“I’m happy for her.”
“So am I. She wanted a family really badly.”
Brody handed his credit card to the server. “We all do. Sometimes we have to work harder at it to make it happen.”
We waited outside for our cars, and Dev put his arm around me. “I miss you. Don’t be such a stranger. Let’s try and do dinner at least once a month at home.”
My eyes burned. “I’d like that.”
Being with the two of them again brought me back to the years they’d spent hiding who they were for the sake of their career. A decade of their lives spent in the shadows. If Patrick and I did make it, that would be us—maybe a little simpler because I worked for him, and as his assistant, I’d have easier access to him. But I wasn’t sure I could handle the stress of hiding my emotions. One slip, like last night, and it would all come crashing down.
My car pulled up, but Dev held on to me. “If anything is bothering you, please come to us. We’d never judge you. I know you tend to keep everything inside, but at some point you have to let it out.”
I forced a smile. “You’re so dramatic. Thanks for dinner, and I’ll see you soon.” I got into my car and saw a text from Patrick.
Hope you’re feeling better. Don’t worry about the picture. Everyone thinks I hooked up with some hot blond. They’re right.
I couldn’t help laughing at the winky emoji.
Went to the beach and had dinner with Dev and Brody. They said someone sent them the picture. Dev thought it was me and asked if we were together. I told him no.
My phone rang. “He really asked you that? Why would he think I was with a guy?”
“He said he recognized my hair, but I brushed him off. Don’t worry about it.”
“I’m not. It’s just weird that he immediately suspected you.” Patrick’s voice dropped to a sexy growl. “I wish you were here with me.”
I sidestepped that. “Did you have a good practice? Ready to face your old teammates?”
“Yeah. I’m looking forward to it, but not as much as the few days after. The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve got a place set up where no one will bother us.”
It all sounded wonderful. Perfect. If only…
“First get that win.”
“Are you sure you’re all right? Dev didn’t say anything to upset you, did he?”
“No. I’m good. Just getting to the hotel. Gonna get into bed.”
“See you tomorrow. Night.”
“Night.”
In my room, I showered and packed, then opened my laptop and changed my reservation. I could get a red-eye leaving later that night at eleven thirty. I hesitated only a moment, knowing how upset Patrick would be, but I was doing this because it was the best for both of us. Because I loved him. That close call had brought it all into perspective. He’d understand when he stopped being angry with me.
I checked out on the television, grabbed my bags, called for a car, and headed to the airport. I might be going home, but I had no idea what the future held.
Chapter Eighteen
Patrick
I’d expected my former teammates to come after me and prepared for it, but this was next level. Every defensive player was on the attack, and it seemed they didn’t care about a flag on the play. They wanted a piece of my ass. But I met each of them with equal ferocity, and by the end of the game—which we won in a blowout, 35-3—I was beaten up and ready for a massage, a hot bath, and most of all, Fallon.
First, though, I had to do a few interviews, and Dev and Brody were my broadcasters of choice. Brody caught me first.
“Tough game out there, but looks like you showed them who’s boss.”
“Yeah. We came to win, and I think we showed that we’re on track for the postseason.”
