Page 119 of Win Big

I follow her into her living room. Her laptop is open on the coffee table, some papers next to it. She sits on the couch. “So you heard the news.”

“Yeah.” I sit too. “What’s that all about? I only caught part of the story.”

“This organization has been doing reviews of all charities associated with professional sports. Audits. They’ve come up with criteria they’re measuring us on.” She blows out a breath. “We didn’t get a good score.”

“Yeah, I got that. But what the hell do they know? You work so hard! You raise a lot of money and the Foundation does good things with it.”

She smiles, her eyes soft. “Thank you. Yes. We do. But the truth is... we could do better.”

“That’s bullshit.”

She pouts her bottom lip out a little, still smiling. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”

“Of course I’m confident in you! I love you.”

Everything goes still and silent. Our eyes meet. And hold. The connection stretches out. The moment is charged... smoldering.

Everly’s eyes widen and she opens her mouth as if to speak. Then shuts it. Tries again. “You do?”

I exhale slowly. “I do.” It slipped out, but what the hell. Might as well be honest.

“I love you too,” she whispers.

Christ. The frozen puck in my gut disappears, relief flowing through my veins like I just mainlined cocaine. (Not that I know what that’s like.) I slide off the seat of the couch onto my knees in front of her and clasp her hands.

“What about Heather?” Her voice tremors. “And Owen?”

“I told you, I don’t love Heather. She’s a friend. I feel a responsibility toward her.”

“But she loves you.”

I nod, my face tight. “I never wanted to hurt her. But... she understands. She said if there’s a chance of a happy ending with you, I should go for it.” I pause. “And I’m totally resisting the dirty joke about a happy ending.”

Her eyes widen, then she drops her head forward, shoulders shaking. “You’re terrible.”

“Yes. I am.”

She lifts her head and moves it from side to side it, lips twitching. “I want to say Heather’s a good person, but I’m still a little... bitter. Jealous.”

I shake my head vigorously, tightening my grip on her hands. “Don’t be jealous. I’ve been honest with her. She knows how I feel about you. I won’t see her ever again if that’s what you want.” I would hate that and I would feel so fucking guilty, but I’d do it if Everly wanted.

She closes her eyes fleetingly. “No. That’s not what I want. You’re an amazing man, Wyatt, to look after them like that. I’m just glad you’re not giving up your whole life for them. Because your friend Hank wouldn’t want that. I didn’t know him, but I’m sure of that.”

“Heather said that too.”

“Damn. I don’t want to like her.”

I smile and lift her hand to kiss it.

“I was worried about that,” she admits. “You said you didn’t love her, but I thought you were seriously thinking of marrying her.”

“I never really was. I kept telling myself it made sense, and I should do it for Hank. But I knew I couldn’t.”

“I was also pissed at you.” Her tone sharpens, although she’s still smiling. “For thinking of doing that.” She tips her head. “Were you angry at me about what happened with Gage? Youseemed... angry. I know you said it wasn’t my fault, but I’d understand if it, um, turns your stomach.”

“Fuck.” I close my eyes and press her hand to my mouth. “If it turns my stomach it’s because of him. Not you. Don’teverthink that, princess. I fucking hate that you went through that. But making mistakes is part of growing up.” I pause. “Maybe we never outgrow that, though.”

“I hate it that you went through what you did too. That must have been so awful.” She touches my face. “I understand why you feel guilty, but you did what you could. It wasn’t your fault.”

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