Page 18 of The Single Dads Club
Oh! I never thought of that. Yeah, totally! What time’s the game? What’s your number again so I know who to look for on the field?
This makes me laugh harder. I’ve never dated a woman who wasn’t obsessed with football, obsessed with what I did for a living or the idea of being a player’s girlfriend or wife. Ryleigh literally has zero interest, and I find that refreshing.
I fill her in on the time and tell her which channel she’ll find the game on, as well as the number on my jersey.
See you Sunday night.
Her reply comes almost instantly.
Looking forward to it.
Two nights. Two nights away from Ryleigh and little Ella, and it feels like a fucking eternity.
***
I have no idea what the hell is happening to my life. I only know that all my concentration, all my focus, has been replaced with constant worry and concern for a certain woman and baby who are currently staying in my home.
My team squeaked out a win, but only barely, and I can tell Coach Royce isn’t at all pleased with my performance on the field. But fuck it. We won. It’s over. He’s just going to have to deal with it for now.
On our flight back to Chicago, I lean my head back against the seat with my eyes closed, pretending to be asleep so I don’t have to endure any questions about what the fuck happened out there. During the last forty-eight hours, I became someone I barely recognized. I was like a needy teenage boyfriend, texting Ryleigh constantly, checking on them, and honestly just missing having them near. Even little Ella.
I almost had a panic attack and flew back when Ryleighcouldn’t figure out how to arm the alarm system, even though there was no way anyone was even getting up to the apartment without my passcode. Basically, I was being a ridiculous man-baby about all of this, and I have no freaking idea why.
While I was halfway across the country wishing I was back in Chi-town, Ryleigh spent her time being productive, trying to track down Ella’s mom, and even filed a missing person’s report with the police, although she hasn’t gotten anywhere with her search. I bet she wasn’t checking her phone constantly and about to go all full-blown meltdown while worrying about me.
Jesus, I need to get my head and possibly my balls checked. Hell, maybe even a check to see if a vagina is growing in place of my manhood. Nothing would surprise me at this point.
When my ears pop from the change in pressure, I open my eyes, happy we’ll be landing soon. Forty minutes later, I pull into the parking garage of my building. I can’t get to the elevator fast enough, and jab the button three times in my rush to get upstairs.
It’s late, almost ten here, and I find Ryleigh curled on the couch with a glass of white wine in her hand. Her legs are covered by a white fur throw, and the TV is on mute. Ella is nowhere to be seen, in her Pack ’n Play, I’m sure.
“Hi,” I say.
“Hey.” Ryleigh grins when she sees me and starts to get up.
“Don’t move. You look comfortable,” I say, joining her on the other end of the couch. I lift her bare feet and place them in my lap.I need to touch her right now. I know I shouldn’t, but tonight I’m indulging. I’m too weak not to have my hands on her after the weekend away from her.
“I am. She wore me out.” Ryleigh lets out a yawn as I rub small circles into the arch of her foot. “Mmm ... that feels nice,” she says, closing her eyes.
She looks so pretty like this, so soft and domestic. There’s something I like about finding her here waiting for me, all relaxed and sleepy.
“Did you watch the game?” I ask.
Ryleigh’s eyes open and latch onto mine. “You were amazing, Alexei. I’ve never been more interested in watching a football game in my entire life.”
I chuckle. “I played like shit, but thanks.”
“No way. I thought it was amazing. You were so confident and aggressive. It was ... never mind.”
“It was what?” Curiosity makes my mouth quirk up.
“It was hot,” she says quietly, her gaze dips from mine to my mouth and then back up.
“Glad you enjoyed it,” I say, my voice suddenly tight as my hands stop their gentle caresses while we stare at each other.
She nods. “I only have one complaint.”
“What was that?” I move to the other foot to give it the same treatment now that it seems our moment has passed. I’ve never dared to touch her this freely, but somehow it just feels right. And she’s letting me, so there’s no fucking way I’m stopping now.
