Page 12 of Restricted List

And that’s obvious as the sketch in front of me starts taking the shape of the tattooed, long-haired, and steel blue-eyed Stars’ shortstop.

I’m going to have to fight like hell to forget all about these feelings.

Deep down, though, I know I’ll never be able to fight off how I feel.

I’m just doomed to live a long life without another person to make up my other half.

four

Cole

With the season nowbeing over, everyone is adjusting back to everyday life.

Lane is doing everything he can with Sage, soaking in the moments he can’t when we’re playing.

Josh and Ella are knee-deep in final preparations for their wedding next month.

Harlow and Knox are doing things I don’t want to know about.

Lucia is holing herself up in her apartment, pretending the outside world doesn’t exist so she can catch up on reading the books she hasn’t been able to.

And Rory and I are finally no longer awkward around each other. It’s so fucking good to have my boisterous—and sometimes flirty—friend back.

Since today is Wednesday, I get to see Harlow now. We’ve had this tradition of having breakfast together every Wednesday since I was traded to the Stars. We wanted to be able to spend time together when we could. That was before Harlow started coming to every game and joining us on the road. Since her blogStarred and Fastfocuses on the team, she’s unofficially part of itas she works on it. We just kept the tradition going even though we see each other nearly daily now.

As I knock on the door, I hear Harlow yell from the other side, “Come on in, Cole!”

Stepping inside, I kick my sneakers off at the door and shrug off my coat. I spot Harlow at the kitchen island with our food sitting in front of her—French toast for her and a spinach omelet for me.

I pour myself a mug of black coffee and take the stool next to her. “Knox hanging back again?”

“Just like he always does,” she smiles as she sips from her mug. “He never joins us on Wednesday morning.”

I cut into my omelet and stuff a piece into my mouth. “Hey, this started as just us, but I’m flexible. My brother-in-law is welcome to join us.”

Harlow eyes me.“Notyour brother-in-law, Cole.”

“Yet,” I wink while Harlow rolls her eyes. “You really think I believe you haven’t discussed thepossibilityof marriage, Lo? I know you.”

“I never said we haven’t discussed it,” she replies, looking down and hiding a smile. “Just that he’s not your brother-in-law.”

I smile brightly at my sister. Even with my own love life in shambles, I’m still thrilled for Harlow. “Your happiness tells me that you have indeed discussed it.”

Her cheeks flush. “We’ve talked about the future, obviously. I wouldn’t have moved in if we hadn’t. Nothing is going to happen anytime soon…”

“But?” I ask.

Harlow can’t hide her smile this time. “But one day.”

“No shit. Can’t believe that’s the same man that hated everything and everyone at the beginning of the season.”

“What can I say?” she shrugs. “He just needed me to come around and brighten him up.”

I choke on my coffee. “Your ego has no limits, Lo. But you did open him up; I’ll give you that.” I wrap an arm around her shoulder. “And now you’re happier than I’ve ever seen.”

“I am,” she smiles. “I really am.”

Her happiness is contagious, but I still feel a pang of jealousy.

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