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I started playing youth football when I was six. Then it dawned on me Addison was the little blonde who stood every game under the bleachers. Asher noticed her first; we were in different schools at the time, and by the time we were in middle school together, I didn't recognize her.
I knew she'd watched most days under the bleachers in high school. We'd all seen her, but neither Asher nor I put it together that she was the same girl who'd watched us play rain or shine when we were kids.
"Addy." I sighed.
"It's your turn," she cut me off. "To introduce yourself."
"I'm Maddox Parker," I said. "Growing up, I was a major tool until I met this girl who made me want to be a better person, not only for her but for myself. But like most things, I managed to fuck it up." My hand found hers, and I tangled our fingers together. "I didn't realize it until it was too late, but I was in love with her and still am. If I ever get that second chance, I will hold on and never let go."
"So are you saying you are emotionally unavailable?" she asked, her breath fanning across my lips. I hadn't realized we had moved closer to each other in the large bed.
"Yeah," I sighed, brushing my lips across hers. "To anyone other than her."
"Can you tell me what you'd do if you had her in your bed right now?" she whispered.
Swallowing hard, my chest rose and fell with deep, ragged breaths. I wanted to touch her. I wanted to kiss her so hard that I stole the air from her lungs. I wanted to fuck her until she was screaming my name, but I also wanted to keep her, and I didn't know if she was ready for that.
"We should get some sleep," I said. I couldn't do friends with benefits with her. I wanted it all.
"Maddox," she whispered after a few long seconds. I thought about not answering her and pretending to be asleep, but I couldn't.
"Yes."
"In high school, were you the reason everyone canceled their tutoring sessions with me?"
I narrowed my eyes but then laughed as I remembered. "You're not going to kill me, are you?"
"I knew it."
"I threatened all the guys." I smiled. "I wanted more time with you, and I was jealous they were spending time with you. I wish I could say I regretted that, but the truth is I'd do it exactly the same if given the opportunity again."
"Good night, Maddox," she whispered.
"Good night, Addison."
SEVENTY-THREE
ADDISON
The following two weeks flew by. Maddox kept a hectic schedule during football season. Between working out, fundraisers, physical therapy, interviews, marketing ads for products he represented, and volunteer work, we almost didn't have time to sleep. Of course, none of that included practices, games, and sports-related functions like pregame parties and team dinners.
After the first week, we managed to get into a groove, and living together and spending every waking second together had become more comfortable than I'd like to admit.
"Are you ready?" I yawned as my gaze followed him around the kitchen. We'd been going since four a.m. that morning, and I was ready to get the live over with and crash hard.
"Yes," he said, rounding the corner of the kitchen island. "We doing it in here tonight?" I nodded. He cocked his head to the side as his gaze narrowed on my face. "You look tired."
"I am." I yawned again. "You run a tight ship, Parker."
He laughed, sliding onto the stool beside me. "What are we discussing tonight?"
I leaned forward, shoving my glasses further up my nose as I narrowed my eyes on the white paper pad beside my iPad.
"We should talk about the fundraiser you're hosting tomorrow," I said, trailing my pink pen down the list to ensure I was not missing anything. "That's all I have for tonight, so we can just wing it, answer a few questions, and call it an early night." My gaze flicked over to him for his approval.
"Let's do this." His lips twitched into a smirk as he crossed his arms over his bare chest. Pursing my lips, my eyes narrowed on him. He was up to something. He hated lives, and he was way too eager tonight.
"What's going on?" His brows pinched as he shrugged his broad shoulders. "Are you up to something?" He shook his head, but his silence spoke volumes. He was definitely up to no good. Unfortunately, I was too tired to fight him. He nodded toward the iPad, and I rolled my eyes before I hit the button to go live.
