Page 23 of Restricted List

“Actually, I think it does,” I smirk. “This is fucking delicious, and it’s the offseason.”

“Fair enough,” she replies, pushing her hair behind her shoulder and taking a bite of her French toast.

“How’s domestic life treating you, Lo?”

The eye roll I get in response is exactly what I expected. “Everything is good,” she says, smiling brightly. “I’m really happy.”

“Good,” I say, smiling back. “I always want you to be happy.”

Harlow sets her fork down now, her look turning more serious. “I want you to be happy, too, you know.”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I’d like that, too,” I admit. “Not sure romance is in the cards for me right now, though.”

Harlow nods in understanding. “Want to talk about that?”

I breathe out a laugh. “How could you possibly know I wanted to talk to you about it?”

“I’m your sister,” she shrugs. “I know you. And I know you’ve been acting a bit off since the World Series when you and Rory disappeared together.”

“Jesus fucking Christ,” I mumble, pinching my brow. “Is there anybody thatdidn’tnotice that?”

“Outside of our group of friends, I don’t think anyone noticed.” Harlow takes a sip of coffee before continuing. “Did something happen?”

“Not quite,” I admit. “There was analmostmoment that I will not be giving you the details of, but nothing actually happened.”

“But you wish it did?”

“Why am I talking about my sex life with you?”

“Because you aren’t giving me details,” she shudders, “and I sure as fuck don’t want them.” I laugh now, relaxing some from the tension I’ve been feeling. “What exactly is going on between you two, though?”

“I don’t fucking know,” I sigh. “You already know I’m into her since you worked it out over the summer. But I’m really starting to think it’s not one-sided.”

“Oh, it’s definitely not one-sided,” Harlow laughs. “Before you ask, no, she hasn’t said anything to me, so I’m not divulging secret information. But you should have seen her in the box with me during game seven. She wouldn’t take her eyes off you, Cole.”

Heat creeps up my neck and spreads across my cheeks. Harlow laughs lightly before I can compose myself. “Interesting,” is all I can mutter.

“So, what do you like about Rory?”

“What’s not to like?” I smile. “I love the way she gives me shit. She always says what’s on her mind. She’s funny and thoughtful, and she’s so fucking beautiful. She’s the entire package.” I take a breath before noticing Harlow trying to hide her smile. “Shit, I’m so fucking gone for her,” I groan.

She looks at me sympathetically. “You know Paul can’t dictate her love life, right?”

“No, he can’t,” I reply. “She’s her own person. But it would be career suicide for me. I’d get benched and probably traded. I’ll fucking retire before that happens. I don’t want to play anywhere else.”

“I know you don’t. But if you ever decide to stop holding back…” Harlow eyes me. “You know I’ll support you both.”

“Thanks, Lo,” I sigh, head in my hands. “I appreciate that, but nothing will happen. It can’t happen. There’s just too much at stake.”

Harlow gives me what I believe is meant to be a reassuring smile, but it doesn’t do anything for me.

I fucking hate this.

I’ve never dated much, being so busy with baseball. I’ve had my share of fun, especially before I came to play for the Stars, but since I arrived back in New York, fun isn’t the only thing I want.

I could claim that it’s just me getting older and wanting what my friends have—Josh and Ella are getting married next month, and Knox just had my sister move in with him.

But I know that’s not the real reason.

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