Page 80 of Matched By My Rival
“More than sure.”
“And if anyone heard all that noise?”
I shrugged. “I’ll think of something.”
Simon sighed. “We can’t keep doing this.”
I sat up, heart kicking. “What do you mean?”
“We’re taking too many risks.”
I blew out a relieved breath. I’d thought for a second that he wanted to call quits on us. I wasn’t ready for that. Each day, I wanted more, not less.
Simon was worried again, though—now that sex wasn’t driving him. He wasn’t wrong about the risks either. We were bound to get caught if we kept pushing the limits of secrecy.
“I’m tired of living this way,” I said. “Hiding, you know?”
Simon picked up his shirt from the floor. “I get it. But you’ve got a lot to lose. Some of the guys might be cool if they found out, but a lot of them wouldn’t. I don’t think Coach Jackson is the most progressive guy either.”
“I know,” I said, watching as Simon tugged on his shirt. “But what if I don’t care?”
He shook his head, smiling as he stepped into his shorts. “Of course you care. You’re poised to be the MVP next season, Parker. I can’t ruin that for you.”
“It wouldn’t be on you—”
He leaned over the bed and kissed me. “I love that you want to be free to date openly. But I don’t mind, Parker. You’ve still got your dream. Hold on to it, okay? I’ll head out, and no one will be the wiser.”
I watched silently as he finished dressing and left, trying and failing to find the words to explain to him:
It wasn’t my dream. Not anymore.
My dreams had changed. And the thing I wanted more than anything else?
Was Simon himself.
22
SIMON
I adjusted my laptop bag strap and pulled my vibrating phone from my pocket, then did a double-take at the Caller ID. “Grandma? Everything okay?”
“Simon, honey! Everything is wonderful. I’m so glad I reached you.”
That was Grandma, always sunny and optimistic. In contrast, Grandpa was prone to grousing and grumping everywhere he went.
Not so different from Parker and me.
The thought startled me, but I didn’t have long to dwell. Grandma was chatting excitedly.
“Your sister met the nicest man, and he’s been treating her like gold. She’s taking those online culinary classes already. Did you know?”
“Uh, no.” Chelsea had mentioned the possibility, but I thought I’d have time to change her mind. She shouldn’t have to give up her dream because I’d fucked up. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? I’ll graduate soon, and I’ll help pay for her to go to a real school.”
“Oh honey, it’s real enough. She’s been baking Grandpa and me the most delectable treats! She wants to open her own bakery. She said the restaurant business is too stressful and the hours are awful. She has to think of Joey too, you know.”
I frowned. “We’d all help with Joey. She should do what she wants, not—”
“Thisiswhat she wants, dear. You really need to trust her to know her own mind.”
