Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
STEELE
SYDNEY:
Good game today, Harlow. Over a hundred rushing yards and a Renegades win. I’m impressed.
ME:
Oooh. Someone has been doing her research. That’s fucking hot. Say something else.
SYDNEY:
Sorry. My sister gave me that one. I’m still clueless, but I’m trying my best.
ME:
Well, I think you’re doing great. And thank you. We all played really well.
SYDNEY:
I miss you. Can you hurry home?
ME:
I’m trying. We’re on our way to the airport now. Plane lands at about 8:00.
SYDNEY:
Should I be naked in your bed at 8:01, then?
ME:
Actually, I have an even better idea. Meet me at Velvet. 9:30. Room 716 is all ours for the night.
What do you say, Mistress?
SYDNEY:
Can’t wait, baby boy.
I glance around, stifling a grin and shoving my phone into my pocket just as Theo plops into the seat beside me. “Ready to get back to Cleveland?”
I nod. “It’ll be nice to sleep in my own bed, for sure.”
“Mmm,” he hums. “Sucks sleeping in a hotel, huh? Alone?” I turn just enough to catalogue his expression, wondering if there’s a reason he worded it that way.
As far as all the guys on the team know, I’m single.
Technically, I am, but that’s only because Sydney and I haven’t put a label on what we are.
Sure enough, his expression is full of suspicion, eyes burning into me like I’m about to be interrogated.
I look around, thankful that none of the other guys seem to be interested in what’s going on over here, because by the way his gaze is now narrowed reproachingly, I’m sure he knows my bed hasn’t been as cold as I’ve let on.
I clear my throat, anxiety plucking at my nerves like guitar strings. “Yeah. Nothing like being surrounded by your own things. It’s…peaceful.” What? What the hell does that even mean? Who says that?
Sweat beads at the back of my neck, my eyes looking everywhere but at him while the most awkward silence builds between us.
It’s a battle of wills, him staring at me through slits as he waits for me to break, and me trying not to choke on the cotton balls in my throat while internally begging him to go sit somewhere else.
Just as I’m about to blurt out that I’ve let the owner’s daughter spank me—and that I fucking loved every goddamn second of it—he cuts me off with a question I really don’t want to answer.
“What’s going on with you and Syd?”
He says it quietly, nearly a whisper, but I’m immediately on high alert, whipping my head in every direction to make sure nobody heard him.
They’re all either talking or wearing headphones, not a single one of them giving a fuck what’s happening up here.
It placates me for a moment, but then I remember what he asked, and I don’t know if I should give him an answer or play dumb.
Would Syd want me to tell him that we’re seeing each other, or will it complicate an already delicate situation? The last thing I want is to say the wrong thing and upset her, especially when we’re still trying to figure things out.
“I don’t…I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply, deciding to play it safe. But he doesn’t buy it, raising a dubious brow as he calls me out.
“C’mon, Harlow. I saw the two of you in my kitchen.
I know something’s up, but is it serious, or are you just fucking around?
Because she’s pretty much like a little sister to everyone on this bus, and when the others find out, you’re going to need someone on your side.
I’m happy to be that guy, but I need your word that you won’t break her heart.
” His expression softens, his lips pressing into a flat line.
“Sydney may act hard—like she doesn’t need anything or anyone—but deep down, she just wants to be loved.
I’m not saying that’s what’s going on between the two of you, but if there’s any chance of it heading in that direction, you can’t hurt her. Promise me.”
I huff a quiet laugh, bringing my hand up to rub the back of my neck. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but there’s a better chance of her breaking my heart than me breaking hers. I’m here as long as she’ll have me.”
A wide grin blooms across his face, telling me that he’s satisfied with my response. None of it was a lie. I know tomorrow looks uncertain, but I’m crazy about Sydney, and I’m ready to see where this thing takes us.
“Alright, bro. That’s what I wanted to hear. I’m in your corner.” He looks around, surveying each of our teammates before turning back to me. “You’re gonna need it.”
Great.