Page 268 of By His Play

I spend the morning at the gym before Brax, Easton, Jamie and I hit up a local coffee shop for lunch. We get more than a few stares when we walk in together, something that some of us embrace better than others.

I then head back to talk to Kat about the new development in my life and my desire for any talk about my girlfriend to be squashed before heading home.

My steps falter as I step into my apartment.

I love it here. I always have. But suddenly, everything feels wrong.

This place is no longer my home.

Before I can think too much about it, I stalk through to my bedroom, drag a suitcase from my closet, and begin filling it.

My apartment might be bigger, but it’s not where I want us to be.

As soon as I have everything I think I’m going to need, I head back to Effie’s apartment. I don’t have any regrets; although, I am a little anxious.

I know we’re on the same page with where we want our relationship to go, but we didn’t specifically talk about plans for moving in together.

I spend the afternoon unpacking. Thankfully, I’ve spent almost as much time in Effie’s apartment as I have on my own, so I find homes for everything without much effort.

By the time the end of Effie’s workday rolls around, I won’t lie, I’m a little nervous.

What if she’s had a reality check during the day and decided that being with me will be too much for her?

Did I come on too heavy?

I told her that she’s coming to all my games, and I’ve just moved myself into her apartment.

Refusing to second-guess my actions and focus on how right everything feels when we’re together, I focus on her, on the future, on everything I want to experience with her.

I pull back up outside the building with ten minutes to spare and head inside.

My heart crashes against my ribs as the elevator takes me toward her floor.

As I step out and walk through the office, all eyes turn my way.

It’s not unusual, but I feel it more than normal.

They’ll have all read the articles about us in the media, no doubt.

The sight of her name on her door brings a smile to my lips, although I can’t help feeling like it’s wrong.

Effie Callahan would look so much better.

I knock once and then step inside.

It’s empty, and my heart drops.

Taking a seat at her desk, I spread my thighs and rest my head back as I wait.

My knee bounces as my nerves build again.

She’s still here; her purse is under her desk.

It only takes a few minutes before there’s movement outside her office and her soft voice floats through to me.

My fists clench, and I force my leg to still.

“Okay, great. See you tomorrow,” she says before pushing her door handle down and letting herself inside.

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