Page 65 of Hard to Take

Miles says it as if it’s obvious, but my chest contracts.

No one’s ever spoken that way before, about Kevin or me.

But now that we’ve started, more questions tumble to the front of my mind.

One drowns out the others.

“You were on a rookie contract.” I lower my voice, aware of the patrons around us. “What you did to Kevin could’ve gotten you kicked out of the league and ended your career. I’m surprised he didn’t press charges.”

Miles shifts back in his seat. “Yeah, well. It sure wasn’t out of the goodness of his heart. I got pictures of him in some compromising situations.”

“What you’re saying is…”

Miles takes a long sip of coffee. “Mutually assured destruction.”

There’s nothing but conviction in his tone.

It’s a reminder that Miles Garrett, most popular guy in the league, seems to have an edge when it comes to me.

Maybe I should be concerned by it, but I’ve seen enough people dig in for their own interests over the years. Having someone go hard to defend mine makes me want to let him in.

But it’s one thing on let a person in, and another to lean on them.

“I appreciate how you’ve been there for me. Then, and now. And I promised both of us I’d only impose on you for a few weeks.”

His brows pull together. “Brooke?—”

“Let me finish. I said I’d be out by the New Year. And between my brand work and Nova, I actually have a positive bank account balance. It feels good. But.” I take a breath. “I don’t want to be reckless and wind up without savings in another month. So to be sensible, it might be best if I stayed another couple of weeks if you’re okay with that.”

“No.”

Dismay hits me. “No?”

“No, I don’t want you moving out in two weeks.”

His meaning sinks in.

“Miles. I’m not saying we have to end whatever this is. But you must miss having your own space.”

“I don’t. And if you try to say you don’t like me, or that I’m a bad roommate, there’s an empty jumbo box of condoms that prove otherwise.”

He threads his fingers through mine, tracing my palm with his thumb. “What do you say, Princess? Stick around a minute. Play this out with me. I don’t know where it’ll go, but I’m dying to find out.”

My throat is tight. I always have a response, whether it’s right or wrong, but now, I’m speechless.

“I guess I’m not in a hurry.” The words are casual but they feel anything but.

His handsome face splits into a grin. “There’s one more thing. As much as I love sneaking around with you, I don’t want to keep hiding this. Not from the team.”

“And by the team you mean my brother,” I finish.

Miles exhales hard. “Pretty much.”

“You think he’ll hate it?”

“I don’t know.”

I wrestle with the idea. The Kodiaks need this road trip.

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