Page 19 of The Game Plan
His chuckle vibrates against my back. “That’s honest. Talk about it.” He doesn’t ask, but demands. Ridge knows I need the push to talk about my feelings.
Sliding out of his grasp, I move so that I’m facing him, our sides leaning against the open drawer. Instinctively, I rub tiny circles over my belly with my fingertips, my movements automatically slowing as my baby arches into the pressure of my fingers. It’s a sensation I’ll never get over.
“I can’t believe this is my life,” I say with a frustrated sigh. “I was always the planner. After growing up in chaos with my mom and becoming a burden to Aunt Bethany—”
“You weren’t—” Ridge cuts me off, but I silence him with a glare. I know what he was going to say. I wasn’t a burden. I was the daughter my aunt never had, a sister to him. Which I understand, but I still wasn’t her responsibility.
“As hard as your mom worked, I wanted better than what we grew up with. That’s why I had a plan. Move out of state to see more of the country. Finish school. Land a good-paying job. Maybe travel some more and settle down—pop out a few babies…when I was ready.”
Ridge’s dark eyes are understanding and kind. He’s listening, waiting for me to continue at my own pace.
“And now I’m moving into the apartment of the boy I’ve had feelings for since freshman year. Neither of us was ready for a relationship then. We were young, wanting to enjoy college before the real world hit. The chemistry was always there, but the timing was never right… I was too scared. Now look at me. I’m pregnant. I’m broke. And I’m scared I’m dragging Grant down while his career’s taking off.”
Ridge’s arm reaches into the open drawer. I watch as he pushes a stack of pictures aside to expose a Polaroid that was barely seen. He holds the picture, and I smile at the two crazy nineteen-year-olds. Grant’s arm was wrapped around my shoulders, my head thrown back in laughter, but Grant…was staring at me. His features were softened, eyes full of warmth as admiration poured from him.
“What are you really scared of? From where I’m sitting, that man is here for you. What’s wrong with letting him love you—and your baby? You’ve said you don’t want to be like our moms. You won’t be. Not if you find a good man, one who cares and will protect you. I saw it the moment he showed up today. He washere to make sure you were safe. That says everything about the kind of man he is.”
“But what if he realizes it’s not worth it?”
“Then that’s a risk you have to take,” Ridge says, propping his arms on his knees. “You say that the two of you are just friends, but I remember all the times you’d talk about Grant Campbell. You’d light up, and it gave me hope you were getting out of this cycle. You say you want simple, but that’s not you. Savvy, you’ve never been simple. You’re an empath. You feel deeply and carry everyone’s weight. But who’s carrying yours? You’ve been doing it alone for so long, you don’t know how to let someone else help.”
Tears burn my eyes as a lump builds in my throat. “He doesn’t owe me anything.”
“No, but he’s offering anyway.” Ridge reaches for my hand and gives it a light squeeze. “You know I don’t trust easily, especially with those around the people I love. But that guy…” He nods toward the picture I’m holding. “He’s a good one. Caring. Loyal. Protective. I couldn’t ask for a better guy to take care of my ‘sister.’”
Ridge is right. He’s saying everything I’ve known since the moment I meant Grant. Our relationship has never been conventional. Our chemistry has always been electric, to the point people have assumed we were together, but we never gave each other those titles. Sure, we’ve hooked up over the years in our own little friends-with-benefits situation. It was easy to do. We ran in the same circles, always showing up to parties together, and when I needed a plus-one, he was always there for me. Much like he is now. But deep down, I’ve been too afraid to let him in completely, to let him love me, because I’m terrified I’ll wake up and he’ll be gone. Like my dad…and my mom.
I swallow hard. “You think I should give him a chance?”
Ridge shrugs. “I don’t think you should force anything, but see how things progress. You’re already giving him a chance by moving in with him. You’re at a vulnerable point, and you’re letting him in, letting him see you.”
“I’m not trying to force some fairy-tale ending.”
“No one is going to think that.”
“But he’s a coach now, and I’m a student. Isn’t that frowned upon or crossing a line?”
“Fuck that. You two aren’t strangers, and this isn’t some creepy power move. You have history, a connection that didn’t end when the relationship—or whatever—did. And honestly?” He pauses, a smile tugging at his lips. “You deserve to be loved like that.”
My brow furrows. “Like what?”
“Like a princess.”
I roll my eyes, even as my chest warms at the thought.
“No, but seriously, you deserve to be loved like you’re not a mess someone has to deal with. Like you’re worth showing up for, no matter how hard it gets. Like you and your baby are the most important thing in someone’s world, and I believe Grant Campbell will love you like that.”
I blink fast, staring at the romantic in front of me, wondering where my dark angel cousin went. But no matter how fast I blink, I can’t keep the tears at bay.
“You’ve been looking for unconditional love your whole life. Maybe it’s finally showing up by literally landing on your doorstep. Don’t be scared to believe it’s real.”
I don’t know what to say. Silence fills the room, but only for a moment. In the most ungraceful move, I reach forward and shove Ridge in the shoulder. It’s awkward as I try to lean over my large stomach from this sitting position. We both laugh at the spectacle.
“When did you become so soft?” I ask around a laugh.
He winks. “Only for you, Savvy.”
Pushing against the floor, Ridge stands to his full height, reaching out a hand for me to take. With my hand in his and his other holding my elbow, he helps me to my feet. Ridge pulls me into a hug before breaking away as if this conversation never happened. I watch as he goes back to the living room to start packing while I stand there, dumbfounded.
