Page 139 of Play the Game

Stop making me blush. Plus, who said I’m going to let you get me pregnant, Olson?

Don’t play games with me.

She texts back with a laughing face, but I don’t respond until we’re settled on the plane and waiting for takeoff. Now that I have her waiting at home for me, these plane rides seem to take longer and longer.

Why only one?

I panic after I hit send and type another message.

I’m fine with whatever you want. I’m just curious. And seriously, stop playing games. If you’re going to have anyone’s baby, it’s mine.

A heavy dose of possession comes over me. I am so fucking greedy when it comes to Scottie. I don’t even want another man to look at her.

It makes me feel guilty to admit this, but I only want one because if anything were to happen to me, I don’t want the responsibility of parenthood to fall onto my firstborn like it did with me and William. I’ve been taking care of him for as long as I can remember, and now that I’m an adult, I know that it really wasn’t fair.

My chest aches. I reread her message a few times before attempting to rectify her guilt and fear.

It wasn’t fair. You’re right. But William is so god damn lucky to have you, and I don’t ever want you to worry about something like that when it comes to the future. You may not have the family you wished for growing up, but you do now. You have me, Scottie. In fact, you have me wrapped around your pretty little finger so tightly all I can think about is getting home to you anytime we’re apart.

I let out another puff of air when another strong set of emotions hits me.

Go to sleep. I’ll be home in the morning. I love you.

I love you too. Be safe. Xo

I settle into my seat and smile. Who would have thought that a simple marriage of convenience with a feisty woman who tried to exploit me in the arena bathroom would turn intothis?

My shoulder achesafter blocking the puck from Kane. That man has a fucking swing on him.

“Fuck, bro,” I say when he skates past. “That one stung.”

He snorts. “I can make it sting worse if you want.”

I scoff. “Maybe if you weren’t hungover, you could.”

He sends me a scowl, and I laugh under my breath. He’s a beaut, and everyone in the league agrees. We’re lucky to have him on our team, but he has some maturing to do.

Maybe he should find a wife too.

“Olson.” I turn to look at Coach Jacobs at the bench but still manage to block the next puck Kane sends in my direction.

I drop it to the ice and smile sickeningly at him. “Weak,” I say before skating to the side.

Coach Jacobs nods for me to follow him, so I hand off my stick and accompany him to the locker room. When we’re tucked in his office, my heart starts to beat a little faster.

“Is there an emergency?”

Coach doesn’t interrupt practice often, and I instantly think that something is wrong. I’m having flashbacks from college whenever I’d get a call about Taytum and her diabetes.

“No.” He sits at his desk. “Not really.”

“Not sure I like the sound of that.”

He holds his finger up and presses a button on his phone. “Alright, Joseph. I have him in here.”

Joseph? As in my agent?

I sit up taller and start stripping some of my gear. Sweat drips down my back, and I stare directly at Coach. “Are you trading me?”

---