Page 40 of Tangled with the Tight End

As we walk side by side, I marvel at how right we feel together. How can something feel this perfect and be wrong?

Or is it the thrill of doing something I shouldn’t? Is this why people rob banks? And run from the police? Maybe that’s why Sloane cheated. She liked the adrenaline rush of doing something forbidden and teetering on the edge of getting caught.

That’s bullshit at least in Sloane’s case. She didn’t care if she got caught. She found another player with good knees and the potential to make twice as much money.

When we make it to my floor, I walk her to my door. “This is my suite. My parents are at the other end of the hall. If you want, you can go on inside unless you want to see my parents.”

She wrinkles her nose. “And tell them what? We’re hooking up on your vacation?”

“If that’s what you want to call it.” I call it convincing her not to put labels on things and see what happens. But she’s not ready to hear that, and I don’t blame her. I’m not sure what I’m doing right now, either.

“I’ll go inside.” She waits for me to open the door and gasps. “It’s beautiful.” She walks inside and straight to the glistening tree and the twinkling lights of the town down below.

“Yes, it is.” Seeing her standing in front of the tree takes my breath away. She’s stunning. She’s everything I was looking for before the rug was pulled out from under me. Is it too late to start over?

She turns to face me. “Go get Gino and see how he is. I’ll be here enjoying the view. I think I made a mistake living down in the valley. This is divine.”

I leave before I say something crazy. Would it be horrible to live here? No. Everything I’ve needed, I’ve found. But give up football? It’s been one of the things that’s brought me joy since I was a kid. My shoes sink into the thick carpet with each step closer to my parent’s door.

I love playing with the guys and miss the team. And another three-year contract? That would set me up for life, and I’d still be young enough to enjoy a second career. Running a restaurant with Marco? It’s not the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard. Even if he doesn’t have a head for business.

I tap my knuckles on the door. My mom answers with Gino in her arms. His head is on her chest as he looks up at me with glazed eyes.

“Hey, Buddy.” I snatch him to my chest and rub his back. “I’m sorry you feel bad.”

“I sick, Daddy.” He sags against me.

“I know, Buddy. Daddy will take care of you.” My heart swells as I inhale the scent of his shampoo and hold him closer. Playing a game doesn’t compare to this. This is real life, and nothing compares to earning my son’s trust. I don’t deserve it, but I’ll damn sure take it.

“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate you watching him, and I hope you don’t get sick.”

She waves her hand in the air. “I think he has an ear infection. Or he’s teething. Those three molars are bears when they come in. I remember how fussy you and your brother were.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She shuts the door behind us as I hitch Gino higher on my chest.

“Where does it hurt?”

He points to his ear. Well, that’s one point in my mom’s favor. Maybe it’s not a virus. As I walk, he rubs his head against me and closes his eyes while mine fills with stupid tears.

I fucked up not being there with him from day one. Whatever I do in the future, he’s not getting tossed aside again.

After swiping the passkey over the lock, I open the door and swallow hard. Norah looks at me over her shoulder, a smile playing on her lips, and the ground shakes. I want her, but it’smore than that. I don’t want to toss her aside, either. She’s already working her way into my heart–one smile at a time.

twenty

NORAH

Two Days Later

I waveat Maddie and shut the kitchen door. Moments later, she navigates the van out of the driveway and disappears down the street. She’s taking the order up to the lodge for me. Again.

You’re a coward.

Fine. I am. I knew I was in trouble the second Gabriel walked in the door holding Gino. His strong arms cradled his son against his chest, and my heart dove to my feet. It didn’t help when Gino noticed me by the tree and smiled. The smile was weak due to his hurting, but it was there none the less.

In that instant, I saw a future with Gabriel and his son. A future where we were together as a couple. Gabriel would give me a cocky grin when he came home, and Gino would jump down from his father’s arms and rush to me. But that future isn’t a possibility.

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