Page 124 of The Backup Plan

And because I love being a part of someone else’s inspiration.

Sharon’s right about me checking in with former teammates. It’s what I do. It’s who I am. People matter. Seeing them reach their potential matters. And being part of a team that lets me play the sport I love gives me that chance every day.

“You’re the guy who checks in. The guy who notices. The guy who still cares when so many have shied away, feeling unsure what to say. That matters.”

I’m already the man I want to be.

That’s when something clicks for me. The future doesn’t feel like something I’m running from.

It feels like something I might be able to face.

Emery

The hotel room feels too quiet.

I’m sprawled across the bed with my phone pressed to my ear, staring out at the glow of the city through the window.

“What are the chances I’d get caught if I snuck over to your room right now?” Lucas asks and then chuckles in that rough tone that makes me ache for him.

I smile like a lovesick teenager. “You know that’s not possible.”

“I know but it doesn’t stop me from wishing.”

I roll onto my side, tucking the pillow closer. “How’s your shoulder feeling?”

He barks out a laugh. “You know you always resort to shoulder questions when I make you uncomfortable, right?”

“I do not.” I’m sure I probably do.

“Whatever you say, Doc.” He pauses. “It feels good. A little tight but manageable.”

An honest response. I’ll take it.

“Team dinner was good?” I ask.

“Yeah. The usual spiel about showing them everything because they’re making final roster decisions next week. Loud. Predictable. Too much chicken. Yada, yada, yada.”

“Sounds thrilling.”

“It was missing one key element though.”

“What’s that?”

“You.”

My chest tightens as my smile widens. How can he make me feel like this with a simple word?

“You know how to make a girl feel loved,” I say. I realize what I said—the word I used—but for some reason, I don’t think it will freak him out like it would other guys.

“Someone has to,” he says, unfazed. “Did you have a good dinner with your friend?”

“I did. Lots of catching up. Lots of gossip—”

“About me I presume?” he adds.

“Maybe a time or two.”

“Good. I’d be worried if I wasn’t brought up at all.” He laughs.