Page 94 of While We Waited

We don’t need four people to move a bit of furniture. If I had known Weston asked Lucas and Flynn to help, I would have said no.

Weston hands me a shot of whiskey. I glare at him. I’m not drinking. I need to be able to drive home. I can’t spend a night away from Nova. She’s already feeling insecure enough since I haven’t told her I love her back.

“I told you this was a bad idea,” Flynn says.

What is going on? I study the men before me. Sophia’s boyfriend, Flynn. Chloe’s husband, Lucas. And Weston. Then, it hits me.

“Is this when you give me the warning to treat Nova right?”

Flynn grins. “You’re more than a jock without any brains in his head.”

I scowl at him. “Being an athlete doesn’t make me stupid.”

And I am an athlete. I don’t play pro ball anymore, but I will always be an athlete. It’s who I am. Who I’ve always been. Who I always will be.

“No, but messing around with Nova would make you extremely stupid,” Weston grumbles.

“Nearly as stupid as the time you decided to triple your protein powder intake in one day and ended up unable to play football because you were too busy racing to the toilet every five minutes,” Flynn adds.

I scowl at him. “I hit my growth spurt late.”

“You were a freshman and wanted a varsity spot on the high school football team.”

Hell, yeah, I did. From the first time I stepped onto a football field, I knew playing the game was my destiny. It’s everything I worked for. Everything I wanted. The only thing I care about.

“The wide receiver was crap. I should have had the varsity spot.”

“Coach gave you the spot,” Flynn says.

“Until you decided to overdose on protein powder,” Weston adds.

Lucas chuckles and I growl at him. He holds up his hands. “Sorry, man, but growing up in Smuggler’s Hideaway sounds fun.”

“It was fun.” Weston nudges him. “Natalia is going to love growing up here.”

Lucas threads a hand through his hair. “As soon as we get the bully situation dealt with.”

Weston frowns. “Natalia is still having problems with Shelia? I thought Chloe dealt with it.”

Lucas smiles and the love for his wife is clear to see on his face. “Chloe dealt with the school administration all right. My wife is a force of nature.”

“Sophia is too.” Flynn narrows his eyes on me. “As is Nova.”

“I know she is.”

Nova is all smiles and sunshine but she doesn’t let anyone push her around. She’s amazing.

“Ah.” Lucas points to me. “He’s in love.”

Weston feigns gagging. “Is there something in the water on Smuggler’s Hideaway? All my friends are falling in love andpairing up. I guess I better stick to whiskey.” He lifts his shot glass. “Cheers.”

Flynn and Lucas join him but I set my glass down on the nearest surface. I’m not drinking. I need to be able to drive. Nova is nearly in her third trimester and prone to anxiety about the baby’s health. If she wants to go to the hospital, I’m taking her.

“You’ve given me your warning about treating Nova properly. If there’s no furniture to move, I’m out of here.”

Weston blocks me before I can make my exit.

“We’re not finished yet. I need to make sure your intentions regarding Nova are proper. I’m Nova’s honorary big brother.”

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