Page 99 of Fumbling for Perfection

“Roger.” I nod at him. “It’s not a good morning. We fucking lost our game, I have twelve stitches in my head, and my—” Fuck. I don’t care that we haven’t figured out what we are. In my mind, she’s my girlfriend. “My girlfriend was tossed out into the streets waiting up for me. This is not how—”

“Walker.” Riley puts her hand on my chest. “It’s not Roger’s fault. He was doing his job.”

How can she be so calm? Fuck. She could have been mugged. Beaten. Raped. My blood boils, imaging all the harm that could have happened to her.

“I apologize, Mr. Bankes. I wasn’t aware—”

“It’s okay, Roger. I’m thankful Walker has such a fantastic security team that keeps all the crazy people out. Even though I may fit the bill at the moment.”

I stare into her warm, chocolate eyes and relax the tension in my face, which was starting to pull at my stitches. This woman is the sweetest, most selfless soul. I’m not used to being at the receiving end of genuine kindness.

“What do I need to do to put her on the guest list?” I shake my head. “Not the guest list. The forever access list, or whatever you want to call it. Can I get an extra key to the elevator and my apartment?”

“I can take care of that for you, Mr. Bankes. If you come back in a few hours, I’ll have the keys and paperwork for you.”

“Much appreciated.” I tug at Riley’s hand and pull her toward the elevator.

“Roger didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you so angry?” she asks as we step into the elevator.

I don’t respond until we’re stepping out and walking down the short hall to my apartment door. “Because I never should have put you in that situation.”

“Youdidn’t. It was just a situation. I shouldn’t have acted so brash. I should have gone back home or waited in my car.”

“Riley.” I toss my keys on the kitchen counter and pull her into my arms, cupping her cheek to my chest and resting my chin on her head. “Thank you.”

“Thank you? For what?”

“For caring. For texting. For risking your life by coming over here in the middle of the night to check on me.”

“No need to be so dramatic.”

“Um. Waterfall of blood?” I chuckle. “It was a head wound. They always bleed a lot and look worse than they really are. That’s why the media didn’t cover it. Boring news.”

“I was scared.” Her arms tighten around me and my heart nearly bursts from my chest.

No one has ever worried about me before. Maybe my coaches or teammates if I get hurt, but that’s only because they worry about our game, not aboutme.I can be replaced with another running back.

I’m still worried Riley will replace me, but her actions tonight make me think we can work through our problems. Whatever this woman wants, I’ll give it to her. Whatever fear or worry is holding her back, I’ll get rid of it.

I’ll do anything for her. She yawns against my chest, and I kiss the top of her head. “You’re exhausted, Riley. Let’s get you to bed.”

She lifts her chin and stares up at me. My cock stirs in my suit pants and wants desperately to come out and play, but we’re both dead on our feet. I pull away so my erection doesn’t spook her, and guide her down the hall.

It’s the first time she’s been to my apartment, and I’m not sure where we stand with each other. I stop halfway down the hallway.

“I’d drive you back to your apartment, but we’re both too exhausted to get behind the wheel.” I tuck her loose strands of hair behind her ears. Her bun is a mess of a nest on top of her head, and I’ve never seen her look more adorable. “You can have the guest room or...”

I’ve made it more than clear I want her in my bed. In my life. But I won’t take advantage of her tonight when she’s running on empty.

Riley pokes her head in the guest room. It isn’t anything fancy. The apartment came furnished and the spare has a queen size bed, a dresser, and chair in the corner. There’s some basic artwork on the wall and curtains for privacy.

“What’s my other option?” She turns to me and lifts her brow.

Is she flirting? Is that a spark I see in her tired eyes?

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