Page 18 of Personal Foul

“Still in a hotel room,” Kaiden replied. “I didn’t want to go house hunting and then get kicked out of here.”

“Well, when it’s time for you to go house hunting, let me know. I have a friend who’s a realtor.”

“I like your confidence that I’ll be here long enoughtosetup a house.”

Crew threw him a grin. “Since we just met, I’ve yet to learn your shorthand, but I think we played well together. And I bet you Coach Sigworth thinks that too.”

Kaiden tried to settle his racing heart, and he hoped with every cell in his body that Crew was correct.

Chapter Nine

Insecurity held her hostage for a few days. All Romilly could wonder about was what Kaiden could possibly see in her. On Tuesday, she walked Toby to the dog park. Elanie gave her a friendly wave and she made her way over to her friend.

“Good morning,” she said as she sat down.

“Morning, Romilly.” Elanie smiled. “How are you doing this lovely morning?”

“Okay,” she replied with a sigh.

Elanie cocked her head. “You don’t sound okay. What’s going on?”

“I … met a guy,” she finally said.

“You sound unsure.”

“I am a little.” She wasn’t sure if she should be talking about Kaiden, but she needed advice. “He’s a little famous and when we were on a date, a mob surrounded us.”

“And you didn’t like the mob?”

“Of course not, but I didn’t mind that so much as when I saw all the women he’s dated over the years. All of them beautiful.”

Elanie nudged her with her shoulder. “You’re beautiful.”

She gave a little harrumph. “You have to say that because you’re my friend.”

“I said thatbecauseI’m your friend.” Elanie patted her hand. “You’re as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside, and that is a rare trait indeed.”

Romilly smiled. “Thank you.”

“Tell me,” Elanie continued. “Do you like this man?”

She didn’t even have to think about that answer. “Yes.”

“Does it seem he likes you back?”

“God, I hope you fucking text me,”he’d said to her.

“Yeah. I think so.”

“Then don’t let your insecurities blind you to what might be a wonderful relationship.”

“But what if it doesn’t, you know, last?”

“Honey, nothing is guaranteed. You could cross the road and get hit by a bus. Toby could wrap his leash around your legs and trip you and break your neck.” Elanie smiled. “Or, you can live in the moment. Yeah, maybe a romance with this man might prematurely end, but at least you were courageous enough to try. You can’t sit on the sidelines forever, Romilly.”

“What if he breaks my heart?” she asked, almost afraid to voice the question.Because of course, he’s going to break my heart.

“What if you break his? It can go both ways, you know.”

---