Page 99 of Against The Rules

“Yeah, you do.”

“I think I would know if I had insurance.” She pokes my shoulder.

“The dance team doesn’t offer insurance?”

“I’m part-time with them.”

“But…” I draw the word out. “I’m not part-time. And you’re my wife. I could add you to my benefits.”

A real laugh erupts out of her, her eyes squeezed shut like I’ve said something truly hilarious.

“I’m being serious.”

“We can’t tell the team, remember? They’ll kick me off.”

“If you really need or want therapy, Peaches, I want to help you.”

“I know. I hear you. And that’s really kind of you, honestly. Especially since I’m not,” her throat bobs as she swallows, “not where you are.”

Not where I am. Not in love with me. A pang goes through me, and I close my eyes for a fraction of a second, because rationally, I understand she needs more time, of course she does.

“If you want us to… if you need me to back off, just say the word. I can back off.”

I’m not sure if it’s a lie or not, but if it’s what Savannah needs, I’ll fucking try.

To my utter relief, she nestles her head in the crook of my shoulder and I sigh, pulling her as close as I can.

“I don’t want you to back off. I like you. A lot. I’m confused about, well, the fact we’re already married, I guess, and then also pretending not to even know each other, I mean, it’s ridiculous, right?”

“It won’t be like this forever,” I say, then wince as she stiffens in my arms.

“You mean, when you get traded and move away?”

I don’t answer, not right away. “That’s a possibility,” I finally say.

“My life is here,” she says, but her voice is thin. “The dance team, my work, my friends…” Her mouth closes with a click.

This time, I keep my mouth shut, too. From what I can tell, her best friend is an asshole, and as much as she refuses to talk shit about it, I don’t think she actually likes cheering—or, at least, not all the bullshit that goes along with it.

Not to mention her work isn’t here, not anymore.

“Your work could be anywhere,” I tell her softly.

“I don’t want to argue about this.”

“We don’t have to.” I entwine my hand with hers. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Not right now, anyway.

“We’ll take it one day at a time.”

Until the day comes that I am traded, and then I’ll be down on my fucking knees, begging my wife to come with me.

Maybe when it does happen, I won’t have to beg.

CHAPTER 40

SAVANNAH

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