Page 218 of Scrimmage

It makes me sound ungrateful, but it’s a default emotion. Koda cares. Koda bought a house. He picked out colors and painted. He asked Penny. It’s dawning on me now, and I’m trying to work through my emotions even though I’m on the cusp on an explosion of confusion.

“Of course I fucking care. I knew you wouldn’t move in without Penny, and you asked me to take care of her. The rest of the place is yours to do with as you please. Get rid of all the gray shit. I know you hate it. It’s how a serial killer would decorate, but I wanted to have something for you to come home to. You’re in my life plan, Ash. You’re living here whether you want to or not.”

Life plan. He said life plan.

It feels weird to do it, but I go to Koda and bury my face into his chest. He wraps his arms around me in a stifling hug, and it holds me together, because I fucking cry. Penny has done plenty of things for me, and if we were rich I’m positive she would have done something like this. Except it isn’t Penny who did it. It’s Koda.

“Fuck,” he groans, running his fingers through my hair. “I took it too far, didn’t I? I should have listened to Alexi, but Penny said—”

“It’s not that,” I sniffle. “I mean. I’m annoyed about it in the regular way, but it’s not that.”

“What is it, baby girl?” He sets his chin on top of my head.

“It’s stupid,” I say, burying my face back into his chest.

“You don’t cry, Ash. So I’m not really getting the vibe that it’s stupid.”

“It’s just that…You did all of this for me.”

He laughs, deep in his chest. “Mostly for me, but a little bit for you.”

I wipe my eyes, trying to compose myself. “I’m sorry. The fucking drugs have me, like, fucking emotional or something. It’s gross.”

“So you like it?” He gives me his best charming smile.

“It’s cool,” I say nonchalant, sitting on the edge of the bed taking it all in.

“Ashland for love. Good." He relaxes. “So, pick out colors for the rest of the place. Pick out thirty. I don’t fucking care, but I love you Ashland. Want to decorate the living room with hands? I’ll find some. You want a dog? We’ll get one tomorrow. Whatever makes you stay.” His eyes shine that sage green color that I’ve grown accustomed to.

“I want a dog,” I retort.

There’s amusement in his gaze. “That’s it?”

“And I want a hot tub,” I barter.

“Anything else?”

Per usual, I take it too far. “Twelve children and all of them are named Jaxon with an x.”

“I draw the line at Jaxon.”

“You aren’t going to draw it at twelve kids?” I scoff.

“If you want to make our own football team, I wouldn’t be opposed.”

“You’re ridiculous.” I push his face away.

“We can start practicing now,” he growls on my lips.

“Get out of my face,” I giggle, lightly slapping him.

“Mmm,” he hums, nudging my legs apart with his knee. “Ya know, usually I like to slap you, but I’m not opposed to switching it up.”

“You’re trying to seduce me.” I gently caress his face. The stubble on his chin tickles my palm.

“It doesn’t take much.” He leans closer, brushing his lips on mine. “But,” he sighs, stepping back. “The doctor hasn’t cleared you yet.”

The front door slams. I jump out of my skin and right into Koda’s arms.

---