I run my finger up and down his chiseled forearm that’s wrapped around me. “How do you think he’s going to take it?” I’m shocked my mom hasn’t let our news slip, but Sebastian has been gearing up for law school, so he’s been preoccupied.
“Hopefully he won’t punch me in the face,” Olly jokes.
I don’t share his good humor. If Sebastian goes Neanderthal, I’m going to be pissed. My brother had better be supportive. I can’t think of a reason why he wouldn’t be. He loves Olly, so he should be happy for us. Sure, this happened fast, and in a perfect world, Olly and I would be done with school before we had kids. I’ll take what I can get, though. I know a good thing when I spot it, and Michael is the best man I know.
“I feel like this is the quiet before the storm,” I whisper. “School and practice and football are about to hit us full force. I’m really glad you’re staying here. Worst-case scenario, I’ll see you at night.” Keeping a room at the football house but sleeping in my bedroom is fine with me.
He kisses the top of my head. “I’ve been thinking about explaining our situation to Santos.”
That’s a terrible idea. “But you haven’t played in a game yet. He hasn’t seen what you can do on the field.”
“I’ve done everything but take a tackle. I’m running full speed, cutting, catching—the works. He’s seen plenty. Hopefully he’ll give me the go-ahead to play in our first game in two weeks. Besides, I don’t like the idea of hiding you. You’re not my dirty secret.”
Rolling over so I face him, I grab his handsome face. “I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize your season. Be it with your parents or coaches or teammates. You and I happened by accident, and I know you’ve worked your whole life for this kind of opportunity. It would devastate me if I did something that undermined all that hard work.”
He rubs his nose against mine. “Maybe we weren’t an accident. Maybe this is fate.”
“My mother would say it’s Jesus.”
“God, Jesus, fate, the universe—whatever is responsible for bringing us together, I’m grateful.”
“I am too. And in case I haven’t told you, I’m really proud of you. Not many people could rehab the way you did after that kind of injury.”
“Thanks, Mags.” The smile he gives me takes my breath away. “You’re pretty amazing yourself.”
I take his hand and place it on my stomach. “The boys like the sound of your voice. They’re usually asleep right now.”
As I nestle in his arms, I start to believe we actually might be able to survive this year in one piece.
46
OLLY
Holy shit, these textbooks are expensive. Even the used ones are ridiculously priced. I try not to freak about the money because Maggie is already stressed out. She hasn’t said anything, but she’s been biting her bottom lip all afternoon as we shop at the student union. I’m surprised it’s not bloody.
We were supposed to meet up with Sebastian today, but something came up and he had to reschedule. I hate putting it off. I already sat down with Billy and Cam and told them about the pregnancy so they could keep an eye on Maggie for me if I’m not around. Maggie and I decided to tell people on a need-to-know basis and keep things low-key, mostly so we don’t stir up any drama, which I appreciate. When our quarterback found out he had a daughter the year before last, the whole town freaked out. I’m not the star of the team or anything, just a running back, but around here, anything football-related is fodder for gossip.
And I’m reminded how much I hate drama every time I step outside of Maggie’s house and see Amelia’s car parked in our driveway.
“I’ll see you at home?” Maggie asks, leaning up to give me a kiss.
I like how that sounds. Home. “Just need to stop by the football house to grab a few things.” I might also be stopping by Rise ’N’ Grind for a giant coffee, but since Maggie can’t drink anything fully loaded, I don’t want to rub it in her face.
I’m standing in line for my caffeine fix when someone calls my name.
“Olly, hey!” Vanessa charges up to me and wraps her arms around my neck.
“Vanessa. Hi.” I’m next in line, so I use that as an opportunity to peel her off me.
I put in my order and shove my hands in my jeans pockets while I wait. Until I started dating Maggie, I never really thought much about how often women touch me. But suddenly I’m aware I wouldn’t want my girlfriend’s exes to casually drape themselves all over her, so I won’t let my exes do that either. Even though Vanessa barely qualifies as an ex.
After she gets rung up, Vanessa turns to me. “Congrats on this summer. My dad says training camp went well for you.”
I let out a breath. If she just wants to shoot the shit about football, that’s cool. We talk for a few minutes until my to-go cup of coffee is served.
“Listen,” she says as I’m about to head out. “I have a favor to ask. I’m doing an article on the football team for the Bronco Times, and I wanted to talk about your recovery and what that entailed. Would you have a few minutes to chat?”
I rub the back of my neck. “I really don’t want to get ahead of myself. I’m not cleared to take tackles yet.”
