Page 40 of The Game Plan
Yum!
Chloe: Enjoy walking that baby out! Can’t wait to fly down and meet the little one!
My chest warms at her excitement. Since she and Cody moved to Cleveland and Brynn moved to Colorado to be with Quinton, it’s felt weird not having them around. Especially since my sorority sisters all ditched me, it’s like I’m more alone than ever before. But reading their excitement at meeting my baby, well, it’s nice knowing we have more people in our corner than it feels.
Stepping outside, I’m greeted by a warm, gentle breeze that smells like freshly cut grass and charcoal from someone grilling. The sidewalk still holds on to some of the day’s heat, radiating through the soles of my shoes. My feet already ache, and I haven’t even made it past our building. I blame walking around campus earlier as the culprit.
This is what prepping for labor looks like now. Miles around a cracked concrete complex, hoping gravity and movement will convince my body to start the process on its own. At my last appointment, I wasn’t even dilated yet.
I adjust my tank top as best as I can. Not much is covering this bump at this point. Starting my first loop, I let the audiobook play. The gruff voice of the narrator is soothing, but I’m only half listening as my thoughts drift to earlier.
“So it’s true…”
“I wasn’t sure if the rumors were real, but…”
“Is it Grant’s?”
“...Grant is letting me stay with him temporarily.”
She didn’t say it, but I could read the judgment on her face. It was written in the curl of her lips and the dramatic pause before every loaded question. Almost as if she were filing away every detail to spread around campus.
Then I had to open my big mouth and blurt that I was living with Grant. The shock on her face told me everything I needed to know. What would happen if the university found out a coach is living with a student? Even if there’s no relationship,technically, there’s obvious chemistry between us. I’m sure there are rules. Policies. A standard of conduct among the coaching staff.
And even if we’re roommates and nothing more, that doesn’t mean people would believe us. The rumors would be enough. The way he looks at me woulddefinitelybe enough.
What if I’m jeopardizing his career before he’s even had a chance to prove himself? He has enough on his shoulders already. There are already conversations about nepotism regarding his hiring.
The fact I’m carrying someone else’s baby, but he’s the one seen with me… Hell, that’s enough to start a damn wildfire.
But the biggest danger isn’t the university…
It’sme.
I’m falling for him…again. I don’t think I ever stopped. But this time, I don’t think I’d survive pretending I’m not.
I hit my second loop around the complex, passing the pool where a few groups of residents are enjoying the water. An inflatable beer pong float is in the middle. It smells like suntan lotion and bad decisions, the kind of memories I used to make.
By my third loop, my lower back is aching, but I push forward, walking slower now since it’s my last one. The clouds have thinned a little, letting streaks of pink and amber cut through.
As I’m turning the corner near the mailboxes, I nearly stop in my tracks.
Standing there is a tall, dark-haired version of Grant. Bret Campbell is the definition of confidence. Dressed in athletic shorts that hit mid-thigh and a cropped tank, her muscular, athletic build is on full display.
At the sound of my feet approaching, she turns to face me. Her expression morphs into a warm smile. It feels a little awkward seeing her again, since I haven’t seen her in months. Not since I appeared at Grant’s graduation.
“Well, well, well…look who he finally let out of the apartment.”
I huff a laugh, pulling out one earbud, causing the audiobook to stop.
“I was starting to think my brother had you chained up or something.”
My face flushes at the thought of Grant tying me up. At my hands bound above my head, his body hovering over me. Pressing slow, torturous kisses down my chest, teasing my breasts, nibbling on my stomach until he’s situated between my spread legs.
Bret’s eyes widen, and I realize my expression mirrors my dirty thoughts.
“Oh god,” she starts, raising her palms. “I’m not one to kink-shame. I’m here for a strong hand necklace, but I donotwant to think about my brother tying you up.”
She shivers, and I can’t help giggling. “Nothing like that is happening.”
