Page 101 of Jocks

“Does she know you’re here?” He follows my gaze to the locker room door, where Addy’s waiting patiently.

“I’m sorry,” she says as she reaches Alex, wrapping her arms around him and leaning her head on his chest. “I never realized the position I put you in by trying to keep up with you and your friends.”

“You do more than keep up, Ads.” He returns the hug. “That’s why it’s so damn hard for the guys not to love you. If you’re gonna love any of ’em back, though, I’m glad it’s this one.” He gives me a quick nod and releases his sister.

I hold my arm out to her, tucking her into my side, kissing her forehead when she reaches me. “I’m sorry, too,” I tell Alex. “I was a shitty friend, and there really isn’t an excuse for that except to say that everything I did, everything I do, is because I love her.”

“Whoa.” Alex holds a hand to his chest. “You could’ve just said that instead of going through this ruse about skipping the draft. It is a ruse, right?”

“You wouldn’t have believed me unless you knew what I was ready to give up.” I smile down at the woman I really would give anything for.

“Fine, I forgive you guys for going behind my back. And you have my blessing. But let’s keep the lovey-dovey stuff to a minimum. She’s still my sister.”

I see Alex shudder from the corner of my eye as I lean forward to kiss my future. “No promises,” I growl as her lips meet mine.

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