Page 77 of Player Misconduct
“This is insane.”
“It’s not insane. It’s me taking care of both of you. And just so you know… it feels fucking amazing everytime you let me. So make me happy, okay? You owe me since that shit head Tarron gets to walk around free and clear,” he says, entirely too pleased with the fact that he got me there. I did ask for a big favor, even ifit is to protect both of our careers. But fine, I’ll settle on this one thing.
“Now we’re even,” I tell him, sliding the card in my wallet so I don’t lose it.
It’s a little terrifying to have a card with no limit in my purse. What if I lose it, or I get mugged. I try to push the thought away… for now. I know I worry too much.
The saleswoman returns with a receipt and a bright “Congratulations,” before I can dig myself out of the hole.
When we step back into the street, the box order confirmed, I’m torn between melting and murdering him.
“I still feel guilty for letting you do that,” I say quietly.
He stops walking, turns to me. “You’re doing all the hard work, Kendall. You’re growing me my own little best friend. So let me handle a few easy things.”
My throat tightens. I hate that he’s this good. I hate that it feels like love. I hate that he obsoletely means that this little boy is going to be his best friend. I already know that that's the kind of relationship my son will have with his dad.
I hate that he’s making it hard to push him away. To pretend that this was all just a one-night stand that we’re trying to make the best of it.
Before I can reply, my phone buzzes.
Penelope:Hey, did you ever send those charts to the physical therapist coming in tomorrow?
Crap. My stomach drops. I didn’t. It completely slipped my mind.
“I need to head into the stadium,” I say quickly. “Forgot to send a few files.”
“Do it tomorrow,” he says easily.
“I can’t. Penelope needs them in the morning.”
“I was planning to hit the gym anyway,” he says, far too smoothly. “I’ll drive you. You work, I work. Then I’ll take you home.”
I don’t believe that he was meaning to go to the gym for even a second. But I can’t help the relief I feel at knowing that I won’t be in a deserted stadium by myself, with the exception of a couple of security guards, this late at night.
“You were not planning that,” I say, narrowing my eyes.
He grins. “Do you always have to call me out? It makes it hard to be romantic.”
I try not to smile back. “You don’t have to babysit me, you know.”
“I know.” His voice gentles. “I just don’t like the idea of you being there alone.”
And damn it, that word—alone—does me in.
Because as much as I want to resist, it’s nice knowing someone will be there. Scratch that… it will be nice knowing he’s there.
“Fine,” I say finally. “But only if you promise not to hover.”
He grins, triumphant. “I’ll be on the other side of the stadium in the gym the entire time. You just come get me when you’re done.”
I roll my eyes but feel my heart soften anyway. “You’re impossible.”
“Persistent,” he corrects. “Finnish trait.”
The stadium feels different when it’s empty.
Aleksi’s in the gym somewhere beneath me, pretending to need a workout when we both know he’s here because of me.
