Page 52 of Saving The Shortstop

TWENTY-TWO

DALLAS

We pull in front of Haven’s parents’ house, and it’s more than obvious that she’s worked up by the way she’s shifting around in the passenger seat.

“It’s going to be okay, Short.” I squeeze her hand a little tighter, wishing we could go back to an hour ago when we were in her bed.

A moment that’ll be engraved in every inch of my brain for the rest of my life.

“Thanks,” she says nervously, lifting her free hand to her mouth.

“Don’t even do it,” I warn her, knowing that when she was younger, she chewed her nails. But it seems to be something she finally got control of.

Until now, apparently.

“You are kind of annoying,” she grumbles before letting out a long sigh as I kill the truck’s engine. “But also, thank you for coming here with me.”

Lifting her hand to my lips, I press a kiss to it. “You ready?”

“No,” she says, pouting. “But let’s go before he leaves for the game.”

The game isn’t till tonight, but Coach will get there hours early just like he always does. We knew that if we wanted to tell him about everything with Tabor, we needed to do it before he left. It’s bad enough we’re dropping this bomb on a game night, but we at least have to give the guy the day to let it settle.

Releasing her hand, I push my door open, and by the time I’m out and to the front of the truck, she is too. She stares up at her parents’ house, her shoulders slouching a bit.

On the way over, we talked about everything and agreed that while we couldn’t have secrets anymore, we probably should tell Noah first what’s going on between us before we unload it to her mom and dad. It’s killing me not to hold her hand inside, but for now, if she thinks this is for the best, then that’s what we’ll do.

We walk to the door and she knocks.

“Uh, Short …” I utter, lifting a questioning brow. “This is your family’s house. Is the knock really necessary?”

She gives me a side-eye.

“I don’t know, QB, do you want to see your coach’s bare ass before the game tonight? Because let me tell you, my parents are grossly romantic. And now that my brother and I have moved out, there’s no way of knowing just how freaky things are getting in there.”

“Ew,” I croak. “That’s gross, and now all I can imagine is Coach’s ass, you sicko.”

“You’ll thank me later for knocking.” She shrugs. “I’m telling you.”

Before my brain is hit with more disturbing images of Coach King, the door swings open and I’ve never been more thankful to see Mrs. King, fully clothed and with her hair perfectly styled.

“Hi, baby!” She beams at Haven before pulling her in for a hug. “What a great surprise. Why’d you knock, though?”

“Because I’m not trying to see you and dad getting after it,” Haven grumbles. “Figured knocking would be safer.”

“It’s not like we’re just humping on the dining room table these days—we’re too old for that,” she says, amused. “That’s what we’ve got the cave for.”

“Mom!” Haven scolds, pulling back. “You’re gross, and I don’t want to hear another word about this ca— I’m not even saying the word. I’ll say room. Shut up about this room, whatever it may or may not be.”

She may not want to hear it, but now I’m genuinely curious if they actually have a sex cave or if she’s kidding. I’ve been inside this house countless times, and I’ve never seen one. Then again, obviously it’s locked.

Once her mom releases her, Haven walks into the house, and now, Anna pulls me in for a hug, squeezing me extra tight.

“Look at you two, just … out visiting us old folks.” She pulls back, winking. “Together.”

For so long, Anna has hinted around to wishing Haven and I were a couple. We always ignored it—though inside, it hurt hearing because I never thought it was possible. Haven is whole. And perfect. Right now, I’m helping her stay safe, but once I’m not, she’ll see how fucked up I really am.

When she releases me, and I hear the sounds of Haven and Coach’s voices, I’m brought out of the bubble that everything is all right. Because Coach King is going to be pissed that we kept so much from him for weeks. But also, he’s going to have to deal with Tabor, and I’m nervous there will be some fallout from that.