Page 42 of Stick Work

“You know what. I don’t want to sound like Roman or even Theo, but I think you could use a night with a bunny. Blow off some steam.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. I lost all desire for bunnies, or any other woman, the second Taylor entered my life.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.” Dammit, to think Taylor suggested setting me up with one of her classmates. God, I’ve got it bad and maybe I should have a wild night to get her out of my system. But will I do that?

Fuck no.

“Hey, Jonesburger,” Kalen calls to Noah as he shoves his equipment into the locker. “I hear the hotel restaurant has big-ass burgers.” Kalen holds his hands out, making a circle as big as his head.

“Fuck off,” Noah, shoots back playfully. “But seriously, do they?”

That brings laughter from the guys left in the locker room. Kalen puts his hand on Noah’s shoulder. “Let’s go eat.” He casts me a fast glance. “And I could use a cold one.”

I grab my bag. “Let’s get out of here.”

We all make our way to the bus and I do whatever I can to sit as far away from Theo as possible. I don’t want him asking questions about Taylor. I grab my phone, double-check no one's snooping over my shoulder (because nosy teammates are the worst), and fire off a quick text to Taylor.

Me: Getting a lot of studying done?

Her reply comes back so fast it’s like she was waiting. My heart does this ridiculous little leap, and I roll my eyes at my needy self.

Taylor: I am. The house is quiet. It’s so big it’s almost spooky.

I grin at her response, trying to play it cool even though her words have me feeling all warm and needy inside. God, I miss her.

Me: Need me there?

Christ, could I sound any clingier?

Taylor: My big, strong protector. Yeah, I do.

Taylor: Rough game. How are you feeling?

I lean back in my seat, debating if I really want to dive into the game talk. But hey, she asked, and it touches me that she cares, like the two of us are a real team—checking in with each other when it’s good, and when it’s bad.

Me: I’m okay. We’re on the bus heading back to the hotel. We’re going to grab some food, then bed. You around later to message?

Taylor: I’m around. So bed, will you be alone or will there be bunnies?

Me: Someone sounds jealous.

Taylor: Puleeze…I just don’t want pictures getting out there, and your parents asking questions.

Me: Just me. Alone in bed. Wishing you were beside me.

Taylor: Hey, you guys are missing the storm. It’s freezing here.

Okay, so she didn’t say anything about wanting to be in my bed, and I’m not going to mope about that—much. What the fuck is happening to me?

Me: Crank the heat up.

Taylor: I already did, but I can’t seem to get warm. Is it okay if I use the fireplace? I think it would be so cozy.

Her words instantly conjure a vision of us curled up on the couch, her leaning into me, the fire crackling. Yeah, I think that might just be my new happy place.

Me: There’s wood in the shed. Sorry, I should’ve stocked up more.

Taylor: You didn’t know there’d be a storm. Oh! I found the perfect kitchen table. And an L-shaped sofa. It’s way more comfortable than this one the last owners left behind. You can stretch out on one end. It’s going to be delivered next week and it’s big enough to fit two.

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