one of my teammates?” Because I guarantee you, none of them are “hanging with their families” right now.
She shrugs again, but she obviously wants to say yes, and I debate whether to tell her the truth. I’ve never seen her with any of my roommates, so that makes me feel marginally better. I’d hate to have that kind of drama in my house.
Before I can say anything, she waves us off. “Go celebrate. Both of you.” She gives Gabby a look. “Have a beer for me. Enjoy your senior year.” Flinging her arms in the air, she yells, “Be wild and free!”
I laugh. This girl is crazy, but fun. I’m glad Gabby has such a cool roommate. Sienna is a thousand times nicer than Wednesday Addams.
And Sienna raises some good points. I have my whole life to be serious. What’s one night to relax a little? I know she’ll take good care of the baby.
Turning to Gabby, I grab her hand. Sure, I’d like to go to the party, but if she’s not in the mood, I’d be happy to hang out with her here. The party suddenly doesn’t have any appeal if she’s not going with me. “What do you say? Shall we hit up the football house? I promise to bring you home at a decent hour.”
Gabby smiles shyly, and my heart pounds. I haven’t seen this particular smile from her since she was a freshman and we would study together. I fucking love it. “Think I could meet you there in twenty? I’d like to change. Pretty sure I have baby food in my hair.”
“Whatever you want.” I motion behind her. “Would you mind if I check on Poppy real quick?”
Her eyes warm. “Of course. Come in.”
When I peek into her bedroom, I find my nugget curled up and sleeping like a little angel.
I love this kid. The realization hits me so fucking hard, I can barely breathe.
She came out of nowhere and kicks my ass in so many ways, but Gabby was right. Everything—all of the sacrifice and sleepless hours and exhaustion—will be worth it in the end. Poppy has wormed her way into my heart, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ignoring the tightness in my throat, I reach down and gently rub her back. Her perfect bow lips do this motion, like she’s sucking on a bottle. It’s adorable.
“I really like that machine,” I whisper to Gabby.
She ordered a sound machine that fills the room with ocean waves and the cry of gulls. I’m guessing that’s why Poppy didn’t wake up to the noise we made on the porch a minute ago.
When I turn, Gabby’s so close, I can’t help myself. I tug her into my arms and kiss her forehead. “Want me to come back and get you in fifteen?”
She blinks up at me, and I wonder if she knows how much I want her. “I’ll meet you there.”
I can’t fucking wait.
33
GABBY
After complaining about these parties for the last two-plus years, it’s strange to be heading to one. Were it not for Sienna, who plied me with a stiff drink, several coats of mascara, and red lipstick the shade of a fire hydrant, I’m not sure I would’ve gotten the courage to leave the house.
With my heart beating far too fast for something that’s supposed to be fun, I cross the street and trot over to Rider’s.
But Sienna’s right. Being afraid is no way to live.
I’m a take-charge girl in a lot of areas of my life. Work. School. Taking care of Poppy. Why not take a chance tonight and see how that feels?
Can I go after what I really want, even if it is a six-foot-four quarterback with sterling-silver eyes?
My pulse rate skyrockets when I think of the possibilities, when I consider not letting fear pen me in like it has so many times in the past.
Not bothering to knock, because they’ll never hear it over the music, I let myself in.
A wall of heat hits me from people crowding into the living room. The lights are dim, but not so dark that I can’t see. The furniture has been pushed to the side, and people dance to a pulsing beat.
In the far corner, I spot Rider, surrounded by several of the guys and a boatload of girls. The cynic in me waits for him to turn to one of those women and flirt—I’ve seen more than my fair share of Rider flirting with other girls over the years—but he seems