Happily Ever All-Star: A Secret Baby Romance - Sosie Frost Page 0,355

the most important game of his life?”

Coach Thompson shrugged. “Or I can just cut him now and find a replacement. It’s your choice, Elle. Both of you can stay…or both of you can go.”

I gritted my teeth. “You really are an asshole.”

“I’m giving you the opportunity to save his career and build one of your own.”

“I don’t need to cheat to advance my career.”

“This is a good opportunity,” Coach Thompson said. “Do this, and you’ll both succeed. Refuse, and Lachlan gets cut and never finds work in the league again. You’ll be disgraced and scandalized in the media, and nothing you say will be taken seriously by the reporters or Frank Bennett.” He snorted. “And your relationship? I don’t think a baby can hold together your rock-solid marriage.”

Peter agreed. “Especially if Lachlan realizes you could have saved his position with a few harmless pictures.”

“Are you really that selfish, Elle?” Coach Thompson asked. “Think of Lachlan. Think of the team. Think of your baby.”

“Don’t you dare.” I covered my belly with a hand. “I can’t believe you’d do this.”

“Can we take that as a yes?” Peter asked.

Damn it.

Maybe I’d never look my child in the eye, maybe I’d forever be ashamed of my actions, but I’d do whatever I could to make sure my baby had food on the table, a house over her head, and all the opportunities and love I never had growing up.

I’d be a fool to destroy a chance for my child to have such a stable, happy, and healthy life.

“I’ll do it,” I said, softly.

I reached for the nudes.

Coach Thompson pulled the photographs away. “I think I’ll keep these for myself.”

Sleaze.

Peter handed me a plane ticket, destination Atwood. “You’ll leave in ten days. Get as many pictures as you can. We’ll handle the analysis, and you’ll travel to the next city and team we play to start the reconnaissance.”

“For how long?”

“Cross your fingers,” Coach Thompson said. “With your help, we might reach the championship game again this year.”

“And you’ll keep Lachlan on the team?”

“That part is up to you, Elle.”

Yeah. It was.

And I’d do it to protect the man I loved…and the child he didn’t know we’d created.

18

Elle

Lachlan’s third date required an overnight bag, my slinkiest lingerie, and safety goggles.

But I hadn’t packed anything yet, and I wouldn’t.

I wasn’t leaving my apartment until I told Lachlan the truth—if not about the Rivets’ cheating, then at least about the baby. And even then…I wasn’t sure either of us were prepared for the trouble to come.

Lachlan didn’t knock. He conducted a drum solo against my door. I might have regretted letting him inside if he hadn’t spun me in his arms, kissed me, and grinned with those sweetheart dimples.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he said. “Wanna stay married to me?”

“We’ll see how you feel after today, Charming.”

“Nothing’s gonna change my mind.”

“Here’s hoping.”

It was the first time he had genuinely smiled in a week. The day off helped, especially after a tough exhibition game. He’d played better and looked more comfortable, but he looked happier getting off the field than stepping on it.

That was the real problem.

And that was why he planned the date. It was an excuse to do something wild, crazy, and fun for the adrenaline rush he craved.

Well…I’d give him a decent shock, and I’d do it without leaving the apartment.

Efficiency was a crucial component to a successful marriage.

“Mrs. Reed…” Lachlan nipped my bottom lip. “I hope you’re ready for the most perfect, unbelievable, exciting date of your life.”

I gave a nervous laugh. “Right back at ya.”

“I have a surprise for you.”

“I’m guessing mine’s bigger.”

Lachlan kissed me, summoning a devilish heat. I shouldn’t have tightened my grip on him. The secret was already suffocating me, and I lost my last gasp of air groaning against his lips.

I had to do it quick. First a kiss. Then the talk.

I’d spill the surprise and blow his mind. I could blow his cock, too, if he needed some reassurance after I blitzed him with the truth.

“Are you ready for today?” Lachlan’s grin turned mischievous. That was my first warning.

“We’re not breaking any laws, are we?”

“We might have to consult some local municipal statutes for what I plan later…” His eyebrows waggled. “But as far as I can tell, this is nothing but fun.”

“Okay?”

“I found the ultimate wilderness experience.”

Uh-oh, that didn’t sound good.

“It’s a three-hour zip-lining tour through the mountains—”

No way. “Lachlan…”

“It has the fastest zip-lines on the east coast.”

“Whoa, wait.”

“We’ll be swinging through the trees, right? And then we’ll blast into