Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
“Makes sense. Especially those who have a wife and kids. It has to be tough being away from them. I know how it is for you with Landry and Knox. I couldn’t imagine kids, too, but at least they get to make up for it in the offseason.”
“This is true.” I stand and start cleaning up our mess. Sloane helps, and in no time, we’re heading upstairs to our rooms—well, mine and the one she uses when she’s here.
“At least the wait is almost over, and you get to see your man tomorrow,” she says with a wink.
I laugh. “Yep. Night, bestie.”
“Night.” I disappear into my room and hear her door shut, as well. I go through the routine of getting ready for bed, and as I’m sliding under the covers, my phone rings. I scramble to answer it, grinning like a fool when I see Knox’s name.
“Hello.”
“Did I wake you?” he asks softly.
“No. We just finished watching the game. I just got into bed.”
“You watched?”
“Always. Sloane came over, and she’s staying the night.”
“Is it wrong to be jealous of your best friend?” he asks. There is no humor in his tone.
“You don’t have to be.”
“Four days, Corie girl. Four very long days.”
“A month ago, you wouldn’t have cared,” I remind him.
“A month ago, you weren’t mine,” he counters.
My belly quivers at his words, and I wish he were here more than anything. “I like the sound of that,” I reply softly.
“Good. We’re leaving here in an hour to catch our flight back. It will be late when we get in.”
“Safe flight.”
“Sweet dreams.”
“Who are you talking to?” I hear Reid—I think—ask.
“My girl,” Knox answers, and my heart stalls in my chest.
“Hold up. You’re seeing someone?”
“It’s new, but yeah.”
“Is that why you’ve been so busy lately?”
This time, I recognize the voice as my brother’s, and I hold my breath, waiting to see what Knox will say.
“Yep.”
“Whoa, he’s not denying it. Boys, I think QB1 has been hit with the love bug,” Landry teases.
“Knox, I’ll let you go,” I tell him. I feel restless and uneasy being on the other end of the line.
“Sweet dreams, baby,” he says softly, and the line goes dead.
I’m lying in the dark with my phone clutched to my chest, trying to even out my breathing. Landry doesn’t know it’s me. Everything is fine. “Everything is fine,” I whisper the words as my phone vibrates.
* * *
Knox: I changed your name in my phone just to be safe.
Knox: Don’t freak out on me. He doesn’t know, but I had to say something. They’ve been riding my ass about spending less time with the group because I want to spend all my spare time with you.
Me: This is risky.
Knox: You’re worth every risk, Corie.
* * *
I don’t know what to say to that. That he is worth it, too? Because yes, I obviously think so, because I went into this with my eyes wide open. Before I can think of a reply, he sends another message.
* * *
Knox: Getting in the shower so I can get home to you. Sweet dreams.
Me: See you soon.
* * *
It’s lame as far as replies go, but that’s the best I’ve got right now. Placing my phone on the nightstand, I close my eyes and will sleep to claim me.
I wake with a jolt, my heart racing. I feel the bed dip, and I’m ready to scream when I hear his sleepy voice.
“It’s me, Corie.”
“Knox?” I blink twice to make sure I’m not dreaming, and he’s really here.
“I better be the only man sneaking into your room at night.” He leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth.
“How are you here?”
“Told Landry my car wouldn’t start. It was easier to come here instead of him dropping me at my place.”
“He can’t find you in here.” I start to panic. “What happens when he finds out you lied?”
“He won’t.”
“But he might.”
“Corie, he won’t. I’ll blow it off as a fluke when it starts. It’s going to be fine.”
“But what if he finds you in here with me?” I ask again, my mind racing. I’m battling with myself. A huge part of me wants to hold on to him and never let go, and the other part, even though small, says that I should make him go back to the guest room, but I can’t seem to push the words past my lips.
“It’s okay. We’ve been home for over an hour. I stood outside his bedroom door and listened to his snoring.”
“What time is it?”
“Just after five. I’m sorry to wake you.” He runs his hand over my thigh. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.”
“What time do you have to leave for work?”
“I have a meeting at eight, so I’ll leave at seven to get there in plenty of time.”
“Good.” He moves to lie next to me, burrowing under the covers. “I get a little time to snuggle you before you have to start getting ready.”