We used to meet up at the bar but since we found out about Tali, we rather hang out at someone’s house.We wanted to make sure Schmidt would come.After all, he’s part of the starting lineup and we’re like a family.Plus, Wyatt’s a dad now and it won't be long before Cord becomes a dad too.As every bachelor couples up, the bar scene loses more and more of its appeal.
“Hey, guys.Sorry I'm late.It was a long day at work.”Cici floats by me and gives her twin brother a kiss on the cheek before she takes an empty chair next to him.
She’s directly across the fire from me and I let out a soft sigh.I don’t want her so far away.I wish I could have her right next to me.
“You work too hard,” Cord says softly.
“It’s part of the job,” she sighs.“I love it most days, but I'm trying to make sure it doesn’t become my life.”
“Did you-”
“I spoke to Uncle Parker and Uncle Luke today.They’ll be helping me catch up.You don’t need to worry about me, Cord.”She gently smiles up at her brother.The two of them are so close to each other.
“I’ll always worry about my big sister.”He winks at her, making her roll her eyes.
She’s gorgeous with her blonde hair falling in loose waves halfway down her back.She has on a light amount of makeup, but it doesn’t hide the tiredness in her eyes.
The white blouse she’s wearing is teasing me with just a hint of cleavage.Her black pencil skirt is hugging every curve.I love how she doesn’t try to show off her body, but she isn't afraid to be feminine.She’s perfect.
“How is everyone?I feel like I haven’t seen any of you in weeks!”Cici takes the beer Winnie hands her and settles back in her chair.
Her gaze locks on mine over the flickering fire.She doesn’t shy away and try to break our connection when I don’t look away.She isn't afraid of me knowing she’s watching me.
Cici’s not forward, but she isn't afraid of controlling where her life is going.She’s strong and determined.She knows exactly what she wants and what she doesn’t.She refuses to let anyone pull her away from the course of where she wants to go and I love that about her.
People chat with her and catch up.I don’t bother responding, but I find myself constantly glancing in her direction.Every once in a while, Tali draws my attention away from her and I play with her.When I look up, Cici’s always watching me.
“I swear you’re the baby whisperer,” Winnie says softly as she lifts a sleeping Tali from my arms half an hour later and places her on her shoulder.She rocks her for a few moments and when she’s sure Tali will stay asleep, she heads inside to put her down.
Winnie had a rough start of the season, but she seems to be doing well now.She looks a lot better and her baby bump is growing a little every time I see her.I'm happy for her and Schmidt.They’re getting the life they want and they’re thrilled for this new baby.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a woman of my own.Someone I get to come home to at the end of a long day.Someone I can curl up on the couch with and just be myself.That sounds like heaven.
I stand and stretch my arms over my head.I’ve been sitting in this chair for over an hour and my muscles are getting tight.I don’t miss the way Cici’s attention snaps to me when the hem of my shirt lifts and puts my abs on display.
I hide my smirk as I turn my back to the group and step inside the kitchen.I didn’t eat when I got here.I wanted to let Winnie and Schmidt eat while I dealt with Tali.Now, I'm starving and can't wait to dig into this food.
I'm piling my plate high with healthy food when the back door opens and shuts.I glance over my shoulder to find Cici surveying what’s available.She’s barefoot now, I guess she shed the heels outside.
“Hey,” I murmur, unsure of what else to say to her.
I’ve had a thing for Cici since we met.We became friends quickly and every time she showed up when I was hanging out with the guys, we’d end up spending the night talking and ignoring everyone else.
All of that crashed and burned when she asked me to go with her to a charity event.I agreed, but later backed out.She got annoyed with me and I’ve been trying to keep my distance since.
She’s the sister of my teammate and one of my best friends.The daughter of the man who owns the Philadelphia Pit Bulls.Both of them make sure the entire team knows Cici is off limits.
As much as I want to claim her as my girlfriend and tell them to deal with it, I know how miserable they could make my life.So, I chickened out and she won't let me forget it.
“Hey, how are you?”She doesn’t look at me this time.She’s too focused on making herself a plate.I'm sure she’s barely eaten today.
I know she tends to forget to eat when she’s busy at work.She told me if she didn’t work with her aunts and uncles, she’d probably never eat lunch.Thankfully, they make her take breaks, but she isn't happy about it.
“I'm hanging in there.I love the season, but it’s exhausting.”
“Cord always says the same thing.Though I'm pretty sure my dad would love it if the season lasted forever.”She peeks up at me and grins.
“Yeah, I'm sure he would.He loves it, but he doesn’t have to travel as much as we do.”
