Page 21 of Playing with Temptation

“There has to be another answer. We’ll make adjustments. Work harder. I got a hand on those passes, so I should’ve been able to haul them in and hold on to them, simple as that.”

Wade met Nate’s gaze. “Or maybe you were right all along. Time for me to walk away.”

“I never said that.”

“Been in the league ten years, Nate. It’s been a good ride, but that’s a hell of a long time. I don’t want to be one of those guys who can’t enjoy his life by the time he walks away.”

They sat in silence as Nate wrestled with what to say to shovel himself out of the six-foot-deep ditch he’d dug and dragged his team into.

“You talk to Greer about this?”

“She’s thrilled that I’d be here year-round to help with the kids. She’s put her life on hold so I could live my dream. Maybe it’s time I support hers. She has a couple of business ideas. Stuff she’s been talking about a long time. Maybe it’s my turn to be her cheerleader.”

Nate assessed his friend, who didn’t seem enthused about the prospect. “I know Greer would love to have you home, but what did she say when you told her you were considering retiring?”

Wade chuckled softly. “She said Willises don’t run scared. We stay and fight.”

Nate laughed, too. “That sounds like the Greer Willis I know. I’m just thankful she didn’t meet me at the door with a shotgun rather than one of those Hollywood hugs.”

“Not gon’ lie, she was madder than a hornet when she saw that video.” Wade took another swig of his beer. “I hid her phone for two days to keep her from calling you and telling you off.”

“I deserved it.” Nate gripped his beer, raising his eyes to Wade’s. “What about Jake and Mariah? Don’t think I’ve ever felt like as much of an ass as I did seeing myself through their eyes today.”

“You’re their Uncle Nate. So yeah, they’re pretty upset. Jake’s angry. Mariah’s feelings are hurt.”

Nate drained the remainder of his first beer. He took a gulp of the second. “If it’s okay with you and Greer, I’d like to apologize to them. I won’t push,” he added quickly, in response to the concern in Wade’s eyes. “But I want them to know how sorry I am.”

Wade nodded solemnly. “I’ll talk to Greer about it. If she doesn’t have a problem with it, neither do I.”

“Thanks,” Nate said quietly. “And about you retiring… I know I have no right to ask, but I wish you’d reconsider.”

“Oz will be just fine. The kid’s good. Really good. Better than me,” Wade said, referring to Osgood Wells—the Marauders’ backup quarterback who’d been playing behind Wade for the past three seasons. “He went 3 and 1 when I got hurt last year. You said yourself the kid is star material.”

“And I still say he’s star material.” Nate smirked. “But he ain’t a star. Not yet. He could use a mentor in his ear helping him along.”

“Been doing that the past three years.”

“Yeah, but the past three years he was also your competition. Maybe now you’ll teach him some of the tricks you’ve been holding back.”

Wade sipped his beer thoughtfully, not denying that mentoring Oz had been the last thing on his mind these past three years. “I’ll think about it. But as for us…this thing is over as far as I’m concerned. You’re a good friend, Nate. Don’t see the need to talk about this again.”

Nate’s shoulders relaxed as he reached across the table to shake his friend’s hand.

CHAPTER 8

Kendra bounced little Allie on her lap. The infant cooed and giggled, blowing spit bubbles.

“She’s adorable.” Kendra kissed the girl’s round cheek. Inhaled her irresistible, baby scent. “All the kids are, and they’re so well-mannered.”

“Told you I was lucky.” Greer grinned, cutting three turkey sandwiches into triangles for the children.

“No, you’re a good mom. Wade and the kids are lucky to have you.”

“Thanks.” Greer stacked the sandwich triangles on plates and set them on the table. She sighed. “God, I miss having you there whenever I’m in Memphis. You were the one person whose intentions I never doubted. I always felt like we would’ve been friends even if Wade and Nate weren’t.”

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