Page 42 of Fair Play
It’s nice to have some new friends, though. Nita’s my boss so it’s a little different, but Athena and I talk almost every day, even if it’s just a few texts checking in. It feels like the kind of friendship that could become important to me, and that worriesme a little because I don’t want to lose it if things blow up with Rome.
I’ve made friends at work too. I stayed after training to have a drink with some of the others and it’s late when I get home. I smell like fried food and stale beer, so I take a quick shower, change into my favorite sweats and T-shirt, and check my phone. No messages from Rome yet tonight, but that’s probably a good thing because I have four chapters to read before class tomorrow, and I don’t want to get behind.
I’m taking a hefty class load because I want to take advantage of the scholarship and opportunity to double up on classes, but it’s starting to catch up to me.
And this thing with Rome is a distraction.
Honestly, I don’t know what we’re doing.
He’s too old for me.
He’s a professional athlete which, despite what I tell my brother, is a little intimidating.
He’s been married and divorced twice, something I have zero experience with.
And my gut tells me he’s really experienced in bed.
Not that I’m some simpering virgin from my grandma’s historical romance novels. I’ve been around the block a time or two, but not like what I imagine a professional athlete does. Hell, I know my brother is wild.
I used to tease him about it, but he’d just laugh and say, “This is exactly why I don’t want you involved with guys like me.”
I don’t believe Rome would treat me like that, but a tiny bit of insecurity is simmering in the back of my mind. A reminder that I have goals, things I want to accomplish—both personally and professionally—before I settle down. I want to find my footing in the business world and make my own money, so I don’t have to rely on a man to take care of me.
I also want to travel, which means not having kids for a while. Intellectually, I know you can still do those things with kids, but it’s a lot more complicated. I just want to have fun for a while.
And it seems like Rome has already done all of that.
All his talk about that cabin in New York makes me uncomfortable.
Even if I fall hopelessly in love with him, I don’t want to move to a remote part of New York and spend my days fishing and hiking.
Not that I wouldn’t enjoy those things in small doses, because I would, but that couldn’t be my life full-time.
Maybe it’s time to slow down and listen to my brother for once instead of jumping headfirst into things.
If only I didn’t like Rome so much.
In spite of my misgivings, he’s everything I want in a man.
Strong, handsome, and employed.
Kind, generous, and someone I can talk to about almost anything.
With a voice so deep it makes me shiver.
Someone who can kiss—and boy, can he kiss.
Maybe I’ve set the bar too low but I’m not looking for a rich man—just one who wants to work hard to build a solid life together. Someone that loves me and makes me happy.
There’s a lot going against us, but there’s also a lot going for us. I just wish I knew what to do about it.
My phone buzzes and I see a text from Athena.
ATHENA: Hey! I haven’t heard from you in a few days—how goes the new job?
BILLIE: It’s been amazing. I love everyone I work with, and Nita is just incredible. I want to be her when I grow up.
ATHENA: She’s really a force of nature. I want to be her too—and I’m already grown up.
