I didn’t miss the twitch of Nate’s lips when he rolled his eyes at me. “You’ll miss your friends, though.”
His words pulled me up short, dowsing the wings, making them soggy before they plummeted to the pit of my stomach. “I will.” Regret sat heavily. “It changes things a lot.” While I rationally understood the trade didn’t have to change anything about the offer I’d made Nate, there was something about the safety and familiarity of Nate being with me in Minnesota that made everything more feasible. Not having that, not having Sutton and Jayden literally at my back if I needed them, shouldn’t have impacted a single thing. But knowing I’d be in a new town, in a new team, with players I didn’t have bonds with, all while trying to keep my love for Nate on the down-low, all seemed too much.
“I know.”
Fuck, I hated this.
“Listen.” The sternness of Nate’s tone took me by surprise. “Let’s focus on how amazing this is, okay? That’s what matters.”
I wasn’t sure I fully agreed, but I nodded regardless.
“We knew you were leaving after a month. We expected it was going to be crap, but we can’t get buried in any of that. Seriously, it’s depressing.”
A snort escaped me. “True that.”
“You need to go spend the day with your gran and your niece. And let’s promise to figure something out.”
The soggy wings of hope made a valiant effort to shake themselves off. “You think we can? Figure something out, I mean?”
“I love you, so of course we will. Now, I need you to bugger off so I can get on with my day and not give in to the need to kiss you.”
Nate managed to draw a grin from me. While he’d always been a miracle worker at getting me to smile, the man I knew was a dead set happiness fiend or a magician or something.
“Love you too,” I said as I stood. Leaning into his space and absolutely playing with fire, I whispered, “Also, just to let you know, tonight we’re staying at your house.” I edged back and took in the heat in his eyes. “I think it’s about time you showed me what other skills you have with your cock.”
Red spread like wildfire on his face, and his jaw fell open.
“The earlier you finish your day, the quicker we can get started.” And like the bastard I was, I smirked, winked, turned away, and headed to the car. I just hoped the short drive back would give me time to encourage my raging hard-on to calm down.
CHAPTER19
NATE
Distractedby Ryan and how he’d left our conversation, I mixed up an order. Not just once, but three times. Dad, thank Christ, had come to the rescue. Not a surprise, since I’d returned from coffee dazed.
On top of the order mess, I’d fumbled when shifting some chook food, my brain absolutely focused on thoughts of Ryan riding me. Clearing up the five burst bags was my punishment. Meanwhile, Dad looked on, bemused. He attempted to engage me in conversation, but I’d blundered and stuttered before dashing off like a bloody teenager.
Having hidden in my office for the past fifteen minutes, I looked up when I heard a tap on the doorframe. Standing in the doorway was Dad, still wearing a look of bewilderment. “Hi,” I greeted, already feeling heat creep into my cheeks. I needed to get a grip.
“You doing okay in here?”
“Yep.”
“Not ordered five hundred kilos of pasture boost rather than fifty?” Dad teased.
“Not yet.” I flashed him a slightly mortified smile. “But give me another half an hour, and it could happen.”
Amusement filled Dad’s features. “Good to know. And probably a good job I’ve asked your mum to come in and cover for you.”
Feeling guilty, I winced. “You shouldn’t. I’m fine. You guys have already covered so much for me.”
“Nonsense. You’re distracted, and I understand why.” I held back my snort at that, confident Dad didn’t know the thought of Ryan riding me had hounded me all day. “With Ryan leaving soon, it makes sense you’d prefer to be with him than here.” Concern marred his previously amused face, while my stomach clenched.
The last thing I wanted to think about was next week, or how Ryan’s bold, brave wishes and plan yesterday had been ripped away just when I was giving it some serious thought.
Aware I still hadn’t spoken, I gave a half-hearted smile, not quite sure I could form words.
“Listen, Nate, I just want to remind you that me and your mum are here for you, okay?”
