Page 43 of Learn the Play
“It’s what we do,” Landry speaks up. “We build camaraderie, but what he said.” He tilts his head toward Knox, keeping his eyes on the road. “Five long fucking days.”
“I miss my kid,” Baker says. “I don’t care if we call or don’t, but I’m hoping my boy is awake.”
“Of course, he’s going to be awake. He’s going to be surrounded by five beautiful women,” Landry says. “He’s my nephew. He’s not going to want to miss a single second of their cuddling him.”
Baker laughs. “True enough. He does love to soak up attention.”
“I’m just saying,” Foster continues. “When we walk into that house and find your wives half-dressed with shit all over their faces, don’t gouge my eyes out when I look.”
“Don’t look,” Knox says, his voice gruff.
“I mean, five beautiful ladies,” Foster says, and I can hear the humor in his voice. He’s teasing them, which is not something Foster does often. He’s the serious one in our group. He leans over Baker to look at me. “What about you? Excited to see your girl?”
“Five long fucking days,” I say, and we all laugh. I’m excited as hell to lay eyes on her. I’ve called her every single night, but we haven’t seen each other since I left her place last weekend. I didn’t know it was possible to miss someone like I miss her. She’s not my wife. But fuck, she’s my everything. One day, if I’m lucky, we’ll be there. I understand Knox’s and Landry’s obsession to come home, even though our asses have to be up and watching film at six tomorrow. The visit will be worth it.
Landry parks his truck, and we scramble out and to the front door. Knox pushes the door open, and we follow along behind him. The house is too quiet, which is surprising for five ladies who are supposed to be having a fun night, and a baby.
Stepping into the living room, we find everyone gathered around the couch, hovering around— “Bellamy?” I rush toward her. The other ladies step back as I fall to my knees. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Are you hurt?” My eyes rake overher, looking for injury. Did someone pass away? Coach is fine. He was at dinner earlier. Is it her mom? My hands rest against her cheeks as I wipe at her tears with my thumbs, but it’s no use because they keep falling unchecked.
“Bell.” My voice cracks. “Baby, tell me what’s wrong? Please,” I plead with her. Her tears are tearing my heart to shreds. She shakes her head, more tears falling, so I turn to ask the others what the fuck is going on, but we’re alone. The room is clear of everyone but us.
Standing, I sit next to her on the couch and pull her onto my lap. She comes willingly, snuggling close as she rests her head against my shoulder. My arms band around her, holding her with all I’ve got.
“I don’t know what’s wrong, but whatever it is, we’ll face it together,” I tell her. “Can you at least tell me, are you hurt?” I scanned her for injuries and didn’t see anything, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t miss it. Maybe it’s a pain I can’t see.
“No.” Her voice cracks. “I’m not hurt.”
“Fuck,” I say, holding her tighter. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. I’m right here, and I’ve got you. We’ll get you through this. Tell me what’s causing these tears, Bell. You’re breaking my heart, baby.”
“I got some news earlier,” she says, not lifting her head from my shoulder.
“Okay. What can I do? What do you need from me?” I don’t know what I’m dealing with here. I want to tell her that whatever it is, I’ll handle it. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together. You and me,” I assure her.
“You don’t even know what it is,” she says, her voice soft.
“I don’t care. It involves you, and you’re important to me. I’ll do anything I can to help you through whatever this is. You have to talk to me, though. I can’t help you if I don’t know what I’m dealing with.”
“What if it’s something that will change both our lives?” she asks.
“Will you still be in my life?” I ask her.
“Yes.”
“Then, let it change them. You’re the only thing I won’t change.”
“What do you mean?” she asks, lifting her head to stare at me with those big brown eyes. They’re misty with tears, and the sparkle is dulled. I hate it.
“I mean that you’re the only thing in my life I’m not willing to walk away from,” I tell her honestly. I keep one arm wrapped around her, while the other palms her cheek. “I mean, I don’t want to lose you.” Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t speak, so I keep going. “I fell for you on an evening stroll on the beach. With each minute that passed, I fell harder. We talked, we laughed, and you saw me. I see you, too, baby,” I tell her. “So, yeah, as long as whatever it is doesn’t mean I’ll lose you, then it’s all going to be okay. Whatever it is that’s causing these tears, we’ll face it together.”
“I didn’t expect you, Reid Montgomery. You crashed into my life like a tornado without warning, and you’re flipping the script for everything I thought I knew.”
“I won’t apologize for that. Meeting you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” More tears well in her eyes, and I curse myself for causing them.
“I believe you,” she whispers. “It goes against everything I ever said I would do, but I trust you, and I believe you.”
“Yeah?” I ask. My heart starts to race. “Does that mean you’re going to stop fighting me? Are you going to let me show you that we’re good for one another?”
“I have to tell you first. You might change your mind,” she says, biting down on her bottom lip.
