Page 108 of Sven

“At least you’ll be seen as a hot, single dad?”

“Are you sure I won’t be seen as a man whore?”

She laughed as she took a bite of ice cream. Even talking about this, Natalie put him at ease. She was so easy to be around.

“No. You’re a guy. People will praise you for stepping up and doing the bare minimum.”

He bristled at her words. Bare minimum? What the fuck?

She turned and saw his face. “Sorry. You’re not doing the bare minimum. I’m just saying there’s a double standard. You’re an amazing father.” She licked her lips and looked away before looking back at him. “It’s a big part of what I like about you.”

He settled into her words. Praise had always done it for him. Praise from someone like Natalie undid him.

“Thank you for saying that,” he said quietly.

“No need to thank me. It’s just the truth. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Nervous. I don’t wanna talk about it. I just want to snuggle you and watch some game videos.”

“Be my guest,” she said as she sank into his side, and he reached for the remote.

Soon, he took the bowl from her and set it on his nightstand. Next thing he knew, she was sleeping on his chest. He turned off the game and his light and sank into his bed.

Because he was more nervous about the interview than he cared to admit, he held her close. His reputation, having a baby, and all of it. Sasha had told him there would probably be a big media storm, but that it would die down soon. He just wanted to be with Natalie and start a life with her and the precious little baby sleeping in the next room.

Over the nextcouple of days, Sven had been checking his email to see when the story was going to drop. Nothing yet. He didn’t like living in this limbo. He was just ready for it to be over and done with.

He was getting off the bus, ready to get into his car and make it home after a road trip.

“Sven,” Sasha called to him.

He turned as she caught up to him.

“I just got word that the story is dropping tomorrow. Luckily, it’s a rest day, so we will have a day to see how it hits and strategize before Thursday night’s game.”

He blew out a breath and nodded.

“I just sent you a copy of the article. It’s really great, I think everything’ll be okay,” Sasha said before giving his arm a reassuring squeeze.

Sven made his way to the car and pulled up the article on his phone.

The photo was just a picture of him because he didn’t really want a picture of Winnie out there without knowing how this would end. But Natalie had been right. The narrative was the story of a lovable playboy who is doing right by his daughter and stepping up to be a single father. He didn’t even check the comments. He had a feeling they would be thirsty. There was a time he would have loved that, but he just wanted to get home to Winnie and Natalie.

Sven let out a long breath. He had been dreading this, but after reading that, he did feel better.

Sure, there might be fans who had some stuff to say about it, but it could have been worse. Way worse.

He started up his car and tried not to peel out of the parking lot. With this off his shoulders, the only thing he could think about was getting home to Natalie.

His life had taken a turn this year, but as he pulled into his garage, he sank into the feeling of contentment it brought.

36

Natalie

Natalie had been pacing since Sven told her he landed. She was so anxious to see him. This was new to her. She wasn’t sure she had ever felt like this about anyone. It was like she was in high school again, but instead of curfews and stolen kisses, she had mind-blowing sex and orgasms. It was new, and it was everything.

There was a part of her that thought about putting Winnie down for her nap so she could have Sven to herself when he got home, but she knew he would want to see her. And that was part of it. She maybe could have fought these feelings if he wasn’t an incredible father, but he was. And he was hot. And he was so fucking cocky—which she thought she hated—but not anymore.

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