But that was before I told Riley Carter I liked her.
From the moment I wrapped my fingers around the dumbbells and did my first rep, Riley was on my mind.
I keep going over our conversation this morning.
Her shocked expression when I told her how I felt.
The way she pinched her cheek to check if she was dreaming.
The way her eyes darted all around the room.
It was all so cautious and adorable and perfectly Riley. I can’t believe it took me so long to tell her I’m on the fast lane to falling in love with her.
McLanely presses the ‘off’ button on the treadmill and it slows down. He turns his neck and makes eye contact with me.
I push through one more rep and set the dumbbells in the cradle.
McLanely gestures to the water bottles stacked off to the side of the private gym.
I nod.
Renthrow and Kinsey remain at their stations. Kinsey’s going to town with the battle ropes while Renthrow is lifting about double his size in weights.
“I asked Max if you could join us at the gym this morning because I wanted to talk with you,” McLanely says. “Privately.”
I bob my head. I thought it was strange when Coach pulled me from the scheduled practice drills and assigned me to strength training. At first, I got nervous, thinking the team leader doubted my ability to play tomorrow, but I was relieved when it was a private session with the pre-drafted players.
“Have you heard from that lady since morning?” McLanely asks, handing me a water bottle.
I shake my head. “To be fair, Layla doesn’t wake up before ten a.m. So that might be the main reason.”
“I don’t like being blackmailed, Campbell. It stinks.”
“Same.” I guzzle down the water as I catch my breath. “I have to be honest. Layla used your proposal to try and manipulate me into spending time with her last night. I know I promised you that I’d babysit her, but Riley wasn’t feeling well. I needed to take her home.”
“I don’t blame you. If I were in your shoes, I would have taken April home too, blackmail or no.”
We both take another swig.
McLanely runs his fingers through his hair. “I already made a decision to speed up the proposal when I took April home last night, but hearing that she tried to blackmail you too… it just confirms what I have to do. I can’t let this chick continue to rule meandmy friends.”
“Is there any way I can help?”
Chance shakes his head. “I’m trimming the proposal down. I cancelled the doves and the fireworks and paid the caterers extra to set everything up tonight instead of next month.”
I blink rapidly. “Doves and fireworks, huh?”
“It’s April, man. I have to go all out.”
“I don’t know April that well, but… she gave me the sense she was more low key.”
“You’re not wrong.”
“So… maybe cancelling the doves and the fireworks is a good thing.”
Chance scrunches his nose as if he doesn’t agree.
Renthrow joins us. “What are you two whispering about?”
