She cuts me off with a poke to my side. “Shut your face, mister ‘let’s wait.’ It’s already hard enough when you’re basically naked next to me, don’t make comments like that or I’ll hop right on you.”
I groan, laying back on my pillow. “Don’t say things like that.”
“You started it!” she chimes in. “But anyways, let’s grab breakfast before we have to leave for the game. Can’t have the star play poorly because I didn’t feed him.”
We both laugh before I peek around her to check the time. “Oh, crap. We only have an hour until I need to head to the bus. Apparently we slept in, it’s almost eleven.”
Audrey stretches her body, popping her head up. “Damn. Let’s get going then.”
We slowly untangle from each other, getting out of bed and reaching for clothes.
“So what’s your week looking like?” Audrey asks as she steps into a pair of jeans.
“Well, I take possession of the house on Thursday, so hopefully you’re up for lifting couches over your head.”
“It’s my favorite hobby, ya know.”
“So, you’re staying for the season, yeah?” I ask awkwardly.
Audrey pulls her hair up into a messy bun, giving me a sheepish grin. “That was the plan … but a part of me thinks I want to stay long term … and not just for you and Connor. I mean, yeah, obviously you two, but I think a fresh start would be good.”
“You won’t hear me saying otherwise,” I tell her, slipping pants on.
Audrey lets out a quiet laugh, zipping up her suitcase. “I’d sure hope not.”
“Especially if I get to see you half-naked all the time.” I smirk.
“Oh, behave you horndog!”
Once we’re both organized, we head down to the hotel dining room. Connor is sitting at a table with a plate full of food that makes my stomach growl again.
“You go sit with Connor, I’ll grab us food,” I offer, kissing her forehead and moving towards the buffet.
I fill both our plates with various things before joining the two of them at the table.
Silence fills the space for a moment before Audrey clears her throat.
“So … I think we should address some things.”
Connor and I both eye her with confusion.
“I have some rules, I guess,” she starts, moving her eggs around her plate. “I don’t need you two discussing our ‘adult activities.’ If Noah and I fight, we won’t make you the middleman. When I’m on the road with you, Noah and I will talk to the team manager about getting our own room, but we won’t flaunt our relationship. Lastly, I’m going to get a job. Before either of you protest, remember it’s my life. When you’re at training or having guys’ nights, I’d like my own thing to do as well. This applies whether I’m staying past the season or not.”
Connor nods slowly, as if he’s letting her words sink in. “That’s all good with me. What kind of job are you hoping to get?”
Audrey frowns slightly. “That's the issue, I kind of lost my passion for most things because of Paul. Besides sappy movies, I don’t really have hobbies. I’ve started crocheting a bit again, but that’s it. A part of me would love to work with kids, but I don’t have the schooling for it. I didn’t love my job and even though I’m good with numbers, I want something new. If I’m having a fresh start, I want to truly lean into it.”
I rack my brain for things she used to enjoy growing up, as Connor assesses, “I assume you’d kill me if I tried to convince Skippy to make up a job title for you?”
“Yeah. I want separation from you guys, I’m sick of you already,” she jokes.
I see Daisy moving out of the corner of my eye and it gives me an idea. “Would you be open to working with someone who technically isn't on the team but has a connection?” I ask.
Audrey chews her lip. “Depends, why?”
I clear my throat, leaning my elbows on the table. “Well, I know our physical therapist is looking for a new nanny. She mentioned that her current one is moving next week.”
Audrey looks towards Connor, smiling. “Daisy?”
