Page 100 of Stealing Home

Low frowns, and a deep crease forms between her eyes. “See, that doesn’t make me feel better. That sounds like I’m holding you back. We should add to each other’s lives, not take things away.”

“You expect me to just go back and play on a team that your ex coaches?” I know she’s selfless to a fault, but this is a bit masochistic.

She shrugs, but won’t meet my eyes. “I would be able to handle it.”

“Fuck that,” I seethe, and finally her eyes snap up to meet mine. “There’s no way in hell I could let him coach me. Not without wondering how many times he put his hands on you in anger. Or how many times he coerced you into having sex with him. You might be able to handle it, though I have no idea how, but I can’t.”

Tremors take over her body, and her teeth rattle. It makes me worry I might have triggered a panic attack. She’s been doing better, but it’s a long road. I wrap my arms around her, and pull her onto my lap. “It’s okay to demand things of me. You’re supposed to. If there’s one person in this world you can expect to have your back first and foremost, it’s me. No matter what, I am always going to choose you. Haven’t you figured that out by now?”

She sniffles. “Yeah, I’m starting to see that. And, you’re right, I would rather you not play if Nando is coaching, but if he’s not—”

“I heard what you said. You told your sister that you should have learned your lesson about dating an athlete. I don’t want to do anything that makes you feel vulnerable.”

“You can’t give up everything for me either.” She takes a deep breath. “If Tucker is able to push Nando out, I think you should go back and finish the season.”

“Are you sure?” I ask her.

“Yeah, I mean, unless you’ve changed your mind about going pro. I don’t want to hold you back, and I do trust you, but spending that much time on the road isn’t good for a relationship,” she answers.

I hold her a bit tighter. “No, I still want a quieter life with you, but just so you know, there’s no scenario where I’d ever do anything to risk what we have. I know you’re worried about me being away with the team if I go back for the last couple months of the season. I love you, Low, and I’m not him.”

She kisses me softly, then pulls back to look me in the eyes. “I know you’re not. With you it’s not a lack of trust, because I do trust you, completely. It scares me a little how much. But, I find it’s a lot harder to be away from you than it should be.”

“Low, it shouldn’t be easy for us to be apart. I think I understand why Wren and Griffin work together. I’d love nothing more than to spend all of my time with you.”

“Well, I sent Beckett Anderson my resume, so you might get your chance.”

35

Harlow

“I don’t wantto tell you I told you so, but—” Wren pauses, and cocks her head to the side. “Nope, actually, I do want to tell you that. Because I fucking told you that boy was head over heels for you.”

“Good morning to you too,” I reply and reach over to turn on my computer. “You made it a whole week before you gloated. I’m not mad, hell, I’m happy to be wrong this time. You know what? That’s actually kinda weird for you. Normally you’d have rubbed my face in it immediately, so why wait a whole week?” I ask, suddenly suspicious.

Wren looks around to make sure the guys aren’t listening. I don’t know how they could with the sound of tools clanking against metal and classic rock blaring through the speakers in the garage. “Those idiots have gotten obsessed with betting pools. It started when they were taking bets on when the baby would come.”

She rubs her swollen belly. “Obviously that one won’t be settled for a couple more months. Now they’re doing it for just about everything. I caught them making a pool on when I’d tell you I was right about Scott, and had to wait a week.”

“Because…” I draw out the word.

“Because, Liam picked that I’d say something to you the next day, and we might get along now, but no way in hell am I helping him win a bet.”

I shake my head. “I honestly don’t know how you do it. I can’t wait to never see Nando’s face again.”

“Not going to lie, making him my stepson helped a lot.” She starts laughing until she winces and rubs her stomach up by her ribs.

“Boy or girl, this one is getting enrolled in soccer the moment they can walk, because kicking is their favorite thing to do,” she says, still grimacing.

“You know I can handle things here. Don’t you have a doctor’s appointment today?” I ask her.

She shakes her head. “Not until tomorrow. I’m okay being here. This is nowhere near as difficult as carrying twins. Just don’t let Griff find out I’m uncomfortable, because I’ll end up in bed, and not in a fun way.”

My cell phone rings, and I have to dig it from the bottom of my purse. “Why the hell do I keep so much random shit in my bag?” I mumble to myself.

“The question of the ages,” Wren agrees.

I manage to find my phone before the call goes to voicemail. Lucky for me too, because it’s my lawyer, and I’ve been playing phone tag with him for a week trying to get a better idea when my divorce will be final.

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