Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“You don’t get to make that choice.”
Lifting his hand, he rests his palm against my cheek, and I can’t help but lean into his touch. “I’ll never force you into anything, Bellamy. But I also can’t let you go. So, no, I can’t keep you from walking away from me, but I can keep following you. I can keep showing up. I’m not him, Bell. I’m not your father, and my career does not make it impossible to make you a priority in my life.”
“Stop,” I say, my voice cracking. I want his words to be true. I want so desperately to believe him, to fall into his arms and feel his strength. It’s been a month, but I’ve never forgotten how it felt to be wrapped up in his warm embrace.
His thumb traces gently across the apple of my cheek. “I want more time with you.”
“I don’t date football players.”
“Then date me. Date Reid the man, not Reid the football player. Give me a chance to show you that I’m not him.”
“I don’t know if I can,” I confess.
“Everything okay here?” My dad’s voice carries down the hall, followed by the sound of his footsteps.
“Fine,” I grit out. I don’t want to deal with him right now.
“Montgomery, get your hands off my daughter,” my dad grinds out.
“With all due respect, Coach, you don’t get to dictate my private life or hers. We’re both adults, and we don’t need your permission. Sure, we’d take it, but we don’t need it,” he says, meeting my father’s stare, before he turns his eyes to me.
They soften, and a little piece of armor around my heart cracks. Not from the look alone, but for how he stood up for me. Stood up for us, even though we’re not together, to my father.
“I’ll give the two of you some time,” he says softly and leans forward. I suck in a breath, thinking he’s going to kiss me, but his lips land on my forehead. He holds them there for far longer than needed, before he pulls away and strides off down the hallway.
“Care to tell me what you’re doing with one of my players?” my dad asks, arms crossed over his chest.
“Nope.”
“Bellamy.” His tone is warning.
“You missed the chance, Dad,” I say angrily. “You left us, so you don’t get to pretend like you care who I date or what’s going on in my life.”
“I do care,” he says, dropping the attitude. “I’ve never not cared, Bellamy.”
“Sure, sure.” I nod. “Are we done here?”
“No. Are you dating Montgomery?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“My players and my daughter are my business.”
“I need to find Amanda. Thanks for the invite; we’ll be leaving.” I move to step past him, and he reaches out to gently grab my arm to stop me.
“Don’t go.”
“I can’t be here right now.”
“I’ll drive you home. You’re upset.”
“Amanda’s with me. Besides, we both know you can’t leave. This job is your life. You chose it over me and Mom, so why would I ever think that you would choose me now?” I jerk my hand out of his. “Bye, Coach Warner,” I say, before rushing off to find Amanda.
It’s time to get the hell out of here.
Chapter Nine
Reid
I’m lying in bed, letting today replay in my mind. I can’t believe she’s here. My dream girl lives in Nashville. Fuck me, she’s my coach’s daughter. He’s pissed that I talked back, but at that moment, he wasn’t my coach. He was my girl’s dad, and although I don’t know every detail, I know things aren't good between them—and his mistakes are being held against me. He can fuck right off for that.
It’shis fault she’s using their past against me, and it still pisses me off. Who leaves their wife and kid? I can’t wrap my head around it. Of course, there could be pieces I’m missing. I’m certain there are. I’m sure there are pieces that Bellamy is missing, too, but that’s for another day.
Scrolling through my phone, I find her number and change her contact to Dream Girl. I scrunch my nose. Backing out, I try again. My Dream Girl is much better. Once I have her name saved how I want it, I fire off a text.
Me: Did you make it home okay?
I wait, staring at the screen. I can see that she’s read the message, and as soon as the little bubbles start to bounce, my heart starts to race. I assumed she’d ghost me. But, to my surprise, she’s not. Her reply pops up, and I grin, seeing her name.
My Dream Girl: I’m home.
Me: Good deal. How are you?
My Dream Girl: You don’t have to check up on me, Reid. I’m a big girl. I can handle some drama.
Me: I don’t want drama between us. I don’t want anything that keeps me away from you.