Page 93 of Endgame

“King,I’m not gonna lie. I had no idea you were capable of cooking something so delicious.”

We finished eating nearly thirty minutes ago, and I still can’t get over how good that macaroni was. He used so many different cheeses, leaving me helpless to guess what kind. Whatever they were, I inhaled them.

“Ye of little faith. I’m good at many things you don’t know about.”

He winks at me in a playful way I’m sure scores him all the women who end up in his bed at night.

“And she will never find out.” That came from Callaway, standing next to me by the kitchen island, his hand firmly holding me next to him. His protectiveness is such a sexy quality I love so much.

I gape at King, pretending to ignore the blush covering my cheeks from Cal’s comeback, “Keep it rated PG, sir. We haven’t even picked a movie yet.”

I’m totally kidding, and he takes it with ease.

My friendship with Kingston Baylor has taken me by surprise in the best way. He’s such a great guy. The biggest part of me has always seen loneliness in him, despite how happy he pretends to be—likely being what makes us click.

I think a huge part of him is mentally exhausted. Because itisexhausting, I’m sure, being the one everyone looks to when morale is lacking, a role I’d bet money he never signed up for.

Gus speaks up, “About that. We’re actually gonna head out, so you’ll have the house to yourselves.” He’s looking around at the other guys. My eyes find Mack sitting quietly—no surprise there, nodding his head in agreement from the couch.

“Gus met these cleat chasers at our last home game, and they invited us to a party. Obviously, you’re out on that invite, Hayes, butwe’re gonna go check it out.” Kingston responds.

Callaway calls out to Bodhi. “You going, man?” Bodhi is still seated at the dining room table, leaning back casually with a fidget spinner flying between his fingers. I’ve never seen him do that.Interesting.

Bodhi looks up for a second at Cal, giving him his attention.

“Yeah. Not much else to do.”

Callaway seems fine with his answer, choosing to ignore him any further. “Looks like it’s you and me, angel.” He looks down at me, stroking my back with his palm.

I hear the guys get up, leaving their spaces to get ready, while Kingston cleans up the rest of the kitchen.

Spending the evening watching a movie and getting one-on-one time with Callaway will always be my idea of a perfect night.

“Sounds perfect.”

The restof the guys left an hour ago, leaving Callaway and me to retire to the living room sectional.

Cal’s tall frame is so freaking long, the only option is for him to stretch out on the chaise end, leaving me curled up next to him with my head on his chest from the side. After settling down with our popcorn and M&M’s, we decided to watch an action movie. I was raised on old western and action films, so this feels perfect.

I’m snuggling into Callaway’s side with the popcorn bowl mixed with peanut M&M’s settled between his legs, and I can’t help but run faint circles across his chest.

I’m finding myself needing to touch him as much as possible.

Being close to him balances me.

It gives me clear thoughts, and the ability to allow myself to relax and forget about whatever I’m feeling stressed about. He’s comforting, and being with him feels easier than I ever expected.

When I think about Cal’s relationship with Navy and the entire team, I can’t help but be curious about his life before he became a Hayes. I’m sure it’s a touchy subject, but I think it’s something important to talk about when getting to know someone on a deeper level—sharing the good and the difficult times.

I’ll do my best to approach it with care.

Not meeting his gaze, his eyes are still firmly settled on the movie with one arm wrapped tightly around my side from behind, I ask, “Will you tell me about it?”

He relaxes a little in our hold, clearly not sure what I mean. “About what, sweetheart?”

I look up to him now, hoping he sees the sincerity in my question, finding his blue eyes already locked on mine. “About your life before the adoption. I know it’s probably difficult to talk about, but I’d love to hear about it.”

He swallows audibly from where I am, and I think for a second he’s going to shut down. Yet, he once again shows the kind of man he is—one who embodies enough confidence to share—for me.

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