AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey.” My stomach clenches tight with anticipation.
Then, the most amazing thing happens. Her perfect lips turn upward into a smile, and she moves to the side to let me in.
She closes the door, and we’re like two people who’ve never met.
I detest the awkwardness and squash it immediately. “I’m sorry–”
I don’t have time to get a third word out because she steps into me, sliding her free arm around my middle and hugging me tight. I don’t hesitate, pulling her close and wrapping her up just as tight.
“Don’t apologize. That sucks,” she says into my chest. “Unless you did that on purpose, and in that case, you can haul yourself right back to your truck.” I laugh, and it’s like food to my weary soul. “You scared me,” she whispers, and Ax squirms between us.
“I know. I’m sorry. I hate that I scared you. I didn’t have my phone.”
She pulls away and takes a step back to look up at me. “How’s your thick head?”
“Thick?” I cock an eyebrow just slightly, so stupidly happy she’s teasing me.
She shrugs one shoulder. “I could’ve said suffocatingly big head.”
I glare. “My doctor said I have a pretty brain.”
She glares. “Is that so?” Ax squeals, blowing spit bubbles and bouncing his legs. She moves into the room and sits on the floor where toys are scattered. I follow, sitting on the couch. “How long until you get to play again? I read there’s some sort of process you have to follow.”
“I have to rest. Then I’ll be evaluated and released for light training before I can get back on the field.”
“At least they take it seriously,” she says softly, keeping her eyes on her son.
I rest back on the couch and rub a hand over my face. “Andie, I’m really sorry. That doesn’t happen often. It was a bad hit, and even if I’d been completely on my game, it would’ve been the same.”
“What do you mean if you’d been on your game?” She turns toward me, frowning, and it’s filled with concern.
I kick my feet out in front of me, watching Ax move from sitting to his belly and trying to inch himself closer to the ball. “Look at him.” I point. “When did this start?”
She pats his butt as he grunts. “Last week. Once he gets it, I’m in trouble. He’s going to be into everything.” She watches him work, but then her eyes move back to me. “What happened?”
I knew better than to try to distract her. “I’ve been having trouble focusing. Meeting with Rob the other day only made it worse.”
Andie pulls a toy closer to Ax to give him a break. “What did he say?”
I rub my unshaven jaw. “It’s not a rumor. The Tigers are looking to see what they can get for me. It doesn’t sound like it has to do with what Morgan pulled. I think they're using that, but it’s more that I only have next season left on my contract. They think I’ll be shopping, but they are running out of time. The trade cut-off is approaching, so if they’re going to make a move, it’s got to be coming. They’re looking for a deal to strengthen the defensive line or beef up the team.”
I pause as Andie tries to process. “The other running backs are solid, but our defense is lacking, and they know other teams will see me as a valuable asset. They want to get out of me what they can before I’m gone.”
“What do you want?”
“I don’t know.” I rest my hands behind my head. It still aches, but at least it’s tolerable. “I thought I’d fulfill my contract and then decide what I want to do. If I want to play or if I’m ready to retire and figure out what’s next. After these past few months, though…I don’t know.”
I don’t want to talk to Andie about the possibility of leaving, but there’s a significant chance I will be, and I won’t keep that from her.
“I told Rob to see if he can find out who’s really interested. I want to know what the real possibilities are and get a feel for where I might end up. If we are ahead of it, maybe I’ll have a small amount of influence.”
She bites her lip, her eyes focused on a toy ball in her hand. “Sometimes change is necessary.”
I can’t read her tone, and I don’t like it. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
Her eyes snap to mine. “I was thinking you’re really good at what you do, and you’re going to find a team that needs and values what you have to offer. It’s all going to work out, maybe better than you imagine.”
Her tone is soft and sweet, making kissing her all I can think about. Knowing she is nowhere near ready for that, I deflect.
