Page 78 of Player Misconduct
I drop into my chair as my computer boots up, filling the silence. I can’t stop thinking about the last few hours and how hefed me, bought an entire nursery, handed me his black card like it was a spare stick of gum, and now he’s parked himself in the same building just to make sure I’m okay.
It’s ridiculously sweet.And infuriatingly annoying how damnhard it is not to fall for him.
The man’s too good. Too patient. Too quietly relentless in all the ways I never knew another human could be.
I lean back, pressing my palm to my stomach as I feel another flutter from the baby, like a reminder that my life isn’t mine alone anymore.
“You’re already halfway in love with your dad already, aren’t you?” I whisper. “I don’t blame you.” I tell my baby bump.
My phone buzzes.
Isla:How’s my favorite preggo doing?
Me:Currently being smothered by a six-foot-three Finnish caretaker with a hero complex.
Isla:Translation?
Me:He showed up with lunch, bought an entire nursery, handed me his black card, and then drove me here under the pretense of “working out” so I wouldn’t be alone.
The typing bubble flashes almost immediately.
Isla:This is the first time I’ve ever heard of that as a complaint.
I laugh under my breath. I get I sound ungrateful. Like a whiny spoiled brat.
Me:He’s doing too much. I can’t let him think this means anything.
Isla:He’s the father of your child, Kendall. This isn’t “too much.” It’s called being a good man.
Me:It’s called being a distraction.
Isla:Your baby just won the daddy jackpot. The man’s already doing more than most first-time dads—and half the seasoned ones too. You couldn’t have picked better if you tried.
Me:I didn’t “pick” him. We got trapped in a quarantine and he used faulty condoms. It was a mistake.
Isla:Let’s be honest for a second. You and Aleksi have been dancing around each other since he got signed. The sex was inevitable, so don’t blame that on the motel. And now you have a baby on the way and a partner who’s literally building you a nest. You’re allowed to let him in a little. Let him help. You deserve it.
Me:Are you my therapist now?
Isla:I’m multitasking.
I smile, shaking my head.
Isla:Anyway, did he get you that body pillow you wanted?
Me:He offered. I said no. I’m trying to set boundaries.
Isla:Boundaries are overrated. You should’ve let him be your body pillow.
My fingers hover over the keyboard as a ridiculous image flashes in my brain—Aleksi stretched out beside me, warm, solid, his hand resting protectively around me, like he did in Nevada.
God. I need help.
Then Aleksi sends a text.
Aleksi:I’m done working out and I just took a shower in the locker room. I can take you home whenever.
I shoot him a text quickly. “Great, I’ll be ready in five minutes as soon as my upload finishes.”
