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And I know exactly what I’m going to do with my freedom.
Shilo
Three Months Later
Leaning against the cold metal bleachers, I stuff my hands into the pockets of my hoodie, my gaze fixed on the basketball game unfolding in front of me. The sharp squeak of sneakers on polished wood echoes through the gym, blending with the rhythmic thud of the ball against the court.
Obviously, sports aren’t really my thing, but tonight, none of that matters. Tonight, I’m here for Ryann.
It’s been three months since he joined the Adult Rec League, and this is their first game of the summer. He’s been practicing hard, ever since Ronin agreed to let him split his duties with Declan—yeah, that actually happened. Co-CEO’s. The change has been unreal.
The game is intense, the scoreboard flickering with numbers I don’t understand, all eyes glued to Ryann’s movements. Especially mine. Even on the court, he’s in control.
“Hot damn,” KC breathes beside me, fanning himself dramatically as he scans the players. “I might have to start coming here if the men look like that.”
Carpenter just rolls his eyes in response.
Ryann dribbles the ball down the court, his powerful legs carrying him past defenders. My heart jumps as he pulls up for a shot, the ball arcing through the air before swishing cleanly into the net. The crowd erupts into cheers, including my friends, but my focus stays on Ryann’s small, satisfied smile as he jogs back to his team’s side, warmth flooding my chest.
Watching him like this, I’m both ridiculously proud and kind of turned on, if I’m being honest. This is the Ryann I love, the man who can command both a boardroom and basketball court like nobody’s business.
As the game winds down, I find myself getting more into it, even cheering a few times when he makes an impressive play—though I quickly duck inside my hood afterward. But I know he notices. I can tell by the way his eyes find mine in the crowd after every shot.
The final buzzer sounds, and Ryann’s team emerges victorious. The players gather at the center of the court, clapping each other on the back, their faces flushed and glowing. Ryann’s hair is damp with sweat, his grin wide and carefree, more relaxed than he’s been in months. Seeing him in basketball shorts was a shock at first, so different from the tailored suits I’m used to, but now I love this side of him.
He seems more authentic, more himself.
More mine.
Once the team begins to disperse, his gaze sweeps over the bleachers until it locks on me, a look passing between us. He jogs over, still catching his breath but smiling crookedly in a way that has my stomach fluttering.
“So?” He prods, his voice slightly hoarse as he runs a hand through his damp strands.
“You’re so hot,” I blurt out, the words tumbling from my lips before I can stop them. With heated cheeks, I duck my head. “I-I mean, you were amazing out there. Incredible.”
He laughs loudly, sending a shiver down my spine. “Thanks, doll. I’m glad you came.”
Haven’t yet, but I’m about to.
“Wouldn’t have missed it.”
Reaching out to squeeze my hand with a wink, he leans down to kiss my lips. “I have to debrief with the team and shower, then I’ll take you to dinner.”
Yeah, so that’s a thing now. Dates. Plural. He’s been making up for lost time, and he’s fed me so much over the past few months that I actually fit into my pants now.
I’ll admit, the day I had to work a little harder to button my jeans wasn’t great… but with Dr. Iskar’s help—and Ryann’s—I’m learning to love myself, flaws and all. Not one hundred percent, but I’m getting there. It doesn’t hurt that Ryann treats me like something precious every single day.
As we leave the gym, KC falls into step beside me, twiddling his fingers at the players we pass. “Think Ry will introduce me to his team?”
“I don’t know, maybe?” I glance at him, trying not to laugh. “Which ones do you want to meet?”
He smirks. “All of them. At the same time. Preferably naked.”
Carpenter mutters something under his breath, but we ignore him like usual, heading toward the concessions near the pool. It’s not until I slide into a seat and pull out my phone that I notice Mom’s message waiting in my inbox.
Birthgiver:
Hey, sweetheart. Your father asked if you could come to dinner this weekend so that you both can talk. He misses you.
