Page 105 of Stick With Me
I check my watch. “Fuck, yes.”
I should be on my way to the arena by now. There are only thirteen games left of the regular season, and although I won’t be playing in any of them, I want to show my support from the team’s box.
It’s not a requirement when you’re out on injured reserve—something Fox took full advantage of—but just because I’m unsure of my future with the team doesn’t mean I’m not going to show my support while I’m still here.
I steal another quick kiss before hopping out of bed and heading into the hall. With the door open, Fred barrels toward the bed, ignoring me in favor of his favorite human. “Enjoy the warm sheets,” I mutter. He snuggles into the spot I vacated and curls up by Hannah’s side. With a shake of my head, I continue to my room to grab my suit.
“Hey,” I shout across the space separating us. “You think I should move into your room? Ya know, since you want to wake up with me every day and all.”
Her breathy laugh echoes back before she yells, “Yeah, that might be nice.”
FORTY
After droppingHannah and Ada off to shop for dresses for Highway to Home’s launch party next weekend, I came home to plan our firstrealdate, and one I hope ends in me being able to call Hannah my girlfriend. For real.
I’ve never been in a relationship, so I feel unequipped to deal with this on my own. Evident by my week of trying to plan the perfect date yet coming up blank. I’ve come up with plenty of ideas, the problem is none of them are good enough. It has to be perfect for her.
I curse myself as I hold my phone, psyching myself up to call Fox and ask for his advice… again. Though he isn’t any more experienced with relationships than me, his advice, admittedly, hasn’t steered me wrong yet.
I’m on my twentieth lap around the kitchen when the back door swings open, and Fox strolls in. He’s holding a book and gives me a casual up-nod before heading for the stairs. I grab his arm and drag him back into the kitchen. “Where do you think you’re going?”
He holds up the book and wiggles it like that’s supposed to answer my question. When he sees I’m not getting it, he adds, “I have a book for Hannah.”
“And you were what? Going to just walk up into our bedroom unannounced?”
He shrugs. “I would’ve knocked. Oh,ourbedroom,” he teases, raising his brows. “Sounds like you’ve made progress?”
Now I’m the one shrugging. Fox chuckles, and I glare before grabbing the book from his hand. “I’ll give it to her.”
“Someone’s in a mood this morning.” He tries to take the book back, but I hold it just out of reach. “Give it back. I’d rather do it. Where is she?”
“Out.” Unable to stay still, I start my twenty-first lap around the kitchen, hoping this one will inspire the perfect date idea.
Fox narrows his eyes, studying me. “Dude, what’s going on? You’re all edgy.”
I rub the back of my neck, weighing my options. Am I really desperate enough to ask for his guidance again? The wear on my hardwood floors says I am.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this again, but I need your advice.”
“What was that?” He raises his hand to his ear.
I clench my jaw, speaking louder this time. “Can I get your opinion?”
Fox grins, enjoying this way too much. “Ah, I know what you said. Just wanted to hear it again.” He leans back against the counter. “All right, hit me.”
“I need to ask Hannah to be my girlfriend.”
His brows pull together. “Are you sure she’s not already?”
“Well, I haven’t asked her, so how could she be?”
He takes a moment to consider, then tips his head to one side in a nod. “Fair.”
Now he has me second-guessing this whole thing. It feels a lot like the blind leading the blind. “Maybe I should call Mia. She might know better.”
“No!” Fox snaps, and I raise a brow. He recomposes himself and adds, “I got this.”
“Okay, what do you have for me?”
