Page 34 of Forever Offsides

“I want love again. I want sex and passion and fun and excitement. Maybe even a kid or two at some point. But I’m young and still a resident, and I’m honestly not in a rush. I loved a guy, and that didn’t work out. That happens. But he fucked with my trust, and it’s like I’m snake-bitten or something. Now I can’t get out of my own way. I’ve gone into every date either already knowing it’s bad from the start or having such low expectations that if it’s not, I sabotage it. Except for the first time, I wasn’t doing that with Rhett. I was going with the flow and allowing it to happen. We had graphic, all up in my vagina, video sex. I was letting my guard down because I really liked him.”

Now I’m pissed and upset and resentful.

She squeezes my arm with a sad look twisting her features down. “I’m sorry. It truly sucks, and I wish it were different for both of you. You deserve all the hot sex. Video or in person. And he’s hot too so that’s something. I wish I could fix this for you.”

“Same. Now I have to face him on the days that I’m here, which blows. But it doesn’t matter because this is my job even if right now it’s not the one I want.”

“But think of it this way: one of those boys out there could tear a ligament or break a bone and require your surgical expertise.”

I give my cute, perky friend a fisheye. “Is it bad that I’m hoping for that so I can leave here and go back to the hospital?”

“Yes. This is why you have the nickname you do.”

“Only in the hospital, and it’s not like I’m tripping players or anything. Orthopedic surgeons are violent, stabby people. This doesn’t surprise you. We use crazy tools and break bones for a living. It’s the best. But instead of doing my dream job, I’m standing outside in the hot July sun, watching football, and forced to face the guy I can’t have but was starting to like a little too much.”

“I get that, but why do I feel like something else is bothering you too? I get you being upset over him and the situation, but you’re ragey about this. Yeah, you hooked up with him and have been talking since and he’s hotter than that ghost pepper sauce Roman made me try once that blew out my entire GI tract, but this feels extra for you.” She taps her bottom lip and moves in front of me so she can study me. “What aren’t you saying?”

Damn her for being so perceptive and knowing me so well.

Russel called again this morning while I was on my way to the stadium. Evidently, he’s serious about getting in touch, and I’m not in the mood. Not for any of this. No more men. Before I can tell her, Mason’s wife, Sorel, and their son, Nolan, interrupt us.

“Hey!” Sorel greets us both with a hug. She and Skylar are cousins. “Look at you,” she says to Skylar. “You look gorgeous.”

“I look huge.”

“You’re pregnant, which is beautiful.”

“Thank you. I look beautiful too,” I deadpan before I reach down and pick up my nephew. Sorel rolls her eyes at me as she shifts her shirt that says, The only thing better than the ’90s is number 11. I snort. “Nice shirt.”

Sorel is obsessed with all things ’90s, and Mason’s team number is eleven. “You can snark all you want. Mason had it made for me. No shocker there.”

“Truth.” I bounce Nolan in my arms. “How’s my favorite guy?”

He gives me a wet slap on my cheeks and an adorable toothy smile. “Qwinn.”

“Hey, handsome. I didn’t expect to see you today. This is the best surprise ever.”

“I worked a half shift this morning, and we thought we’d surprise Daddy on one of his lighter days. Also—and this has to stay between us right now—I’m pregnant.”

Both Skylar and I gasp. “You are? Oh my gosh!” I’m crying. “I’m so happy for you. And me of course since I get a new niece or nephew.”

“How far along are you?” Skylar is choked up too, but that girl cries at everything.

“Only ten weeks, which is why we’re not saying anything yet.”

“Mazel tov!”

I burst out laughing, and so does Sorel. “Sassy pants,” I tease.

Skylar shrugs. “What? It fits.”

“You’re going to be a big brother. That’s a big job. Just ask your daddy.” I kiss Nolan’s chubby cheeks. This is what I needed. Sometimes a boy is way better than a man.

“Mason told us that you’re working with the team this season.”

I flicker over to Sorel as I tuck Nolan on my hip. “It’s the only reason I’m here.”

She laughs. “He was happy about it even if you’re not.”