Page 133 of Off Pitch

Now it’s eight in the morning, and my fake boyfriend is pressed on top of me. I got myself all fired up, and we can’t do a fucking thing about it. I couldn’t handle another rejection down the line. It’s clear I can’t do sex without feelings.

“We, uh…” I stammer. “We should get ready. Your appointment is in a couple hours, and there’s going to be traffic.”

“Right,” Knox replies, peeling his body off mine. “We should, uh… do that. I’ll go make some coffee so you can shower.”

He and I both pull away from each other and set about our morning routine.

But the air is still charged with the electricity flowing between us and coursing through us.

I’ll never be able to fight this off entirely.

I was doomed before I even tried.

I think I’m going to go insane if I have to watch the same damn looping set of videos one more time.

I’m sitting in the waiting room of Dr. Coltrain’s office, the Stars’ sports medicine physician, waiting for Knox to finish hisvisit. It’s been a month since his injury, and he’s itching to return to the field. He’s been healing well, so we’re hoping he gets released today.

Well, sort of.

I want him to be healthy again, but I won’t lie and say that I won’t miss all our time together. When he gets back on the field, he won’t need me around to help out. I’m dreading that.

To distract myself from those thoughts, I keep watching the goddamn videos that are playing on the TV in this waiting room. I’m going to be an expert on sports medicine by the time he’s finished.

The vibration of my phone turns my attention away from the TV. My mom is calling.

I accept the call and bring the phone to my ear. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”

“Just wanted to see how you’re doing right now, sweetie,” my mom says from the other end of the phone. “You’ve been so busy helping Knox with his injury over the past month, and you didn’t reply to my text this morning.”

“Oh,” I reply, “I must have forgotten, but I did read it, so thank you, Mom. I appreciate it. I’m doing well, though. Just busy, like you said. I’m in the waiting room right now while Knox is at his visit. He’s hopefully getting released to return to the field today.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” she chimes. “You must’ve been a good nurse to him.”

I chuckle. “I mainly had to just make sure he stayed off his leg, Mom. It didn’t take a lot of skill.”

“And I’m sure he appreciates it all the same.” I smile softly because I know she’s right. He’s made it clear how much he appreciates the help I’ve given him over the past month. “What are your plans for tonight?”

“Um,” I say, “I’m not sure, honestly. That kind of depends on how this appointment goes. He might suit up for the gametonight if he’s cleared. I’m not sure if we have anything planned otherwise.”

“Ah, I see. Well, your dad wants to video call you when he gets home from work.”

“Of course he does,” I laugh. “Dad would never forget to call today, would he?”

“Absolutely not,” my mom chuckles. “I’ll let you go for now. I know you’re busy, but hopefully, you’ll not be too busy to video chat later. Love you, Harlow.”

“I love you, too, Mom. Bye.”

As soon as I disconnect the call, Knox struts into the waiting room, looking on top of the world.

“Well, that’s a happy look,” I say, standing up and walking to him. “Good news, I’m guessing?”

He smiles. “I’m cleared to return tomorrow. Dr. Coltrain wants me to take one more day to get myself ready. He suggested I walk around to loosen my leg up so I’ll be ready to pitch tomorrow.”

“That’s great, Knox!” I wrap my arms around him, and he pulls me in tighter. “I’m happy for you.”

I may still have another night before he doesn’t need me around anymore. I can make the most of today.

“What do you think about traipsing around midtown right now?” He looks at me, and his eyes meet mine. “We can grab some lunch. Celebrate a little bit.”

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