I have to tell her the news unless I want her to hate me.
Fuck my life.
Phone in hand I sit on the edge of the bed glancing over my shoulder at her and heave a long, hard sigh. The timing between us has never been right. I met her too late. And then swooped in too early.
And now this. Even the protection I have to offer is no longer needed.
The bed dips when she rolls over with a soft moan. “Morning,” she mumbles, casting a shy smile in my direction.
“Morning.”
Really, I have two choices. Tell the truth. Tell a lie. Either one is a risk, but at least if I tell her the truth and we break apart our friendship will remain intact. Even though that’s changed due to the lines we crossed last night. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at her the same again, now that I know how she feels. How she tastes. What she looks like at the height of pleasure.
I swallow around the clenching in my throat.
“Good news, Peyton. Sad news, but also good news.”
Before pushing herself up on the bed, she rubs her eyes. When she leans toward me, I show her the article and instantly feel her body stiffen.
Silence eats up the space around us as I wait for her reaction.
Her morning voice sounds hoarse and she doesn’t make immediate eye contact. “That’s great.”
“Ya. I’m so relieved.” That’s truth with a huge sigh. I am relieved that she’s safe now. No one will be collecting on her late husband’s debt. No one will be calling her. Stalking her. Relief. That’s what I feel. But it’s served with a massive side of disappointment.
“One day…” The two words hang in the air, suspended by untold emotions. But if I’m being honest with myself, I hear the regret in her voice.
Ya. One day. If we had waited just one day, we never would have had to marry. Never would have shared our deepest fears with each other. Never would have shared our souls. Our bodies. One day. It can change everything.
“I have to leave soon for our away games for two days. Sorry I can’t be here for you.”
“Mhmm…” she nods solemnly at my side. “I’ll…um…work things out between us.”
“No. It’s alright. Don’t do anything. We can sort it out when I get back.”
Furrowed brows overshadow her confused eyes. “I’m capable enough to handle it.”
“You are. You can totally do it…I just…” Need more time. Don’t want you to leave. Don’t want to end this.
Shit. I’m a mess.
She rests her hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay. I’ve got this. Thanks for being such a good friend.”
I fucking hate that word.
Chapter 9
Peyton
“Ooof. Another penalty?” I bite my nails watching the final minutes of the game I recorded earlier. I had to prepare for my meeting with Zane and Willow and couldn’t watch it earlier. He’ll be home any minute, but I really wanted to watch this game. It just felt like something I should do. At least watch one of his games as his wife. Even still, I had to record this one which makes it feel a little less real.. Kind of like our marriage. How fitting.
“That’s not like him at all. His game is off.” Wren takes a sip of her mojito. “You sure it has nothing to do with the wedding?”
“Shoot. I hope not.” But of course, that’s my worst fear. Wendell took on too much by taking me on as a burden when he didn’t even have to, and the guilt I’m feeling is suffocating. I can’t imagine the frustration I’ve caused him. “Thanks for being here though.” I didn’t want to be alone when Wendell came home today, almost like I needed a buffer—or a booster—to do what I’m about to do. It’s for the best. Watching his game confirms it.
“What’s that look for?” I ask her since she hasn’t put down her drink and she’s just eyeing me over the rim of her glass.
“Nothing.” She pushes the glass in the air to dismiss me. “I just saw you two together. I saw how he looked at you.”
