The 1.5-million-dollar price tag for the loft was nothing for him, so I’d let him buy it if he wanted to. I couldn’t say when our relationship would get back to normal, because having issues behind our father was our normal. Only difference was this time I didn’t feel the need to accept Senior’s words and behavior just for the sake of keeping the peace like I normally would.
I lifted the bouquet of red roses that were waiting for me in the car and inhaled their scent as Falcon turned into a large plot of land with a SOLD sign. Curiosity filled me.
“What’s this?” I asked, sitting up in my seat.
“This is where we’re gonna have your new home built.” My heart dropped and eyes snapped over in his direction. “It’s four acres of land. You’ll have more than enough space for your home, your tree house, and whatever else you want honestly. Hell, you could put your home in the middle and still have space to build smaller homes for your kids in the future. Either way, the full four acres is yours, and if you need it, I’ve also put a bid in for the acre behind those trees, but it’ll be a little more difficult to get that because it’s private owned.”
“W-what?” I asked breathlessly. “You got this for me?”
“Yeah. I know you were thinking about getting the loft, but I also know you love big spaces and wanted somewhere to have your tree house built. You can do whatever you wanthere. I’ve looked into a few different architects and construction companies. I’ll pay for everything, but the design will be up to you. I meant it when I said you can stay with me as long as you want to, but I also know things might feel a little odd between us now that . . .”
He sighed and looked out of the window.
Getting out of the car, I walked a few feet through the low-cut glass and looked around.
I squealed, laughed, and cried before doing a few cartwheels that had Falcon dying laughing.
“Yoo, what the hell?” he asked through his laugh. “Did you just flip?”
“Did you just buy me four acres of land and offer to have my very own home built?”
“Well yes, but I wasn’t expecting that to be your reaction. I wish I was recording this so I could rewatch it.”
Falcon was laughing so hard it made me laugh. I didn’t care how crazy or silly I looked. I’d lived with people my whole life, and I couldn’t wait to have my own space. At this point, the only person I would have considered letting visit was Falcon.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I cheered, running and jumping into his arms.
“You’re welcome, Smiley. Anything for you. You know that.”
Fake relationship aside, I cupped his neck and kissed him. He was still my man, regardless of the expiration date, and this gesture had just proven that. I wasn’t sure how things would play out between us going forward. How I’d handle being in the same room as him and not being able to touch him or kiss him. What would our new normal look like? Right now, it didn’t matter. Right now, what felt most normal was being in his arms, in his heart, and I would rest fully in that.
After the Last Preseason Game
When Isaac invitedme to his party, I should have known he was up to no good. He and the team were celebrating their victory before the season started in about a week. The night started out simple enough with food and liquor, music, dancing, and socializing. Toward the back of the house, a room was filled with UNO, spades, poker, and pool. That was where I was spending the bulk of my time because I loved playing games. I wasn’t as competitive as the men in my life, but I did love to win.
About two hours into the party, I’d traded Jell-O shots for beer pong and was having the time of my life. Me and Falcon had been keeping our distance from each other, and it didn’t feel weird. It felt how things used to be before February. I did miss him, but I was in such a state of gratitude and appreciation for our time together that I couldn’t be too sad over no longer having him.
Isaac had invited strippers, and that was the first time he’d done that at a party he’d invited me to. Or, at least, this was the earliest they’d ever come. I never stayed for the whole party and couldn’t say what the hell happened after midnight. Seeing Isaac usher the strippers to Falcon, Steve, and Mario made me feel some type of way. I felt like he was being intentionally messy because he kept looking over at me to see if I was watching.
At that point, I was ready to go. I couldn’t stop Falcon from doing whatever the hell he wanted, because he was single. It did make me feel good to see him shove the strippers off him with a mug, but I was over it. I made my way into the kitchen to makeme a small plate before getting ready to go. I was tipsy but not drunk, and the urge to take another shot was consuming me.
“You having a good time?” Luke asked.
He was the running back for the Demolishers and honestly a cool guy. He was also one of the most handsome. It was probably a good thing that Isaac made me agree not to date any of his teammates because with me having such closeness to them, I’d probably be a team ho unintentionally.
“I was,” I admitted.
“What can I do to make it better?”
A smile naturally lifted the corners of my lips as I grabbed a plate to load up with party food.
“Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything you can do, Luke.”
“I’m pretty resourceful. Try me.”
“You do know if my brother comes in here and sees you trying to flirt with me, he’s going to flip, right?”
“I know, so I’m hoping you’ll make having to deal with him worth it.”
