Page 98 of The Rookie

I shake my head, laughing softly. “You know what? Thank you, Griffin. Your dickishness finally provided some inspiration.”

“See? I’m more than just a sexy face. And a big dick.”

I roll my eyes. "A truly multitalented individual."

“It’s a burden, but I bear it well.” He winks.

I exhale, still smiling, but then—before I can overthink it—I ask, “Griffin… can I ask you something?”

His brow lifts slightly. “Anything.”

I hesitate, then say, “You said football and a family.”

“Yeah?”

“Like… how many kids do you want to have?”

He swallows slowly. “One time together and you’re already asking about kids.”

My stomach drops. "No, I meant, like… in general."

His expression softens. “I know, I’m just messing with you.”

He leans back, running a hand through his hair. “I want four.”

I blink. “Four?”

He nods. “I grew up in a house that was always loud, always chaotic. And yeah, maybe Cassie and I wanted to kill each other half the time, but… I liked it. I don’t want a quiet life.”

Something warms in my chest.

“How about you?” he asks.

I hesitate. “I don’t know. I don’t really…”

"What?" He puts a hand on my shoulder, his thumb brushing absently against my skin.

I exhale. “It’s just… with Gavin, he wanted me to stay at home, do nothing, raise a bunch of kids. That was his dream. And I felt myself resisting it, like—why did that feel so wrong to me?”

Griffin is quiet, watching me closely.

I bite my lip, searching for the words. “I think I might want them. Someday. I just… I want to be something first. I want to build a life before I bring someone into it.”

He nods slowly. “That makes sense.”

I inhale deeply. “And I want to really be in love when I do. I don’t just want to have them to have them. And that’s not something you can plan.”

He tilts his head. "No. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen."

I blink at him. “What, you suddenly an expert on fate?”

“Nah.” His smirk returns, playful but softer now. “But I know what it feels like when something just… fits.”

My stomach does something ridiculous.

I’m about to throw another pillow at him when?—

BAM BAM BAM.

---