Page 33 of In The Game

Shit.

I can’t believe some other asshole got to her first. It’s a punch to the gut, and I immediately despise whoever this kid’s dad is. She should have been mine.What the hell, Raleigh?!

I have so many questions. The first one on my list is why she snuck out that night. No phone number, no email, nothing. It was bullshit.

She takes the jacket from him and slips each of his arms into the small coat. “Thank you, baby. Ready to go home?”

My eyes roam over her body. I can’t help it, she’s like straight out of my fantasy. Her being someone else’s wife will not stop me from checking her out. While I admire this new sinful body of hers, my gaze snags on her hand, it’s trembling.

And there’s no ring.

My shoulders loosen. That’s all I needed to see. This isn’t game over, not by a long shot. But it’s not gonna be easy. It’s been over five years and she has a child—Raleigh’s a mom.

She won’t give me the time of day, but I’m not above getting to know her son to get to her. I’m going to eventually. I keep my eyes on her while I crouch down, then turn my gaze to the curious little boy and introduce myself. “Hi! I’m Barrett. What’s your name?”

They freeze, and Raleigh stands, as if she’s trying to make herself bigger. He curls into Raleigh’s side, clutching a stuffed koala, and she protectively tucks him behind her. His head pokes out and he studies my face. She looks like she can’t decide whether to cry or kill me, but I don’t know why.

Her son steps out from behind her and gives his name. “Arthur.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Arthur. I like your koala.”

He holds it out for me to see. “Did you know koala’s fingerprints are almost the same as humans?”

My smile curls up on one side. “I didn’t, that’s really cool.”

“Yeah… Police in Australia have to make extra sure that they don’t confuse a koala bear and a bad guy’ses fingerprints when there’s been a crime.”

I beam at his big expressive eyes as he explains the fingerprint thing.

“Did you know koala bears are not actually bears but marsupials? They have a pouch like kangaroos,” I say, trying to get on his level.

“I already know that!” He smiles and shows off an adorable dimple. His eyes sparkle in the same way Raleigh’s do.

I laugh. “Well, that was my only koala fact. Guess I’ll have to learn some new ones for next time.” I glance up at his mom.There will be a next time.

My focus returns to her son. We tilt our heads at the same time and regard each other for a moment. There’s something familiar about him, but I can’t quite… My head straightens while I attempt to stay calm and collected.There’s no way…

Clearing my throat, I ask, “How old are you, Arthur?”

“Four and three-quarters.”

I gulp. What month did we sleep together? I’d just been named alternate captain, so… My mind calculates his age and our night together, then blood drains from my face.It can’t be.I stand, but she won’t make eye contact.

“Raleigh, look at me,” I say sternly.

“Come on, baby. Say goodbye, it’s time to go.” She combs her fingers through her hair.

“Ral—”

“Leaving already?” a deep voice asks, stepping alongside her.

Who the fuck is this guy?My hands ball into fists.

The unease on her face transforms into a big fake smile, and she brings her hands to her sides.

“Yeah, it’s way past his bedtime. He wanted to stay for the confetti drop, but we’ve gotta get going. Sorry we couldn’t stay longer.”

He moves his hand from her lower back to adjust the collar on her coat. When he’s finished, he affectionately slides his hand down her arm. I want to lunge at him, but I stand here glaring, unable to take my eyes off the other man touching her. Years may have passed, but my thoughts of her never disappeared.

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