Page 58 of Strong Side
“I planned on it. But if you’re too tired, I can go to my place.” She lifts a shoulder.
“Fuck no. I want you at my place. Did you ride with my sister?” I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear.
She nods. “Yeah, I did.”
“Okay, pretty girl. I’ll see you later.” I give her one last kiss, say goodbye to my parents and my sister, and nudge Beck’s shoulder with mine. “Let’s roll, brother.”
We walk into the tunnel toward the locker room, recapping the game, and I can’t wait to celebrate with my team, but I also can’t wait to get home to my girl.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
CASEY
Noelleand I spent all night celebrating the win. Naked. This girl blows my mind in every way. I said it before, and I’ll say it again: Trey was a fucking idiot. She knows exactly how to use her body, and she drives me fucking wild. I will say, she’s gotten much more confident, and she isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants. And watching her discover what feels good for her is a privilege.
We’re meeting up with Archie and Emma before they head back to Dallas today. Noelle ran home to change and told me she would meet me there. So, my sister, Beck, Bo, and Silas grab a ride with me to Logan’s. It was Archie’s pick because he misses their wings or something.
The first thing I see when we walk in is Trey. He’s sitting with some other guys on the baseball team, who are actually decent guys. I’m not sure why they hang around Trey. We make eye contact as I pass, and he fucking smirks at me.
Beck must see it because he grabs my shoulder and squeezes it. “Keep moving, man.”
“Fucking hate him so much.” I shake my head.
“Yeah, me too, but you got the girl, so let’s chill with our friends and get some food. I’m starving.” Beck smacks my back as we approach our table.
“There you are! What took you guys so long? We’ve been here for, like, thirty minutes.” Archie holds up both of his hands.
“No, we have not. Don’t listen to him. He’s just hungry.” Emma laughs and rolls her eyes.
“Hey, guys!” My sister hugs Emma first, then hugs Archie.
“What up, Chuck?! Good to see you. You keeping Linson in line?” He winks at her and then looks at Beck. He loves to rile him up.
“You know it.” She holds out her hands to Emma, who’s holding Lainey. “Can I hold her?”
“Of course! She just ate, so be careful about bouncing her around too much. She might spit up on you.” She hands Charlie the baby.
“That’s okay. She’s too pretty to get upset about a little spit-up.” Charlie cradles Lainey in her arms and kisses her forehead.
“My little sunshine can do no wrong. Even poopy diapers are cute with her.” Archie puts his arm around Emma.
“Great. Then you can handle all of them!” She smacks his chest.
We all laugh. Then the girls start talking about baby things and what’s new.
“Callaway, it’s good to see you, man. You’re having a great season. How you feelin’?” Archie asks him.
“Thanks. I appreciate it. I feel pretty good. One more year, I think, and then I’ll make some decisions on declaring for the draft.” Bo nods and taps the table.
“Yeah, I think one more season would do you some good. Skill-wise, you’re ready, but pro-level ball is a different ball game, you know.” Archie sits up and leans on the table.
“That’s what I was thinking. I’d like to bulk up a little more too.” Bo sits back in his chair and crosses his arms.
“Arbuckle? How you liking Walker? Big change from Georgia?” Archie asks him.
“I love it. Program is definitely run differently, but that’s why I’m here.” He twists the hat on his head backward.
