Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
“Why not call it quits, then?”
“Neither one of us wanted that. She loves me, too.”
“Has she told you?”
“Not those three little words, but yeah, she has.” I smile when I think about all the moments we’ve shared. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that she loves me, and I know that even though we haven’t said the words, she knows how madly I’m in love with her, too.
“Fuck, Beckett, my little sister.”
“Yeah.” I grin.
“You’re grinning like a lovesick fool,” he tells me.
“That’s the Corie effect.” I shrug. I’m not ashamed of how my girl has me wrapped around her little finger.
He chuckles lightly, and tension releases from my shoulders. “I have one question.”
“What’s that?”
“Are you going to make the play or continue to ride the bench?”
This time, I’m the one who’s laughing. “The play is already in motion, brother. I love her. Now that you know, I plan to tell her tonight, and then she and I will decide together when to tell the team. If she still wants to wait, then we wait.”
“You could lose it all.”
“Nah, it’s not what I’ll be losing. It’s what I’ll be gaining. A wife. A partner for life. The mother of my children. I love the game, man. I do. I’ve lived and breathed football my entire life. I didn’t know there was anything more out there waiting for me until I met her. I could never step on the field again, and I’d be okay because I have her. Sure, I’d miss it. But when I think about losing the game, it sucks, but it’s not the end of the world. When I think about losing your sister, my heart cracks in two. I wouldn’t survive that. She’s my number one pick.”
My phone rings, and I look down to see my girl’s smiling face. “Hey, babe,” I answer.
“Are you heading to your place?”
“Yeah, I’m still at the stadium, but I’m heading out soon.”
“Okay. I’ll wait for you.”
“Use your key, Corie girl. I’ll be home soon.”
“All right,” she concedes. “Be safe.”
“Will do.” I end the call and look over at Landry.
“She has a key to your place?”
“I’d have already moved her in if we weren’t hiding this from everyone.”
“Damn, Beckett,” he says, shaking his head. “Never in a million years did I think my little sister would be the one to hook you.”
“I’m more than hooked. Sunk is more like it.”
He laughs, and I know it’s all going to be okay. “You better not keep her waiting.”
“Are we good?” I ask.
“I need to talk to her. I want to see what she says about all of this, but if she loves you like I’m sure she does, then yeah. Just… don’t hurt her. Treat her right, and I’m okay with this. It’s going to take some getting used to, but I’ve noticed the change in both of you. It’s for the better. Who am I to stand in the way of that?”
I stand and hug him, remembering I’m still in nothing but a towel. “Call her. Hell, go to my place. She’s there. I’ll take my time here and pick up some food.” I want this behind us so I can stop hiding how much she means to me.
“Yeah, I think I will. Give us some time?”
I nod, and he turns and walks out the door. That conversation went way better than I imagined it would. It’s not how we planned it, but I’m glad it happened. No more sneaking around behind his back. Maybe Corie will be ready to tell the Rampage, and we will never have to hide again. As soon as I’m able, I’m going to tell the world that she’s stolen my heart, and I’ll keep reminding them and her every damn day.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Corie
* * *
After kicking off my shoes, I stroll toward the couch and grab the soft, plush blanket Knox bought for me because I like to snuggle. He said he would meet me here and should be here any minute. It gives me a few minutes to read. I started a new small-town romance, and I can’t get enough. I allow myself to get lost in the story, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door. Surely, Knox didn’t forget his key.
Climbing off the couch, I head toward the door. I don’t bother to look to see who it is, something I immediately regret when I see my brother standing on the other side, with his hands shoved in his pockets.
“Hey, sis,” he says. “Can I come in?”
My gut tightens as guilt washes over me for lying to him. I hate disappointing my brother after everything he’s done for me. I nod and step back, giving him room to enter, before closing the door and trailing behind him to the living room. On instinct, I take my spot on the corner of the couch and pull the blanket over my lap.