Page 66 of Dirty Player

When I pop my head in, Natalie is on the phone at her desk.

Kaylee glances up at me and she looks rough.

I smirk. “How’s the head?”

“Sore. Thanks for the rescue,” she replies quietly.

“Anytime.” I smile and when she doesn’t smile back, I know something’s wrong.

Her laptop pings.

“Better get back to this. I was an hour late today.”

I nod and watch her.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” Kaylee adds, shooting me the coldest, fake smile I’ve ever seen.

She’s not just hungover.

I don’t even know how to call her on it.

We aren’t dating. We aren’t in a relationship. Either of us could end this at any moment. Kaylee’s pushing me away, so I need to listen.

“You, too,” I reply and push off the wall.

Walking back down to the gym, I feel empty and cold. Both of us are spending the weekend with our families. I already know I’ll miss her.

I want her in my bed every night.

I once wanted her to be the woman I fucking married. Now I’m torturing myself by sleeping with her and hiding her from everyone.

Including my team, manager, and coaches.

Thankfully, the media.

Sometimes I wonder why she hasn’t pushed for more, and it does bother me.

Neither of us is committed and I’m pretty fucking sure I’m the only one emotionally invested.

Yet all we do is have sex. Scorching hot sex... and I’m not complaining. But I am curious.

If I don’t get traded next year, then what happens? Does she move on to another player? By the time I get back to the gym, my blood is pumping.

Maybe it’s good that it’s the holidays. I need a break to get things clear in my head.

With Christmas just around the corner, things could just get more complicated. I know my love is unrequited, and there’s no way I can let my family know I’ve been seeing her. Especially if shereallyis just a jersey chaser.

Christ, I need to get real with myself.

Kaylee Rose isn’t interested in me.Me, the man.

She loves the sport. That’s what we have in common. Well, that, and the greatest sex I’ve ever had...

But I’m starting to realize it’s not enough.

And that while she’s mine, I can’t keep her.

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