Back home.
The words land differently now—not like a cage, but like a choice. One he made. One I’m still afraid to.
Sean lightly elbows me. “Think you can work your magic and convince him he belongs here?”
Milo’s brows furrow and he shakes his head, but I open my mouth before he can. “I’m pretty stubborn when given a task.” I elbow him back, not as lightly.
Sean pretends to wince and rubs his arm, then grins at me. “Well, a few of the guys and their girlfriends and wives were hoping we could hang out tonight. You two up for that?”
Milo’s lips part and he mutters, “I don’t think?—”
“We’d love to,” I cut in brightly.
Sean’s dark eyes glisten. “Great. Laura will be excited to meet you, Sadie.”
“Laura?” I ask.
“My wife,” he says with the most contented smile.
“I can’t wait to meet her,” I reply genuinely.
“Coach.” Sean looks at Caleb.
Caleb nods his head. “Gregory.”
“I’ll text you where to meet, Milo,” Sean says as he turns away.
“All right.” Milo steps closer to me, his arm wrapping around my waist as he pulls me close before he whispers in my ear, “You sure? We don’t have to go.”
I turn, throwing my arms around his neck. “And miss the opportunity for your teammates to tell me stories about you? I don’t think so.”
“You’re going to be sorely disappointed, Bookworm. I wasn’t here long enough for many stories to be written,” he says gently.
“Any story about Milo Carter is one worth listening to,” I reply.
“I’ll text you details about the job,” Caleb interrupts before he leaves the room.
“Thanks, Caleb,” I reply loudly without taking my eyes off Milo.
“The job is not up for discussion,” Milo says softly.
“Everything is always up for discussion,” I reply.
“Well then, let’s talk about your job.”
I start to pull back, but Milo keeps his arms firm around me.
“What about my job?” I ask.
“Are you going to quit?”
I swallow hard.
“It’s on the list,” he says firmly.
Quit something you’re “good” at.
I’ve known since the day I saw that flyer at the hardware store that those words were about my job.
