Page 131 of Over Time Advantage

Fallon swallows nervously. “David Schumaker, this is Jett Jeffries, my boyfriend.”

David’s eyes widen as he holds out his hand. “Wow. The famous quarterback. Very cool.”

I shake his hand a little too hard, and the fucker has the nerve to smirk. “Nice to meet you,” he says with an arrogance to his tone that makes me want to punch him in the nose.

I grit out, “Sorry I can’t say the same.”

His smile only grows wider before he turns his attention back to Fallon. “We should get…reacquainted. I’m having a drink with a client at the hotel bar in a few minutes. Want to meet up later tonight to catch up?”

Is this guy for real? Did he just ask out my girlfriend right in front of me as if I’m not standing here?

Fallon squeezes my arm tightly and looks at him like he has three eyes. “No, David, I don’t. Just slither away, asshole.”

He barks out a laugh. “Always with the dirty mouth, but, ooh, what a mouth it is.” He smirks again.

I shove his chest. “Watch how you talk to her. Walk away. Right now, or that stupidly pointy nose will be a pancake.”

He chuckles. “Chill, man. I need to get to my meeting anyway.” He winks at Fallon again. “You got a live one, sweetheart.”

He mouths, “Call me,” to her while making a phone gesture with his thumb and pinkie before he disappears into the hotel bar area.

I look at Fallon. “Is that shitbag an ex of yours?”

Her eyes fill with tears as she slowly shakes her head. “No. He was Tanner’s best friend for years. He was the best man in our wedding.” She licks her lips nervously as her eyes move down to the ground. “I…umm…had an affair with him. It’s what caused Tanner to file for divorce.”

I suck in a breath, feeling like I’ve been punched in the gut. Fallon had an affair? I always assumed Tanner’s actions were the reason for the divorce based on everything she told me about their marriage. It never occurred to me that it could have been her fault. It never occurred to me that Fallon would be the type of woman to cheat on her husband, especially with his best friend.

I step back, feeling completely and totally blindsided. My heart beats a million times per minute. It feels like it might pop out of my chest.

“Jett,” she croaks as tears begin to fall from her eyes.

My mouth opens and closes a few times. “You’re a cheater?” I whisper, unable to mask my disappointment.

Tears now freefall from her eyes while she shakes her head again. “It’s not what you’re thinking. Please let me explain.” She moves to grab my arm.

I hold up my hands as I continue to walk backward while she advances toward me. My head is spinning. “I…umm need space.”

“No. Please don’t leave like this,” she pleads.

“I have an early morning flight. The car is waiting. I’ll talk to you tomorrow after I land.”

“Jett.” Her pained eyes meet mine. “Don’t do this. I love you.”

I have nothing left to say, so I don’t. I think I’m in shock. The only thing I can think to do is turn around and leave while I hear her crying behind me in the lobby.

TWENTY-SIX

FALLON

He didn’t call when he landed. He didn’t call when he got to the hotel. He’s not returning my voicemails or texts. Not once in the entire time we’ve been dating has he been noncommunicative. Until now.

I’ve fucked this relationship up. It feels like I’m dying inside, but I can’t let on to anyone around me because we have a decisive game seven right now. Despite not sleeping the past two nights, I’m stuffing down my own pain to do my job and be there for the amazing women on this team. Tomorrow I’ll let myself crumble. Today I’m standing tall because I have to.

I smile for the first time in two days when Kennedy walks into the locker room. She’s wearing a short cow-patterned fur coat with the matching cowboy hat, a short denim skirt, and cowboy boots. She’s ridiculous, albeit totally gorgeous and amazing at the same time.

I wink at her as I whisper, “Did you get that outfit in the maternity section?”

She barks out a laugh. “Umm, no, but I did pop. That’s why I’m wearing this jacket instead of the crop top I had planned. It fucking happened overnight. It’s crazy. I’m just glad our uniform is loose-fitting.”