Page 44 of Stealing Home

“And why is that, little brother?” he pushes.

“Don’t, little brother me.”

“Just trying to figure out what is going on in that head of yours.”

“You and me both.”

“Are you ready to jump back into dating? I know after things with Layla, you weren’t so eager to.”

“I wasn’t. I haven’t been. But Adriana? Damn,I feel that there is something there, and it makes me want to try again.”

“You know I love and trust you. I don’t think you’re fucking around here and wanting to get to know her, but I have to say this because my wife adores her. Heather approves. She says she sees the sparks between the two of you. She thinks she would be good for you. And I don’t disagree. Especially since you aren’t into the whole carousel of cleat chasers and going out like some of the other guys.”

“You aren’t wrong there. I know I give you shit for settling down, but seeing you and Heather and what you share makes me want to strive for more. You guys remind me so much of mom and dad.” I take a breath remembering how mom and dad were so happy to just be together anywhere. “I know we don’t talk about it often, but I want any family I have to be close with yours. The thing is, I want what mom and dad had. I miss seeing them dance in the kitchen while mom was making dinner, and she had the music on. Seeing them watching a movie on the couch or sitting in the backyard enjoying a summer night. I know I spend a lot of time with you and Heather, but you guys need your own space. I don’t want to be the permanent third wheel. Something deep in my bones tells me that Adriana might be the person to change my world.” I tell him.

“Cole, first off you never infringe on Heather and I. We want you around. You are not only my little brother, but you are also my best friend. Yes, so is Heather, but it’s different. Even whenwe start that part of our family. I hope you know we want you involved as much as you want to be. I know that’s why you bought the house next door to us. If you think she could be the one, I wouldn’t be opposed to it. Adriana has a good head on her shoulders and she isn’t here for who you are or what you can offer her.”

“That’s exactly it. That’s what draws me in. She told me she needed friends, but I was just very honest with her and told her I wanted to get to know her as more than friends. I’m just worried I might have scared her off completely.”

“What was her response?”

“She asked for time.”

“Well knucklehead, that’s not a no.” he says to me.

“Yeah, I know. But it’s not a yes either.” I say, feeling a little defeated.

“No, it’s not, but that also means you can continue to be her friend and show her who you are.” Ty is giving good advice as usual.

“You know you aren’t half bad at these talks.” I say with a chuckle.

“Thanks? I feel like I should be offended, but I’ll let it slide cause I’m fucking tired and we have another game tomorrow.” He jokes with me.

“Night bro.” I say, turning to face away from him.

“Night.” Ty says and turns the tv off.

“Just saying King sure did like how she looked in his jersey.”

“Fuck all the way off. She looks better in mine.” I growl out.

Ty chuckles while I lay in bed just thinking about the two intense conversations I just had. Well, one was intense, and the other was unexpected. Ty’s right. I just have to be me. Maybe when we get home from this road trip, I’ll see if she wants to hangout without the lovebirds and see if I can get her to change her mind about dating.

It’sthe last series of this road trip and we just got back to the hotel in Colorado. I can’t wait to get home. Two weeks on the road can be rough on the body and I’m ready for my bed.

“Hey, I have our keys for our room. They needed to change our room.” Ty says as he comes up to me.

“Hey.” This comes from right and I look over to see Sean.

“What’s up?” I ask.

“A group of us are going to grab dinner. You guys in?”

“No thanks. We have dinner plans already.” Ty answers for both of us.

“Sorry, man. Next time.” I tell Sean.

“Yeah, man.” He says and turns to walk to some of the other guys.

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