Page 35 of Playboy

I grip my neck, my stomach twisting. “More like inappropriate. Dad is married to my brother’s ex. Millie is married to our dad’s best friend. That’s the extent of it, really.”

She nods. “Now her twin has knocked up an older woman he barely knows.”

My heart sinks. So that’s what this is about. I walk across the room, and when she turns to pace in my direction, I’m there to catch her by the arms. “We don’t have to figure it all out tonight.”

She bites her lip, but focuses on something over my shoulder. “Right. It’s just kind of what I do. I solve the crisis.”

Gently, I grasp her chin and tip it up until she’s forced to meet my eye. “This isn’t a crisis.”

Her lip wobbles, and a vulnerable side of Hannah I never knew existed peeks out. The woman who normally taunts and laughs loudly has the softest center. I knew it. It’s endearing as fuck. “You can’t really mean that.”

Unable to stop myself, I swipe my thumb across her bottom lip. “My dad always says things look better in the morning.”

“That’s because he wakes up next to a sexy woman half his age.” Finally, she laughs.

I can’t help but join in, but the moment I do, the sound coming from her turns into a groan.

Forehead pressed against my chest, she sighs. “I’m sorry I’m being crazy right now.”

I wrap my arms around her and squeeze. “Not crazy. Overwhelmed. Completely reasonable. Why don’t I turn the shower on? You’ll feel better after, and then you can get some rest.”

Hannah tips her head up and eyes me. “Yeah, you probably want to get out of here.”

My chest constricts at the idea. “Can I stay?”

She frowns. “You don’t have to?—”

“Please, Han. I want to. I know today has been stressful, and I can guarantee I won’t say anything right, but maybe if I sit quietly, I could at least be here. We could…I don’t know, deal with this together.”

I hold my breath.Please say yes. She may not need me, but fuck, do I need her. I have to get on a plane tomorrow for our next game. The idea of leaving this room, let alone the state, has me digging in my heels and wishing the season was over. And I never feel that way.

Blue eyes search mine like she can’t quite figure me out. But I luck out. She must see the truth there somewhere, that I want to be here, because she finally relents. “Yeah, I guess that would be nice.”

“Coffee.I want coffee, and I can’t even have it,” Hannah whimpers as I press kisses to her collarbone. I woke up cold, so I rolled so I’m half on top of her for warmth. Apparently my girl’s a cover hog. Figures.

She hasn’t even opened her eyes, but already she’s complaining.

“Want me to get you decaf?”

Dark lashes flutter, and I finally get a glimpse of her crystalline irises. “Are you offering to pick up breakfast?”

Propped on one elbow, I grin down at her. “Will that make you smile?”

She purses her lips like she’s trying to hold one back right now. “It’s a start.”

My cock is rock hard between us, but I keep my hips away from hers, hoping she doesn’t feel it. I’m not sure what we’re doing here, and I don’t want her to think I stayed over with the intention of having sex. Not that I’d turn down a little morning action. Especially with my dream girl.

“What else would make you smile?”

She drags her fingers down the center of my chest, sending sparks of desire through me. Abs tensing, I let out a slow moan. Maybe we are going in this direction. Okay, I can get on board.

With a smile playing on her lips, she pushes me off her. “A blueberry muffin and a fruit cup.”

I groan at the loss of her warmth and any hope of getting laid. “You’re evil.”

She laughs, pulling the sheet up to her chin. “Go. Quickly. I’m hungry.”

Once I’ve pulled my pants on, I head for her bathroom. Unfortunately, I’ll be wearing my game day suit while I run out for breakfast. If photos of me out buying pregnancy tests last night aren’t already circulating, this will give them something to talk about. When I come out of her bathroom, buttoning up my shirt, she’s still lying in bed. “Take another test while I’m gone. I heard you get the most accurate results in the morning.”

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