Page 2 of Run the Play
“Bring it in, big guy,” Sloane says, as she steps in close and wraps her arms around my waist.
I hug her tightly, grateful that my sister from another mister was able to be here and celebrate with us. When I release her, I notice the beautiful Rowan standing beside her. Rowan is a physical therapy assistant for the team. She’s cute as hell with long blonde hair, and the prettiest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. She’s a looker. I don’t think she understands just how beautiful she is. She’s not one of those women who falls at your feet. At least, she’s not falling at mine—no matter how many times I’ve flirted with her. I open my arms, and she furrows her brow. “We’re celebrating, Roe.” I grin. “Hugs all around.”
She rolls her eyes, but steps into my embrace.
“Congratulations, Landry,” she says, her voice soft, before quickly stepping back.
I don’t let her get too far, draping one arm over her shoulders and the other over Sloane’s. “You ladies are joining us at my place, right?”
“Yep. Bag’s already packed,” Sloane answers.
“Rowan?”
“Oh, no, I mean, I don’t want to intrude. It’s a family thing.”
“And you’re part of the Rampage family.”
“You might as well say yes.” Sloane bends forward to look at Rowan. “Landry is insufferable when he’s trying to get his way.”
“Thank you.” I nod to Sloane, smirking, and she laughs. She’s used to my antics.
“You should come, Rowan,” Corie speaks up. She’s standing with her back to Knox’s front, and his arms are wrapped around her.
“Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Yes!” we all say at the same time.
Rowan laughs. “Okay, I’d love to join you.”
“You might as well plan on staying,” Sloane tells her. “We all usually do.”
“Oh, I can’t impose,” she says. Her posture changes, and I’m certain if my eyes were not trained on her, I’d have missed it. I wonder what’s up with that? Is she worried that something will happen to her while she’s at my place? I know there are some professional athletes that have a bad rap, but that’s not me or any of the guys.
“You’re not,” Corie assures her. “Landry has the room. We’d rather everyone be able to enjoy themselves and know they’re not having to get home alone.”
“I don’t know,” Rowan says. I can hear the hesitation in her tone.
Turning toward her and bending my head, I place my lips next to her ear. “You’ll be safe. I promise. You can have your own room, with a lock on the door.” When I pull back, there’s something in her eyes, something I can’t name. She stares at me, almost as if she’s looking into my soul. I’m ready to plead my case and promise her again that she’s safe, because my gut tells me that she needs to hear it, but the slow nod stops me.
I squeeze her to me, silently letting her know that I understand.
“Yay!” Sloane and Corie move to engulf her in a hug, and I step back, letting them do their thing.
“You can follow me,” Sloane tells Rowan. “That way you’ll have your car tomorrow.”
Rowan nods and smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She’s nervous. “Okay.”
“Do you need to stop at your place?” Sloane asks her.
Rowan looks down at the Rampage hoodie and jeans she’s wearing. “I guess I should if I’m going to stay.”
“I’ve got T-shirts you can sleep in,” I tell her. I don’t know why, all of a sudden I feel this need to take care of her, to reassure her, but the feeling is strong, and I’ve always been one to go with my gut.
“That’s what I do most of the time,” Sloane tells her. “Now that Corie is living with Knox, I can’t raid her closet.” She laughs. “This time, however, I knew this was how the night would end, so I came prepared.”
“Are you trying to say I’m predictable?” I ask Sloane.
“Y’all just won the league championship. I can’t see the five of you calling it a night from here.”
