Fear pricks at the edges of the bliss. My job. My reputation. Everything we’ve been so careful to protect. But looking into his eyes, seeing the certainty there, the fear doesn’t stand a chance.
I’m scared. But I’m ready. For him, I’m ready for anything.
I lean down and kiss him, pouring every ounce of my hope and trust into it. “Okay,” I whisper against his lips.
20
Cole
The morning sunlight streams through the windows as Harper and I sit at my kitchen island, having breakfast. She's wearing one of my old Renegades t-shirts that hangs loose on her frame, her hair pulled back in a messy bun, and she looks absolutely perfect.
“Noah called yesterday,” she says, taking a sip of her coffee. “The apartment is ready. All the repairs are done.”
I pause with my fork halfway to my mouth. “That's great news.”
“I should probably move back this week.” She's not looking at me, focusing instead on pushing scrambled eggs around her plate.
The thought of this apartment without Harper in it makes panic rise up my throat. “I like having you here.”
“I know, but?—”
“Stay,” I say, the word ripping out of my mouth. “Move in with me. Officially.”
Her eyes widen. “Cole, we haven't even told our families about us yet.”
“I’m telling Brett today. And my mom, when she comes for next week's game.” I reach across to take her hand. “I'm tired of hiding, Harper.”
“Our families, yes. But not the press. Not yet.”
“Why not?”
She pulls her hand away, and I can see those familiar walls going up. “Because the second this gets out, every success I have will be questioned. People will say I only got the Renegades contract because I'm sleeping with the captain.”
“That's bullshit, and you know it. You earned everything you have.”
“Yes, but the world doesn’t know that.” Her voice is small and vulnerable, and it cuts through me.
“Let them think what they want. You know the truth. I know the truth.”
She shakes her head. “You don't understand. You've never had to prove yourself the way I have. You're Cole Maddox. You've been successful since you were eighteen. I've had to fight for every single opportunity.”
“And you earned every single one of them.” I stand up, pacing to the window. “I want to show you off to the world, Harper. I want everyone to know I'm the luckiest man alive because I get to be with you.”
“And I want to be with you without having my professional reputation destroyed in the process.”
The doorbell rings, cutting through our argument. I frown, checking my watch. It's barely nine AM on a Sunday.
“Are you expecting someone?” Harper asks.
“No.” I walk to the intercom panel. “Julius?”
“Mr. Maddox, you have a visitor. Mr. Brett Hayes.”
My blood runs cold. “Send him up.”
“What's Brett doing here?” Harper asks, panic evident in her voice.
“I don't know, but we're about to find out.” I run a hand through my hair. “Maybe this is for the best. We can tell him together.”
