Page 167 of By His Play

I’ll be honest, when I first let Kieran convince me to get this place, I felt like a bit of a sell-out.

I have always tried to be the opposite of my parents. Done everything I can to show them that my life doesn’t revolve around money like theirs does. But despite everything I stood for, I fell in love with this apartment the instant I stepped inside.

I didn’t even know we were looking at it. Kieran instructed his realtor, and she brought us here. It was the fourth place I looked at, and the moment I stepped over the threshold, it had a totally different feel from all the others. It felt like mine. Everywhere I looked, I could picture myself.

I tried to fight it because I did not need a penthouse apartment with views overlooking the city. But Kieran was adamant that I deserved it, and he told me that if I didn’t sign the agreement, he would do it for me. That absolutely wasn’t happening, so I signed, and I guess the rest is history.

The elevator dings, welcoming me home, and after sucking in a deep breath, I hold my head up and walk out.

There are four apartments up here. One belongs to a young couple, another is an older single man, and the fourth, I have no idea. None of us have ever seen them. But then, we don’t ever really see each other.

As I turn the corner to my front door, I can’t help but smile at the sight of my two palms alive and thriving.

Releasing my bags, I dig out my key and finally let myself back into my home.

The minute I walk in, the scent of cleaning products hits me, and as I look around, I find that everything is perfect.

My housekeeper is amazing.

Locking myself in, I abandon my things in the hallway and walk through my open living area and straight toward the floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase my home city beyond.

But there is only one building in the distance that steals my attention.

The Chiefs Stadium.

Tingles run down my spine as I think about one specific player whose life is in that stadium.

Guilt twists me up inside that he doesn’t know I’m here.

The first thing I should have done when I agreed was to tell him. But fear stopped me.

I knew that he’d be here waiting for me.

He’d probably have takeout from our favorite Thai place and a bottle of champagne to celebrate my return.

But as much as I might want that, I’m not sure if I’m ready to face him.

How can I look him in the eyes again after what we did together?

He’s explored every inch of my body. He’s been inside me.

I know how he tastes, and the other way around.

I cringe heavily just thinking about it.

Those are things you shouldn’t experience with your best friend.

Or at least, you shouldn’t if you want to continue your friendship.

My cell burns a hole in my pocket, but I don’t pull it out.

I tell myself that I’ll reach out over the weekend. That I’ll have tonight here to get myself settled back in, and that I’ll be ready to face him once I’ve had a good night's sleep.

I’m lying to myself. I know I am.

But what else is there to do?

Ripping my eyes from the stadium, I collect my luggage and tug it toward my bedroom.

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