Page 34 of Tight End

Now if only I can figure out how to get my son inside the sheets while I’m using both arms to hold him. Next time I need to remember to pull down the sheets before we have movie time.

I shift around the bed, trying out different maneuvers in my head, but everything falls flat. That’s how June finds me, standing here in utter defeat, trying to magic him into this bed.

The lifesaver that she is pulls down the covers without question. “Sully was still down on the couch.”

As gentle as I can, I lay Oliver down, tucking the sheets around him, and run a hand through his soft brown hair. “Sully?”

June holds up the dinosaur I gave him earlier today. Wait. Today? That feels like so long ago. “It’s what he named our new friend here. Said it was a good name for a T. rex. You must have missed it between his favorite monster, the dream he had last week, and the questions about your childhood fears.”

I huff a laugh, but it’s quick to die on my tongue as June leans forward and brushes her lips across Oliver’s temple. My son and my ... my nothing ... but damn if this doesn’t feel like nothing. My traitorous pulse races, and there’s that image again, the one of June pregnant, swollen with my child.

June Morgan feels a lot like mine.

Which she is not.

I push those thoughts down, whisper good night to Oliver, and head back out into the hallway, June following closely behind. And fuck. Now we’re alone, and I’ve not been able to wrangle myself under control. The more time I spend with June, the more out of control I feel, which isn’t good.

This isn’t what’s supposed to happen.

She’s not part of my plans.

What is it about her that has me so enraptured?

I’m not sure I have an answer, but I need to pull myself together and have a long-overdue conversation with my brain. He needs to focus on football and not on all the different ways he can pine after this woman. She needs to remain in the past—a past that is already so full of turmoil and despair, I’d rather leave it untouched. It’s better that way.

Dredging up old memories is not a pleasant experience, and I have no desire to flay myself open and expose all my jagged, broken pieces. Especially to the one woman who has the potential to destroy every last piece of me.

Giving someone that kind of power again is not something I’m looking to do anytime soon. Caitlin ... it’s been years since I lost her, but her shadow is always there, reminding me not to make the same mistake twice.

Not to fall in love.

Not to let someone in.

Not to give someone the potential to wreck you in a way you’ll never recover.

You never know. Maybe a real adult relationship is something I’ll want to pursue once I’m done with football, although honestly, I don’t see myself getting married again. Right now, it’s not in the cards. I just don’t have time and can’t sacrifice my focus, not with my contract coming up at the end of the season. Oliver is priority number one with football a close second.

That’s it.

Which is why all the memories from our night together need to be buried.

“I hate to ask the question ...” June turns to me, her face barely visible in the dim light from downstairs, and I’m nearly knocked on my ass as the mental image of her curled up next to me, with her head on my chest, barrels into me. She was asleep, worn out by yours truly. The moon hung low, bathing her in soft light, and I had one thought: I’d never seen a more beautiful woman. “Where do I sleep tonight?”

“Huh?” Fuck. I pride myself on paying attention, on my awareness of my surroundings, but not when it comes to June, apparently.

“Where should I sleep?”

Wrapped around me. Preferably naked.

“My room.” Her eyes widen and yup, I heard exactly how that sounded. I clear my throat and try again. “I don’t have another room made up yet, but you’re welcome to use my bed tonight. Don’t worry, I won’t be in it. I’ll take the couch.”

“Can you fit on the couch?”

That’s a good question. “It shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll make it work.”

“I can take the couch.” June glances to the wall beside us.To the floor. Basically anywhere but at me. “It’s the least I can do. You have a game tomorrow. I’m sure you need your sleep.”

“We can share.” Me and my big fucking mouth. The second those damning words left my mouth, I was filled with regret. Is it too late to take them back? Better double down and really cram my foot between my teeth. “It’s only for tonight. You’ll have the room to yourself tomorrow, and you’ll have your own space on Monday.”

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