Page 138 of Lucky Shot

“That’s right. I’m losing track of time. Four more games and the championship is clinched.”

“That’s the hope.” In reality, it’s a done deal. Anticlimactic in so many ways. We win the next four, and it’s signed, sealed, and delivered. My contract completed. My mission accomplished.

It doesn’t make it any less incredible, but it’s not always dramatic like the movies make it out to be.

“So plans, huh?” She wiggles against me. “That makes me happy. If that’s the first thing, then what’s the second because I doubt you’ll be able to top that.”

“I can, and I will.”

“Prove it.”

“I’ve one hundred percent completely fallen head over heels for you.”

Her breath hitches. Her lips open and close, but nothing comes out. Instead, she stutters a smile as fear glances through her eyes before she rests her cheek on my chest.

I don’t realize I’m holding my breath until my chest begins to burn. I do everything I can to exhale it as slowly as possible.

My thoughts race as fast as her heart is beating against mine.

Did I just screw this up?

Did I push her too soon?

Did I just scare away one of the best things that has ever happened to me?

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

Hardy

The bed beside me is empty.

It’s empty when it shouldn’t be.

It’s cold, and I’m pretty sure I know why.

I rise from sheets that smell like her and walk naked through the penthouse.

While I hope she’ll be sitting at the wall of windows taking in the early morning sunrise with a cup of coffee in her hand, I know she won’t be there.

She’s not.

Her bed is empty. It’s still made from the day before. The dresser drawers are still full of all the items I bought her and that she’s been using during her stay—they’re all folded neatly and stacked nicely.

But her mobile phone and handbag are gone.

Just like she is.

Fuck.

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

Whitney

Sixteen Years Ago

“Why can’t I stay with you?” I plead. The tears fall, and my voice burns in my throat.

“Me? Why would you wanna? I got a life to lead, kid. I can’t be worried about you all the time. A lady’s gotta have some freedom to do as she pleases.”