Page 91 of Beautiful Storm

“Has he always been this cocky?” Hayley asks, a smile plastered on her face, and while I can obviously answer that question, I let Reed do it.

“He has. Ever since I’ve known him.”

They start talking about themselves, so I leave them be and search for entertainment elsewhere. After grabbing another beer, I join a conversation about the Super Bowl and how pretty we’re sitting leading into December, and it’s much more my scene.

What an amazing story to tell my kid—"you were born after I won my first Super Bowl.” God, if Amelia’s up to it, Jelly Bean could be there, in her tummy. But if she is there, I’ll have to make sure she’s in a suite and not with the film crew. I’m not opposed to pregnant women working, but by then she should be staying off her feet. At least, that’s what I’ve heard other people say.

I really should introduce her to Summer and officially to Lainey, so she knows some of the spouses of the team. It would be nice to—

“Luke, did you hear me?” Wyatt asks, drawing my attention.

With my mind on Amelia, I snap out of my daze, finding myself staring at her again. No matter where she is, I can’t stop myself from seeking her out. And I can’t put my finger on why that is. She’s spent months around these guys. She may not know them as well as I do, but she knows them and they know her. Yet, I’m constantly checking up on her. Maybe it’s because it’s all I can do? Or I'm making up for lost time… I wasn’t there for her back when she needed me the most, but I’ll be there now. Even if it means I just ignored a question directed my way.

“What?” I ask, letting my eyes meet his at the last second.

“We’re going to play ball. Are you in?”

“Ball? Yes. Of course. Who the fuck am I if not a ball player?”Or a husband or soon-to-be dad.I could absolutely use this distraction.

Wyatt raises a brow as he gives me some side-eye. “Oh-kay.” He hesitates, clearly confused by my sudden enthusiasm. “Let’s go.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Amelia

There’s a change in the air and I’m not sure I’m ready for it.

“Heads!” someone yells as I walk back into the yard, making me duck as I spin around and throw a hand up to protect myself. Nothing happens, but I don’t move until a soft chuckle echoes beside me. “I traumatized you, didn’t I?” Thomas says, drawing my gaze. “They’re playing ball way over there. You’re safe here.” His line of sight drops to my stomach, and it’s then that I notice I’m protectively holding my belly.

I smile and drop my hand before huffing out a laugh. “Well, that’s embarrassing.” I exaggeratedly wince.

“Nah, it’s not. I’m the only one that saw, and I’m guessing I’m the reason you do it.”

I wince again, this time for real. “Sorry, but yes, you are.” Ever since Thomas hit me with the ball in high school, that’s been myresponse whenever something’s coming my way and sometimes when it’s not even close. I can’t help it. It’s a reflex.

“God, I should be sorry, not you.”

“Nah, you were just playing ball, like today. I got in the way.”

“Who would have thought that we’d be here now, talking about it?”

“Not me, that’s for sure. But there’s a lot going on in my life that I never thought would happen.”

I laugh but Thomas’s expression turns serious, proving Luke’s argument that they all care. “How are you feeling about everything?”

“You mean the show or…”

“Or…I mean theor.”

“Honestly, I have no idea. My feelings change regularly.”

Thomas smiles. “That’s understandable. It’s all new, and I imagine a bit strange considering what you’re doing with Luke and—”

“He told you it was his idea, right?” I panic. The way he worded his response made it sound like I was the one that wanted this. Or pushed for it.

“He definitely did. He admitted he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.”

I visibly relax and Thomas laughs. “Were you worried?”

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