AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Twyla
The TV is on in the condo, but I haven’t been watching it because I’m trying to read. I’m too nervous.
Chase texted me to let me know that he and Miles were going to grab a drink, and I’ve been a ball of anxiety, wondering if another fight will break out or whether they’ll be able to repair their friendship. I’ve alternated trying to watch TV, pacing the living room, reading, and grooming Kiwi. None of it has been able to take my mind off what might be happening between my brother and my… my what? I don’t even know.
We still haven’t discussed what any of this means. Honestly, I think it’s a topic we’re both avoiding because we know I only have a few more weeks here until I have to return home. Kiwi’s owner will be returning soon and my leave of absence at my job is expiring.
The writing is on the wall that whatever Chase and I have is due to end soon, but I’d be lying if I said that’s what I want. When I jumped into this, I didn’t do a lot of thinking about what might happen—I liked him, he treated me with respect, and he was hot as hell. But now it feels shortsighted of me to assume I wouldn’t develop feelings for the man.
There’s a knock at my door and I burst up off the couch and race down the hall. It must be Chase since the concierge didn’t call up. I had words with him after the debacle that came from him letting my brother up unannounced that fateful day.
I whip open the door without looking to see who it is to find ChaseandMiles standing there. That has to be a positive sign, right? As is the fact that neither of them looks as though they’ve punched the other. Chase still has a slight bruise on his face that I can sort of see through his short beard, but that’s from when Miles hit him before.
“Hey, everything okay with you two?” I glance between them.
“Yeah,” Chase says. “I’m gonna let you two talk, but I just wanted to be here when you opened the door so you’d know Miles and I are good.” He kisses my forehead.
“We’re good, but that’s still weird, man,” my brother says.
“It’s a forehead kiss.” Chase backs up and rolls his eyes. “Come see me when you guys are done.”
There’s something solemn about his voice that puts me on alert.
Chase claps my brother’s shoulder. “See ya, man.”
They do the man-hug thing, then Miles steps into the condo. It’s then I realize the strain in his features.
“What’s wrong? Is it Mom and Dad?” My stomach folds over on itself like a crepe.
“Mom and Dad are fine.” He keeps walking until he’s in the living room, then he takes a seat on the chair to the right of the couch. “Have a seat.” He motions to the couch.
My stomach does cartwheels, but I do as he asks. “What’s going on?”
He sighs. “I’ve been traded to Chicago.”
I blink at him a few times as the information and all that it means settles in my brain. “Chicago Grizzlies?”
He nods. “My agent called while I was out with Chase. Jagger insisted he be the one to tell me.”
“Did you talk to Brady’s parents? Why? Why would they do this?”
He nods again. “They called me on the way over. They’re sad to see me go, but Chicago’s desperate for a good safety and the offer was too good for them to turn down. It’s a good trade for both teams.” He sounds resigned but respectful of the decision.
“Did you see this coming at all?” I know a lot of players get jumpy around trade time, but Miles never said anything to me about the possibility.
“Not really. I mean, you know it’s always a possibility and we have enough good safeties on the Kingsmen that they can stand to let one go. This is just how professional sports go sometimes.”
I shuffle closer to the edge of the couch so I can take his hand. “How do you feel about this?”
He blows out a long breath. “Shocked mostly. I’m sad to leave all my teammates and I love this city, but I’ve never shied away from a challenge. Maybe the change will be good for me. Shake things up a bit.” He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
It’s clear to me that he’s trying to put on a brave face, but he’s still reeling from the decision. I squeeze his hand. “When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow morning.” He meets my eyes and I see an apology in them.
“Wow, that fast?”
He nods slowly.
