.”
I think about the moments I’ve shared with Margot and Wyatt. The laughter, the late-night talks, the way Wyatt’s face lights up when I see her. I know I can’t just walk away.
“I want to make it right,” I say quietly. “But I don’t know how.”
“Start by telling her the truth. It’s going to hurt, but she deserves to know. Then, show her that you’re serious about being there for both of them. Actions speak louder than words.”
I nod, a sense of determination settling in my chest. “You’re right. I owe her the truth.”
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Not now, at least . . .
No fucking way am I ready to let her go.
Chapter 18
Margot
I, Margot Mahoney, am dating a professional football player.
“I am dating someone.”
Wow.
Sounds so weird to say.
Granted, we haven’t been on any dates yet since Dex made his little pronouncement, but we’ve been texting a lot. Although last night, he invited me along with him for a signing event. I didn’t have plans today, so I agreed.
A signing event.
