Page 16 of Make Your Play

Nash

Don't make anything.

But wait for me to eat.

Riley

What are you up to, Simmons?

Nash

You'll see ;) I promise you'll like it though.

“Riley Lynn Harris. Are you alive?”

“Sorry, sorry." I laugh, shaking my head. "I got distracted, but I’m here."

“What the hell happened?”

Oh, you know, your brother, who told me to marry him to solve my problems, wants to come over later.

It's on the tip of my tongue to say something to her about his proposal, but I clamp my lips shut and swallow back my words.

What a fucking situation I've gotten myself into.

“It’s okay, it happens to me all the time.” She pauses and I hear muffled voices in the background. "Ope, I hate to call and hang up, but I need to get back to work. I’m currently getting the stink eye from management. Love you!"

"Love you too!"

As I end the call with Nova, my stomach shifts and I feel my little guy moving around. My heart swells in my chest and my hand instinctively finds my belly. There's no use in fighting the smile that tugs my lips upwards. He moves again, his little foot kicking my hand. He's right on track with where he's supposed to be growth-wise. We've had no issues with him, it's only been my health, but if something happens to me, he's also in jeopardy.

I need to be here for him after he makes his entrance into the world.

I have to marry Nash Simmons.

It's the only way to ensure things go smoothly and I'm not stuck with a six-figure hospital bill.

I have to marry my best friend's brother.

***

It's exactly six-fifteen when a soft knock sounds from my front door. I climb off the couch, walking over to unlock the door and let him in. As I pull the door open, I find Nash with a few grocery bags in his hands. My eyes drop down to them before landing on his blue eyes. "Hi. What is all this?"

"I told you not to worry about dinner," he says with a smile as I move out of his way and he steps into the house. "I stopped andgrabbed some things so I could cook for you." He smirks. “Okay, we know I’m not a good cook. I grabbed some food to heat up.”

I stand out of the way, watching Nash as he walks into my home like this is exactly where he's supposed to be. His presence is demanding and he fills the space. He knows his way around my house and he walks directly into the kitchen. The rustling of the plastic bags comes from the counter, and I pause in the doorway as I watch him again.

"I was going to make shrimp scampi with pasta. I know you've been on an enchilada kick, but if I remember correctly, shrimp scampi is one of your favorites."

My breath catches in my throat, my chest constricting. "It is. How did you know that?"

"I've known you long enough, Riley. I'd be a terrible friend if I didn't know your favorites."

I narrow my eyes at him, walking across the kitchen before pulling out one of the stools at the island. "What's my favorite color?"

"Easy. Purple."

"Favorite season?"

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