Page 7 of Run the Play
“Make sure you lock the door behind you.”
That has her lips tilting in a soft smile. “I will. Goodnight, Landry.”
I can’t help myself. I lean in and press my lips to her forehead. “Goodnight, Roe.” I wait for her to unlock her doorand slip inside. I don’t leave until I hear the lock engage, then make the lonely trek back to my room and take a quick shower to wash off the day.
Chapter Two
Rowan
I overslept. I spent far too long staring at the shadows on the wall last night. I couldn’t find sleep until the wee hours of the morning, and now, I’m going to be late for breakfast. I showered last night, so thankfully, all I have to do is brush my teeth, wash my face, and get dressed. I’ve been blessed with straight, thick hair, so I can run a brush through it, toss it up in a ponytail, and call it a day.
Now, I’m rushing around, trying to get ready. I take one last look in the mirror before swiping my wallet, room key, and phone from the dresser and heading out the door. I freeze when I open the door to find Landry standing against the wall. His arms are crossed over his chest, and his legs are crossed at the ankles.
He’s casual and sexy, and I immediately shut that thought down. I’ve traveled the road of dating a professional athlete, and it’s not one I care to be on ever again. No matter how sexy, silly, and charming he might be.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, eyebrows raised.
He shrugs. “Thought I’d walk you to breakfast.”
“You do realize that if we show up together, everyone will think you never left me last night.”
He gives me a wolfish grin. “We can run with that,” he says, wagging his eyebrows.
Before I can reply, my phone rings. “Hello,” I answer.
“Hey, are you coming down to breakfast?” Corie asks.
“Yeah, I overslept. I’m on my way.”
“Okay, well, you might pass Landry on the way. I sent him to check on you, but I got tired of waiting and called too.” She laughs.
“I’m fine. Landry was outside my door in the hallway when I stepped out. We’re on our way.”
“Great.” The call goes silent, and I glare at Landry.
“You knew they wouldn’t think that.” I lock my hands on my hips.
“I did, but it was fun to see you squirm.” He winks and offers me his arm. I hesitate to slip mine through his. “I don’t bite, Roe.”
“You sure about that?” I ask, keeping my tone light. This situation doesn’t feel light, though. I’ve fallen for the charming act before and know how that story ends.
“Positive. Besides, you’re my sister’s friend. She’d never forgive me.” He winks.
With a heavy exhale, I slip my arm through his, and he leads us toward the elevator. Once inside, I step away, needing some distance. I know all too well how men can be charismatic and sweep you off your feet, only to barrel into mental, physical, and emotional abuse. I’ve learned my lesson, and I need distance right now.
Landry is quiet as he stands beside me, and we watch the numbers descend. When the doors slide open, I step out and turn toward the private room Corie and Knox reserved for all ofour meals. Everyone is already there, and there are two vacant seats next to each other. I fill one, and Landry fills the other.
“Dig in,” Knox tells us. “My wife wants to spend the day on the beach.”
“My sister can wait,” Landry says with a chuckle.
“Happy wife, happy life, brother,” Knox quips, leaning over to kiss Corie’s temple.
A chorus of “Good man” and “Damn right” ring out among the married men at the table.
Landry and I fill our plates from the buffet-style breakfast and dig in. Chatter happens all around me. I listen as everyone talks and laughs. Once upon a time, I thought this would be my life—close friends to call my family and a man who I thought would be my forever. I was so very wrong.
I’ve never seen this kind of loving relationship. I’ve never witnessed the type of love that Knox and Corie share, or even that of Knox’s parents and his aunts and uncles. I thought I once knew, but a little time is all it took for that dream to come crashing to a halt.
