Page 17 of The Game Plan
He rubs a hand across his head, muttering something about football players and missing brain cells. Savannah laughs softly, and I catch the smile on her face. In that moment, she looks free, like she doesn’t have a care in the world.
Pressing her elbow into the arm of the couch, she uses her other hand to help push herself off the couch. I admire her growing belly as she walks toward us. “Grant, this is my cousin, Ridge.”
Recognition sparks within me. I’ve heard of this guy, though he’s nothing like I pictured. I reach out, waiting for Ridge to take my hand. His grip is firm, matching mine.
“Sorry about that,” I say. “My bad. I was freaked out this morning when I saw the news.”
“No worries, man. I was the same way. We were on the phone when shit hit the fan. I pulled some strings to get here as quickly as I could.” He pauses, giving me a once-over. “It’s good to know you would’ve been here if I were held up.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Savannah’s face softening.
My eyes bounce between Sav and her cousin, and the question pops out before I can think it through. “So…if he’s not the father, who is?”
A slight wince creases Savannah’s features as she shakes her head. “It… H e… It doesn’t matter. He’s washed his hands of his responsibility.”
“You good, Savvy?” Ridge asks, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She leans into his embrace, and I’m instantly jealous. As moisture gathers in her eyes, she nods up at him.
“Move in with me,” I blurt out without hesitation. Two sets of eyes stare back at me with bewilderment.
“Wh-what?” Savannah splutters. “Grant, I can’t—”
“Yes, you can.” I gesture around the cramped apartment she’s worked hard to make a home. “It’s not safe here. I have a second bedroom. You could stay with me until things settle. Just…consider it. Please.”
Panic morphs her expression as she shakes her head. “I don’t think—”
“I think it’s a good idea,” Ridge cuts in.
Savannah’s head whips to her cousin as she steps out from under his arm. She starts to pace, but it’s only a couple of steps in each direction. “You seriously think it’s a good idea?”
Ridge nods. “Yeah. You trust him?”
“Of course I trust him.”
My chest swells at her effortless admission.
“Then do it.” He shrugs his shoulders. “What’s it going to hurt? And besides, I’d feel a lot better knowing you weren’t living in this shithole.”
“Watch it,” Sav snaps. “This is my home.”
Savannah turns to me, hand on one hip while the other rubs her belly.
“Okay,” she whispers, and I can’t help the weightless feeling that takes over. “But I have a few conditions.”
“Anything you want,” I agree.
Her eyes widen slightly, almost as if she didn’t think I’d buy her the damn world to have her agree to move in with me.
She hesitates, gaze bouncing between her cousin and me. “Let me get back to you on that.”
Ridge lets out a soft chuckle as I nod.
The only thought in my head is…
Maybe this time will be our time.
Am I seriously going to move in with Grant Campbell at thirty weeks pregnant? Judging from the boxes in my living room, the answer seems to be yes.
How did I get here?
