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)
“Oh, no.” I cover my face with my hands. “I thought I was just imagining that. When I had to tell the team about the nursing home visit and Knox’s visit to the children’s hospital, it seemed like he was talking to me differently. His tone was softer, but I thought… told myself it was all in my head. Fuck, Landry is most definitely on to us. That means the rest of the team and the Rampage might be on to us, too. Sloane, what do I do?” My mind is racing as panic starts to set in. I can’t let this come between the team and Knox. He loves this team, and Nashville is close to his family. He’s within driving distance to see them. I can’t be the reason he has to leave the Rampage.
“You don’t do anything. Unless you’re ready to come clean, you keep seeing your man on the down low and let it all play out.”
“Stupid,” I mutter under my breath. “I knew better. Honestly, I didn’t see us still being together. I thought he’d lose interest. I didn’t think there was a reason to tell them. I thought this would be over just as fast as it started, but here we are, months into this, and he’s still there. Still only has eyes for me.”
“Because he loves you.”
“He likes me.”
“Girl, you’re lying to yourself. You know that, right?”
I know she’s right. I know that he loves me. I can feel it with every look, every touch, and every word he speaks to me. I feel his love even when he’s not with me. I’m scared as hell that when we finally admit it to each other, this is all going to blow up, and I’m going to lose him. Honestly, that’s a big part of why I want to wait until the end of the season. Yes, I think our news could come between the team, and I don’t want that. I also know that it could be the end of one or both of our careers. But the biggest reason is that I don’t want there to be a reason for him to walk away.
“He’s not going to walk away from you,” Sloane says, reading my mind. “He’s in this with you, Corie. Anyone who’s paying close enough attention can see that.”
“I love him so much, Sloane.”
She smiles. “I know you do. He knows it, too, and if my theory is correct, he’s afraid that saying those words will push you away. He wanted to scream that the two of you are together from the rooftops months ago. He’s letting you set the pace. He introduced you to his family.”
“You’re right.” I know she is. Knox has asked to come clean and let whatever happens happen, but I’ve asked him time and time again not to.
“I don’t know if we can pull this off until the end of the season.”
“Then don’t. Talk to Landry, then go to the powers that be and confess. Trust him to have your back like you’ll always have his.”
“I’ll talk to him,” I tell her.
“Good.”
“Thank you, bestie.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” We hug and spend the next hour catching up on her life and the classroom. She’s not dating. She claims she’s tired of dating assholes, and a few months ago, I was on that same plan. I didn’t expect Knox Beckett. They say the best things in life are the unexpected, and he’s definitely the best thing in my life.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Knox
* * *
This day is complete shit. Not only is my first-ever agent here, Conner Johnson, but I just learned from my best friend that he’s Corie’s ex. How did I not know that? I knew he existed, but Conner Johnson? She deserves so much better than that jackass.
“She dated him? Really?” I ask Landry. We’re doing a team photoshoot to update our pictures and team roster, and all our agents are here. “Why are guys still signing him as their agent?” I ask.
“Yes, he cheated on her, the rat bastard. He’s here with Tanner Anderson. As far as I know, he’s the only one on our team he represents.”
“We should sit down with Tanner and tell him what a jackass his agent is,” I huff.
“Rumor has it that he’s telling Tanner he can take your place next season,” Landry says.
“What. The. Fuck? Seriously? Dude is third-string QB. I’m ranked number one in the entire fucking league. Is Anderson really buying into that bullshit?”
Landry shrugs. “That’s what I hear.”
“Harry gets all the good gossip.” I nod. I wouldn’t put it past Conner, and I’m sure he’s blown all kinds of smoke up the kid’s ass. The Rampage took him in the fifth round of the draft. He’s got some work to do if he plans to take my place. That’s not me being cocky. I’m just stating the facts.