I nod because that sounds like a good plan.
When he jumps in the shower, I flop back in bed with a huge grin on my face. Nothing about my relationship with Billy is what I expected. He’s so caring. So sweet. So thoughtful.
Taking a deep breath, I starfish in bed.I love him somu—
I freeze.
My eyes widen as my heart beats erratically in my chest.
Swallowing hard, I shake my head.
No, I don’t love Billy likethat. I couldn’t. Even if I was capable of that sentiment, it’s too soon.
After I think it over, I realize I love him like a friend. My best friend. Pregnancy hormones are just making me more emotional than I usually am. I’m simply excited that everything is going smoothly. That we’re getting along. That we have such great chemistry. That we have so much fun together.
Because it would be stupid to fall in love with someone who once swore to be a lifelong bachelor.
29
ROXY
Saliva poolsin the back of my throat, and I convulsively swallow.Ugh, girl, don’t throw up now.
A palm slides over my thigh, and Billy’s gruff voice whispers in my ear. “Everything will be fine. Don’t let him get to you.”
I muster a smile for Billy, who’s sitting next to me at the bar, and a wave of those butterflies hits me again. It’s crazy that I’m debating whether or not it’s possible to fall in love with him while desperately trying not to hurl. “Thanks, boo.”
He gives me that sexy, crooked smile and squeezes my thigh. Having him here helps.
When I shift in my chair, the little sting reminds me of all the dirty things he did to me last night. The man has some moves.
And yes, a huge member.
If I walk bowlegged today, there’s a reason.
“Roxy!”
We turn to see Abigail trotting toward us, waving, while dragging Ezra behind her. He looks thrilled to be here.Back at ya, asshole.
“Hey. How’s it going?” I hop off the chair to hug her, but when I let go, Ezra holds open his arms.As fucking if.Ignoringhim, I motion to my date and turn toward Abigail again. “This is my boyfriend, Billy.” God, I love how that sounds. Even if this won’t last forever, I’m grateful to have him now.
“Nice to meet you, Abigail.” Then he gives Ezra a chin lift. “How’s it going?”
“Oh, you know. Shit’s kinda busy right now, what with every team in the NFL blowing up my phone.”
God, Ezra’s such a prick. What the hell did I see in him? Yes, he’s attractive, but every time he opens his mouth, I want to punch him in the face.
Abigail squeezes his arm. “Language, babe.”
He rolls his eyes and looks away as though he’s bored.
I really don’t understand why they’re together when he seems to resent her, but maybe he’s just pissed he had to come tonight.
She either doesn’t sense his mood or ignores it and grabs his hand. “I’m so proud of E! Did you know that only fifteen quarterbacks got invited to the scouting combine this year? And E’s only a junior, but he got an invitation. Isn’t that cool?”
“It’s great, Abigail,” I say sincerely. I might hate the guy, but he is an outstanding quarterback, thanks in large part to my father, who spent so much time with him refining his skills and shuffling around the team until the offense worked for his QB.
She hops up and down on her toes. “I’m so anxious. I can’t believe the combine is less than two weeks away. I might get a stomach ulcer before it’s over.”
