Page 35 of Bad Boy Neighbor

The ball bounces near my foot, a fierce kick, and its gone mid left.

Fuck.

My game is incredibly off.

“I’m waiting for a call from my specialist. I have an appointment tomorrow, so we’ll see what he says.”

Aside from escaping the unwanted media attention back home, a reason for me coming here is to meet with the world’s top shoulder surgeons. It came at a hefty price, but I’m willing to do or pay anything to be able to play again.

After the accident, I spent months in a very dark place. My parents were worried I was suicidal, refusing to talk to anyone and isolating myself in my apartment. To reassure them I would not take any drastic measures to end my life, I began to see a trauma counselor.

She helped me work through the initial trauma of the accident, then I accidentally fucked her. We both agreed it was one time, would never be spoken about again for the risk of losing her practicing license, and I would end my working relationship with her and find someone else.

Look, it was a nice fuck on her expensive leather lounge and the boost of confidence I needed at the time. Talk about stroking the ego—she did that nicely.

However, getting on a plane to fly across the world for what is not a guaranteed fix may seem ludicrous to some.

But it is the only chance I have left.

One last attempt to repair the damage.

Seb rests his hand on my shoulder. “Look, I know it’s the hardest thing in the world to give up what you’ve worked your whole life for. I wanna be positive for you, but mate, your accident was life-threatening. You’re lucky to be alive, let alone play again. You gotta take that win.”

Distracted by my phone pinging, I guzzle some water and quickly read the text from Gabriella. I had to laugh, egging her on until Seb demands I put the phone down and focus on my game, not pussy.

Back at the house, I freshen up and pack my bag before chilling on the sofa where Lana is trying to change Ace. The kid has the same energy as Seb, unable to sit still for even a moment.

“It’s like wrestling with a goddam worm,” she complains, frustrated.

I grab a toy, propping it above him and making a monster sound until he lays still so Lana can change him.

“You’re so patient with him,” she says, falling back onto the sofa as he climbs on top of me. “You sure you don’t want a job as a manny?”

Ace jumps on me, almost squashing my nuts as he begs for more monster sounds. I entertain him, tickling his sides before he runs away to hide under the coffee table.

“I’ve got two sisters, and the youngest is twelve years my junior. Ma and Pa worked on the farm a lot her first year, so I took care of her after school. It’s been a while, though.”

“You’ll make a good dad. Speaking of which, how are things with, um… Gabriella?”

“Nice segue from Daddy’s duties to Gabs.”

She grins proudly. “Thought it was smooth.”

“She’s a cool chick. A bit high-strung, but yeah, we have fun.”

“Oh… you have fun?”

“Yeah, we have fun.”

“Like fun, fun?”

“More like just fun. No fun, fun.” I set the record straight.

I’d be stupid to assume Lana and Gabriella don’t share stories, so exaggerating fun could have landed me in hot water.

“Anyway, she’s with Prince Charming, right?”

If anyone knows the truth, it will be Lana.

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