Chapter 31
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
BLAKE
“You do realize it’s weird that you sneak into the house every morning, right?”
I jump in surprise, the door slamming behind me and making me wince. “Fucking hell, Daniel.”
Turning around, I find my son leaning against the kitchen doorway, a cup of coffee in his hand. He watches me silently, making me feel like I’m the teenager here and not him.
Talk about turning the tables.
I run my hand through my hair. “I’m not sneaking in.” The lie slips from my lips easily, which only makes him arch his brow. “I… I went out for a run.”
“Yeah,” he deadpans, rolling his eyes. “Because you have a tendency to go out running in last night’s clothes”—his gaze lowers, taking me in—“and flip-flops.”
Shit.
I guess he had me there.
“Seriously, it’s a legit question. It’s not like we don’t know you and Savannah are together.” He stops for a moment, his eyes narrowing at me. “You were with Savannah, right?”
My mouth falls open at his question.
“What—” I shake my head. “Of course I was with Savannah! Who else would I be with?”
“Don’t ask me.” He shrugs. “I just don’t get why you’re sneaking around then.”
Great, and now I was being reprimanded by my sixteen-year-old. It’s too fucking early for this.
“I need coffee,” I mutter, going straight for the machine and pouring myself a large mug before taking a long sip.
“Is it because of us?”Daniel asks, finally breaking the quiet. “Because of me? I apologized?—”
“No,” I say quickly before he can finish. “Not in the way you think, at least.” Sighing, I lean against the counter. “Savannah doesn’t want to make you boys uncomfortable by sleeping over.”
Daniel frowns. “What’s the difference? It’s not like we don’t know about you guys.”
“True, but the difference is that this is your home, and we both are trying to respect that. It’s one thing to know that Savannah and I are dating and a completely different thing to have her sleep over.”
Just because I was all in didn’t mean everybody else was on the same page. I wanted Savannah, more than that, I was in love with her.
Did I hate the fact that I couldn’t have her in my bed? Fuck, yes. I wanted to have her in my arms and not have to worry about setting an alarm so I could sneak into my own house before the boys woke up, or God forbid, what would happen if one of them was looking for me or needed my help, and I wasn’t there. It was tiring as hell, but she was right. Levi and Daniel both deserved time to process this on their own terms. They deserved to get to know her and figure out what they wanted out of all of this.
“These last few months… They’ve been challenging for everybody, and we’re all just trying to do our best. Trying to figure out how this is going to work, and that also includes you boys. Okay?”
“Yeah, I guess.” Daniel nods, but the line between his brows grows deeper.
I decided to let it go and change the subject. “What are you doing up anyway?”
It wasn’t even five in the morning yet, and he didn’t have to go to school for a few more hours.
Daniel shrugs his shoulders. “I have a project due today.”
My brows shoot up. I don’t know what was happening with Daniel suddenly, but he was taking school way more seriously than he ever did before. Not that you’ll hear me complain about it. The end of the semester was coming quickly, and for once, he wasn’t failing, and I didn’t have to yell at him constantly that he should be studying.
“That’s good.”
“I don’t know. We’ll see what my teacher says.”
“You need help?”
“Nah.” Daniel shakes his head. “I’m good.”
“Okay, but if you need anything, I’m here.”
“Thanks.” Daniel starts toward the door. “I think I’ll go up and check if everything’s okay.”
“Sure thing. And Daniel?” He stops in the doorway and looks over his shoulder at me. “I’m proud of you.”
Surprise flashes on his face, making me realize it’s been way too long since I’ve said those words to him.
“I mean it. I know this last year has been rough for you, between the divorce, moving here, Savannah, and the baby…” I shake my head. “Don’t think I don’t see that you’re trying because I do, and I really appreciate it.”
Daniel tilts his head, his expression distant. “You like her. Savannah, I mean.”
It wasn’t a question, but I still answered him honestly. It’s the least he deserved.
“I do. I like her a lot.”
Another nod.
He starts to turn around. I expect him to leave, but he holds back for a heartbeat longer.
“Maybe you should ask her to stay.”
SAVANNAH
“You can do this! Go, Bears!” I yell loudly as the kids get into positions.
Between the huge ass helmets on their heads and the shoulder pads tucked under their purple jerseys, they seem even smaller than usual. If I weren’t nervous, I’d find it adorable. As it was, I was happy I didn’t pass out.
Just then, Munchkin kicks against my bladder. Again.
Cursing under my breath, I glance at the clock. The second half barely started, which should leave me more than enough time to get to the bathroom and back.
Pushing to my feet, I hurry to do exactly that, but when I open the door, I find Rose O’Neil standing inside, a phone to her ear.
“John, where are you?” Her back is to me, her fingers gripping the phone tightly as she listens to whatever he’s saying. “You promised! You promised him that you would come.”
“This is more important, Rose!” John’s muffled voice comes through the speakers.
“I’d imagine keeping a promise to your son would be more important.”
“I don’t have time for this bullshit, Rose. We’ll talk about this later.”
“Of course,” Rose mutters to herself, letting her hand drop as she pinches the bridge of her nose. “Everything is always more important than your family.”
I start to pull back to give her a moment, but the door slips from my fingers and closes with a bang that has her turning around.
“Sorry.” I wince. “I didn’t want to interrupt you.”
“No worries.” She slides her phone into her bag and tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “I should get back out there anyway.”
With a forced smile, she leaves. I watch after her for a moment longer before shaking my head and slipping into the stall. I do my business and wash my hands, hurrying back outside.
My gaze goes to the clock as the kids line up, and I take my seat. It was the final minute, and the opposing team was at four and twenty. If the Bears wanted a chance to win, they needed to intercept this play before the clock ran out or their opponents scored, which would put them in the lead.
I wanted them to win so badly.
For the kids.
For Blake.
All of them have been working so hard since the beginning of the season and have come a long way.
My gaze darts to the sidelines where Blake is standing. His shoulders are relaxed, the bill of his ball cap throwing shadows over his face, his clipboard tucked under his arm as he stares at the field, seemingly completely at ease.
The whistle blows, and the kids get into action as the clock ticks down. My teeth sink into my lower lip as the ball flies through the air, and one of the receivers catches it.
He tries to go for the end zone, but one of our boys gets in front of him.
And not any boy.
Number 93 is written in big, gold letters on his back.
Blake’s old jersey number, the one Levi insisted on wearing because he wanted to be like his father.
They shuffle, going left and right as the receiver tries to pass him, but Levi’s faster, his hand tugging the flag from his waist and lifting it in the air in victory.
The bleachers erupt into cheers, and the team rushes toward Levi. Kyle is the first one to get to him, pulling him into a big hug before the rest of the team joins them in celebration.
A smile spreads over my lips. I push to my feet, my palm resting on my stomach. It was mid-November, and these days I could swear that my stomach was getting bigger by the day, but Munchkin seemed to be doing well, and on our last checkup, the doctor assured me everything was okay and on track, which is the only thing that was important.
Blake nods at something the other coach says, shaking his hand before he turns around, and his eyes land on mine.
My teeth sink into my lower lip as that heated gaze takes me in, stopping on my mouth as I let my lip pop. The corner of my mouth lifts. “Congrats, Coach.”
A low rumble comes from deep in his chest. His fingers intertwine with mine, and he pulls me to him, his lips brushing against my forehead as he whispers into my ear, “How fucked up is it that I want to hear you call me that when it’s just the two of us, Miss Parker ?”
His deep voice sends a shiver running down my spine.
Damn this man and the effect he has on me.
But I couldn’t resist it.
Couldn’t resist him.
“I don’t know… I guess we can discuss this later, Coach. ”
Heat flashes in those stormy eyes, his fingers tightening around mine. For a second, I wonder if he’ll say fuck it all and drag me away, but before Blake can do or say anything, a little body slams into my legs. “Sav!”
Blake’s hands land on my forearms, steadying me. “Easy there, bud.”
“Sorry, but I’m just so excited. We won!”
Levi pulls back and flashes me a bright smile. He took off his helmet, his sweaty hair curling at the ends and a mud stain on his cheek. I lift my hand and swipe at it, chuckling softly. “You guys played so well.”
“Right?” He bounces on the balls of his feet excitedly. “Did you see how quickly I got his flag? One second, he was standing there, and the next, I had it, and we won.”
“I saw that; you were amazing.” I lift my hand, and he gives me a high-five before turning to his dad. “I played good, right, Dad? As good as you?”
Blake ruffles his hair and leans down, extending his curled fingers for a fist bump. “You played way better than I ever did.”
Levi’s whole face lights up like a Christmas tree. “Really?”
Movement over Levi’s shoulder draws my attention. Kyle is standing there scanning the crowd, holding his helmet. His gaze lands on Levi and Blake, and there is no missing the sadness in his eyes as he watches them. It was an expression I was familiar with. Rose comes behind him, her arm resting on his shoulder. He looks up, a smile spreads over his face, but it dims slightly as Rose signs to him; probably telling him that his father didn’t make it.
Small fingers wrap around my free hand and give it a tug. “Do we get cookies?”
“What kind of question is that? Of course there are cookies. Help me give them to your teammates?”
“Yes!”
Levi starts pulling me toward the bleachers when somebody calls Blake’s name. I look over my shoulder, but he waves me away, promising he’ll join us soon.
I grab the containers, handing one to Levi, who immediately grabs the cookie and pops it into his mouth. “So good!” he mumbles around the mouthful, and I can’t help but chuckle. “I’m going to take these to my friends.”
Straightening, I watch him run off when a flash of gold behind him catches my attention. My brows pull together as I look toward the exit, just in time to see the retreating back of a person—a woman—before a couple leaves the field. My heart is beating wildly inside my chest as I stare at them, but once they turn left the other person is gone.
It’s impossible.
I press my shaky hand against my stomach, still staring at that empty exit when a low snarl makes my shoulders tense.
“This is completely inappropriate! She’s his son’s teacher.”
I didn’t have to turn around to know who said that. I would recognize that voice anywhere.
Lucy Donovan.
Then again, should I even be surprised? I knew it was just a matter of time before somebody brought it up. This was a small town filled with conservative people, most of whom went to church every Sunday, and they still frowned at women having children out of wedlock. I was surprised I didn’t get more nasty comments up until now. Or maybe I was just too stuck in my own world to notice.
The bile rises in my throat, my palms turning sweaty.
“How did anybody allow this? It?—”
“Allow what?” A loud snort snaps me out of my thoughts. “I didn’t see the same energy when y’all threw yourself at him earlier today. Or do you think it’s more appropriate for Coach to date the mother of one of his players?”
Mrs. Miller stops next to me, her bony hand wrapping around the handle of her walking stick, and for a second, I wonder if she’ll do something with it.
Lucy must think the same thing because her gaze glances toward the stick, frowning before she shifts her attention to Mrs. Miller. “That’s not the same thing.”
Mrs. Miller arches her brow. “No? Because it looks pretty much the same from where I’m standing.”
Lucy’s mouth opens and closes and opens again, but no words come out. Somebody chuckles. Lucy snarls, her cheeks are bright red in embarrassment, but she flips her hair back and lifts her chin. “It’s not the same. I was just trying to give him a proper southern welcome, that’s all. Coach just moved to Bluebonnet recently, after all.”
Mrs. Miller pointedly looks at Lucy’s cleavage. “Yeah, I can see just how nice and inviting y’all can be.”
Her snarky comment has me pressing my lips together to stop a snort from coming out, something Lucy doesn’t miss. But before she can say anything, a hand sneaks to the small of my back. “Ladies.”
My body relaxes into Blake’s touch, at least, until Lucy notices it and glares at Blake’s hand on me.
“Coach, good game.” Mrs. Miller smiles at him.
“Thank you, it was all the kids.” Blake’s silvery eyes meet mine. “Ready to go home?”
Lucy scoffs, but before she can say anything, Mrs. Miller pats Blake on the arm. “Yes, you guys should do that. Savannah should get some rest.”
Blake’s head whips in my direction, his palm sliding to my bump. “Is everything okay? Is the baby?—”
“The baby is fine,” I reassure him, placing my hand over his.
“And you? How are you feeling?” Blake lifts one hand, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You look a little pale. Maybe?—”
“I’m fine. Really.” I give his hand a squeeze. “Let’s just go home.”
Blake watches me for a second longer before nodding. He takes my hand into his, and we say goodbye to Mrs. Miller as we walk away. I swear I can still feel Lucy’s glare fixed on my back.
Blake keeps giving me curious glances as we grab our stuff. Levi joins us, and we make our way to the parking lot and Blake’s truck.
“Do you wanna stay for dinner?” Blake asks once we get to his house.
I open my mouth; however, Levi is faster. “Yes, you should stay. Please, Sav?” he begs, clasping his palms together.
Knowing there is no point in fighting, I don’t even try. Levi goes to take a shower, and I join Blake in the kitchen, where he starts working on dinner. Washing my hands, I start working on the salad. At some point, the boys come too. They set the table while we finish the meal, and we all sit together to eat. Levi chats about the game, and even Daniel talks about his day, and the school project he was working on.
“I didn’t realize you were such a good cook.” I place the plates into the sink once we’re done with dinner, pushing up my sleeves. It only seemed fair to clean up since Blake was the one who did most of the cooking.
“There are a lot of things you have yet to learn about me, Blondie,” Blake whispers, his arms wrapping around my waist from behind as his lips brush against the side of my neck. “Besides, I like feeding you.”
My eyes fall shut as warmth spreads through me, my whole body relaxing against Blake’s strong chest. He sways us from side to side in a slow dance.
“I should go home. It’s getting late.”
Blake’s arms tighten around me. “Or you could stay.”
“Blake…” Sighing, I turn around in his arms.
He gives me a pointed look. “Daniel caught me sneaking into my own house this morning, and I got scolded by my teenager.”
My mouth falls open. “What?!”
He couldn’t be serious.
But based on his expression, he was.
“And he was right.”
“A-about what?”
Those calloused fingers cup my cheeks, his forehead pressing against mine. “The boys know about us. We’re having a baby together. There is no reason for me to wake up in the middle of the night and sneak into my own home.” He watches me for a moment as I process his words. “It’s just sleeping, Blondie. I’m not asking you to move in.” My eyes widen. “Yet.” He slides his thumb over my lower lip. “We’ll have to talk about it soon, though. You know that. But for tonight, I want to share a bed with you. Stay with us, Savannah.”
The determination written on his face knocks all the air out of my lungs as Blake stares at me.
“I want you to stay. Sleep in my bed. Let me wake up with you in my arms. Stay. ”
“I…”
How many times did I wish for that exact thing? For somebody to just stay and choose me. Too many to count. But nobody ever did. That’s why I closed myself off. If I didn’t expect people to stay, then I couldn’t be hurt. But Blake wasn’t like them. No. He was putting himself on the line for me. And over the course of the last few months, little by little, he was sneaking under my skin, he wasn’t just lowering my walls, he was shattering through them, and I couldn’t stop it. Even scarier, though, I didn’t want to stop it.
“Okay.” I nod. “I’ll stay.”
A smile slowly spreads over his lips. “Yeah?”
“Yes. I’ll stay.”