The hand outlining the individual muscles in my stomach smacks me. “Don’t play dumb. You know what I mean.” She tilts her head back, resting her chin on my chest to look me in the eye. “Did you mean it?”
It’s true, I have a few weeks before the deadline to officially declare passes, but I’m not going to change my mind.
“Every word.”
Worry creeps into her eyes. “Brantley seemed pissed.”
She doesn’t know the half of it. I’ve been shielding her from the worst of the bullshit he’s spewed over the last few months.
“I’ll handle him.” I press a kiss to her forehead. “It’s not his decision to make, it’s mine.”
The V between her brows makes a reappearance.
“What’s on your mind, babe?”
The furrow deepens.
“How do you know something’s on my mind?”
I rub a finger over the V. “You get the cutest wrinkle right here when you’re thinking too hard about something.”
Nothing. She doesn’t even blink. “Are you sure? You’re risking so much delaying.”
“Like?”
She rolls her eyes, knowing I’m being obtuse.
“What if you get hurt?”
“I could get hurt playing in the pros, so it’s irrelevant. What else you got?” A smile curls at the corners of my lips.
“Your stock could fall and you might go later in the draft. It would cost you millions.”
“Pfff.” I tug on the piece of hair I’m twirling around my finger. “With another season under my belt, my draft pick can only rise.”
Another eye roll. Ooo I’m really getting to her now. I know I shouldn’t enjoy it so much, but I can’t help it.
“There’s the ego.” She pins me with an annoyed but charmed glare. “You had me nervous there for a second.”
“It’ll be fine, babe, you’ll see. It’ll all work out how it’s supposed to.” I roll her beneath me. “For now, let’s do this.” I slide back inside her.
I’ll spend the night losing myself in her; the bullshit will still be there in the morning waiting for us.
#Chapter52
The sound of running water trickles into my consciousness, the soft sheets brushing against my skin as I stretch. I’m not sure what time it is with the heavy drapes blocking out any sunlight; all I know is I’m exhausted, my body sore in the most delicious way thanks to spending most of last night using Mase’s body as my personal jungle gym.
Hearing the sound of the water cutting off, I sit up, keeping the sheet tucked around me as I try to get my bearings. My hair is a tangled mess, and I do my best to undo what is left of the low side pony and headband braid I had going on.
A minute or so later, Mase, wrapped only in a white towel tied low enough on his hips to show off his mouth-watering Adonis belt, exits the bathroom, steam billowing out behind him.
“Did I miss an earthquake or something?” His steps falter when he notices I’m up.
“Huh?” I may be awake, but I’m certainly not firing on all cylinders yet.
“I figure it’s the only thing capable of waking you up this early.” He shrugs, all of his drool-worthy muscles rippling, the residual droplets of water left on his bronzed skin highlighting the movement.
I stick my tongue out at him, knowing it’s a childish move, but I haven’t had my coffee yet.
“I’ve got something you can use that tongue on.” Mase grips himself over the terrycloth, always undeterred by my less-than-pleasant morning persona.
“Perv.” I screw my mouth to the side, not wanting to encourage him. Still, he chuckles and his dimples flash.
“What can I say?” The mattress dips as he kneels on one knee, reaching out to cup my nape, his fingers spearing into my hair. “You bring it out in me.”
I’m pulled into a kiss, the lingering taste of mint a blunt reminder of the morning breath I’m sure I’m sporting. The smirk he gives me when I push him away tells me he knows where my mind went.
Spotting his button-up from last night crumpled on the floor, I swing my legs over the side of the bed and pull it on, giving me a little bit of modesty as I hotfoot it to the bathroom.
After taking care of business and getting rid of the monster breath, I open the door to the bathroom, stepping out to see if Mase wants to pick up where we left off…
Except he’s not alone.
“Coach Knight,” I screech, my hand slapping against my chest in an effort to keep my heart from leaping out