Page 146 of The Forever Play

Oh, that hopeful grin. He’s adorable.

“Yes.” I laugh, kissing him. “I’ll go back to Russell’s and collect our stuff, then pick up Zoey from Mrs. Ward’s place. I’ll be there by the time you finish practice.”

“Okay.” A broad smile takes over his face as he holds my neck and pulls me in for a slow kiss that curls my toes.

“We’re gonna make this work, Sparks. It’s gonna work.”

“Yeah.” I nod. “It is.”

CHAPTER 55

ZANDER

It took a little minute to clean up after our hot, sticky hookup.

Shit, that was intense and so fucking good.

I wish we could have been fully naked, but being inside her that way was like signing a contract or something. I don’t know if that sounds dumb, but after everything I’d confessed and we’d promised each other, it felt so fucking right to finish our conversation that way.

I’m now running late for practice, but I’ll explain everything to Coach as soon as I get the chance. If he’s pissed, he’s pissed. I did the right thing this afternoon… and there’s one more thing I gotta do before I can finally make peace with myself.

Walking into the locker room, I seek out my friends. Thankfully, they’re all taping up and getting dressed in the same area, and I rush over to them before I lose my nerve.

“I have to tell you something,” I blurt.

They all turn to face me, and I glance over my shoulder,lowering my voice so the rest of the team can’t hear me.

“It’s important.”

“Aw shit, you just had sex, didn’t you?” Carson shakes his head, narrowing his eyes at me. “Are we gonna have to start living with a toddler again?”

“Yes, but that’s not what I need to say.” I swallow, my insides buckling as I check their faces.

Carson’s grumpy demeanor drops for a second, genuine concern flashing across his face. “What is it?”

Grady rests his hand on my shoulder. “Are you about to hurl chunks? You look green.”

I swallow, clenching my jaw and wondering how I’m gonna get through this.

If Sienna can forgive you, these guys will too.

“Okay, gentlemen, let’s go!” Coach calls from the door.

I spin and catch his eye.

He frowns at me. “You better hurry up and get your ass ready for practice.”

“I just have to talk to these guys first.” I point at them with a flick of my thumb as the last of the team trails out. Shit, I hope Coach Jones can read minds. I throw him a desperate, pleading look.

His eyes narrow into two thin slits, and then realization slowly dawns. He knows what I’m about to do, and without a word, he gives me a quick nod and mumbles, “See you out there soon.”

Eyeing my housemates, a look of mild concern washes over his expression before he turns and leaves.

“What the fuck was that about?” Carson points after Coach.

I close my eyes with a shuddering sigh and tell them, “He knows everything. He knows exactly why I transferred to Nolan U. He helped me do it.”

“O-kay.” Grady frowns. “What aren’t you telling us?”

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