Page 74 of Broken Hearts

He dismisses my sarcasm with a wave of his hand. “Look, I don’t care about your marital status. My concern is the team. You’re one of the best strikers I’ve had in a long time, and I can’t afford to have your personal life disrupt your performance.”

His straightforwardness doesn’t surprise me. “I appreciate your concern, Coach. Always pragmatic.”

His expression hardens. “Do we understand each other, Westbrook?”

Nodding in understanding, I lean back into the chair with a sense of resolve. “Absolutely clear, Coach. My personal life won’t interfere with my game.”

Coach’s gaze remains fixed on me for a moment, intense and calculating. “We’re relying on you this year, Westbrook. We have a real shot at the championship, and I need every one of my players at the top of their game.”

“I’m always on top of my game.” I stand up. “But thank you for the vote of confidence.” I can’t help the bitterness in my tone. It may have been impulsive, yes, but it’s like everyone expects us to fail.

He relaxes back in his chair, his features softening ever so slightly. “Marriage is hard, but you’re one of the most stubborn idiots I have ever met. If anyone can make it work, it’s you.”

A dry laugh escapes me. “Coach, if I didn’t know any better, I would say that sounds almost like a compliment.”

He lets out a grunt, the corners of his mouth twitching in a semblance of a smile. “Keep your complexities off the field, then. Focus on the game. That’s what matters now.”

Exiting Coach’s office, I find the locker room empty, the echoes of earlier laughter long faded. My phone vibrates with a new message.

Ethan: Hey, we’re all hitting up Mario’s for pizza. Come join us.

I hesitate, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. A part of me yearns for the normalcy of hanging out with the guys, but there’s something else I need to do first.

Me: Rain check, guys. Need to talk with Eva.

Driving to my place, I’m already planning how to present the ring to her. It’s a symbol, a tangible piece of commitment, and I hope it conveys what I struggle to put into words. But as I pull into the driveway, I’m surprised to see her car already there. I deleted the tracking app and removed the tracker from her phone when she agreed to give us a chance, not wanting to breach her trust again.

A part of me is apprehensive as I enter the house. The fear that she might have changed her mind, ending this whirlwind as abruptly as it began, is gnawing at me. I realize it’s a fear that might never fully go away.

I find Eva in the living room, looking comfortable yet out of place at the same time. “I hope you don’t mind that I’m here. It was cold, so I borrowed Poppy’s key.”

“Of course not,” I reply, relieved. I reach into the bowl for my own keys. “We should go make a copy of the keys for you right now. I want you to have one. I’ve got one of yours, after all.”

She raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “One that nobody gave you.”

I can’t help but grin. “I’m crafty.”

“Uh-huh,” she replies, the skepticism in her voice not quite masking the affection underneath.

Taking a few steps toward her, I hesitate. “Is something wrong?” I ask, and I’m pleased with how steady and calm my voice sounds despite all the scenarios running through my head.

“Yes, I…” She chews at her bottom lip. “I really like your mom.”

I’m quite positive she didn’t come here to say that, but I play along, knowing that she’ll tell me when she’s ready.

“Yes, she’s a big fan of yours too.”

She nods again and looks around the apartment, wringing her hands together. My girl is nervous.

Closing the last remaining steps between us, I rest my hands on her hips and brush my lips against hers. I feel her relax, and fuck do I love being the one able to do that. It makes me feel like a damn superhero.

“Come with me. I’ve got something to show you.” I grab her hand and start making my way upstairs to my bedroom.

“Is it your penis?”

I laugh. “Obviously. This one always wants to come out and play when you’re near.”

She laughs and lets out a sigh, and I know that she’s almost totally relaxed now.

---