Chapter 14

Delaney

“Everything he needs should be packed. I have extra of everything just in case,” Logan informs me while putting Benny’s bags in the trunk of my car. He closes it and moves to the back seat. “I installed a brand new car seat. I thought since you’re watching Benny, you should probably have one of your own. It’s a lot easier than taking mine out of my car and switching it back all the time.” His face falls as he runs a hand through his hair. “Shit. I didn’t even ask you if you were okay with that. I’m sorry. If I’m overstepping, please let me know. I can take it back. You can use mine.”

“Logan.” I laugh, making him pause in his rambling. “Breathe.”

He lets out a breath. “Sorry.” He chuckles. “I just feel bad, you know? You’ve been amazing, watching Benny whenever I need it. It’s only been the first week of classes, and I already feel drained,” he sighs. “But I need to just push through for this game.”

“You’ve got this. You guys are going to kick ass, I know it. As for helping out, I love spending time with this little guy.” I smile down at Benny’s bubbly little face. He has a handful of my hair and hasn’t let go for a good ten minutes now.

“He loves you.” Logan smiles at his son. “I’m starting to think he likes you better than me.”

“Oh, stop it. You're his daddy, no one can take your place. You're by far his favorite person. Isn’t that right, Benny boo.”

Benny squeals and holds his hands out for his daddy. Logan laughs and takes him from me. “Well, you're my favorite.” Logan peppers kisses all over Benny’s face, making him giggle loudly. “I’m gonna miss you.”

I smile and roll my eyes. “It’s only a few hours drive. We will meet you at the hotel.”

“And you seem to forget the fact that she’s not going alone,” Elijah interjects, joining us.

My eyes go to his, and I can’t help the spike of heat that flutters in my belly. Damn it, I’ve been so good with that. With him being so busy, I’ve hardly seen him.

Now that I’m next to him, looking at him, I can’t help but remember the dirty words he whispered in my ear.

He gives me a small smirk as if he knows what I’m thinking. I turn away and let Logan buckle Benny into the car seat as I toss my own overnight bag into the trunk.

“Thanks,” Elijah says when I make room for his bag.

“No problem.” I give him a quick smile before closing the trunk.

“Laney, wait,” he says, grabbing my arm and stopping me from heading to the driver’s side. “I wanted to apologize.”

“For what?” I ask.

“I shouldn’t have said what I did at the wedding. It wasn’t fair of me, not after what we agreed to. I don’t know what came over me.” He blushes, rubbing the back of his head.

“So, it was just words?”

“Huh?” He frowns.

“What you said? You didn’t mean it?”

“Oh no,” he laughs, surprised. “I meant it.” He blushes harder. “But I shouldn’t have said it. Anyway, I don’t want things to be weird between us. I really do like you as a person, Laney, and I’d love it if we could be friends. I know Winter is on my ass to make things better so we can all hang out, and I’ve been meaning to say something for a while now. I’ve just been so busy with life and school, and... yeah.” He lets out a deflated sigh.

“It’s fine.” I smile, this time for real. “Water under the bridge.”

“Really?” His face brightens.

“Yup.” I nod. “Let’s have a fun weekend. Watch some football, kick some ass.”

“Yeah,” he chuckles.

Logan leaves to meet his team at the school, and Elijah and I take off before them.

“I think he’s asleep.” Elijah chuckles, looking over his shoulder at Benny.

“I guess that’s a good thing. Might help the drive. I don’t know if he likes the car or not.”

“Oh, he loves car rides.” Elijah smiles over at me. “When he’s too fussy, and Logan looks like he’s at his wit’s end, I take him for a drive. He loves it when I sing whatever’s on the radio, but he’s normally out pretty quick.”

“That’s nice of you.”

“What is?”

I look over at him for a moment. “Helping out with Benny. You’re a good brother.”

“I don’t mind. I love both of them. My brother is a good person, hard worker, and an amazing dad. He’s just had shitty luck. But Benny is worth it all, Logan tells me all the time. He might not have asked to be a young dad, but he wouldn’t change it for the world. But the fact is, he’s still in college, trying to get his degree, and fighting for a chance to be in the NFL. Sometimes, we all just need a little help. And Benny is a good baby. I just feel bad I’ve been too busy to help out much.”

“Don’t be. Logan feels bad asking you and Owen for help, but I can tell you both don’t mind. You have a life, you’re allowed to live it. Me, however, I don’t have one.” I laugh. “So I have all the time in the world.”

“You really are an amazing girl, Laney,” Elijah says softly.

“Thanks.” I try not to blush, feeling his eyes on me.

“No, really. This is all new to you. New house, new family, new school. And here you are, helping watch your stepbrother’s baby. You don’t owe him anything, yet you’re giving him a lot more than you realize.”

I chew on my lip, not knowing what else to say.

He turns on the music, and we fall into a comfortable silence.

Benny ends up sleeping for the first hour of the drive, and then he’s awake for the rest. Elijah moves into the back seat to keep him entertained. Of course as soon as we pull into the hotel parking lot, he’s fallen back to sleep. Doesn’t even wake up when I take him out of his car seat.

We beat the team, checking into our hotel room. “Ahhh, I don’t think this is right,” I state, pausing to stand in the middle of our room.

“What's wrong?” Elijah walks in and looks around, brows furrowed. “Where's the other bed?”

“There isn’t one.” I stare at the single king-sized bed.

“Let me go down and see if we can switch rooms,” he offers. I nod, and he leaves me here with Benny, who’s still snoozing on my shoulder. I sit with him on the edge of the bed, rubbing his back as I look around the room, passing the time.

He comes back about five minutes later.

“So, bad news,” he says with a sheepish look. “There are no other rooms that are big enough to fit the crib for Benny. The front desk said that any of the others with more than one bed are too small.”

“So, how do we all sleep in the same room?” I ask.

“I was going to book another room with two beds so that maybe you and I could share a room, or even me and Logan and you and Benny have this one, but there’s none left. Between the team and other guests, it’s booked up.”

“Shit.” I stand and look over at the bed. Does this mean not only do I have to share a bed with Logan, I have to share one with Elijah too?

“I can sleep on the floor or the chair,” he suggests.

“No, that's crazy. Hotel floors are gross no matter how fancy they are, and this is not a high-end hotel.”

“I can call around, see if any of the other hotels in the area are free.” He grabs his phone, but I reach out and put it down.

“It’s fine, it’s only for a night. I think we will survive.” I give him a smile. I can. Right? It’s only one weekend. In the same bed. With two guys I’ve slept with. Who happen to be my stepbrothers.

“Yeah.” He nods, eyes holding mine. “The bed should be big enough for the three of us.”

“Perfect.” I give him my best fake smile and take Benny over to the crib that was already set up for us.

After we get settled in, I take a seat in the chair, and Elijah lounges on the bed. We talk about classes, and I make sure to skip over anything regarding World History.

About a half hour later, Elijah gets a text. He reads it, then looks over at me. “He’s just pulling in now. I can head down and meet him.”

“Do you mind if I go with? I want to grab something to eat and drink,” I ask, needing to get out of this room for a bit and breathe.

“Yeah, for sure.” He nods, standing up before scooping up Benny off his lap and standing.

“I can take him.” I get up, and he hands me the baby. Benny’s been awake for a little while now. Elijah’s been sitting with him and keeping him entertained. He really is such a good baby.

When we get to the lobby, it’s filled with football players, their luggage, and equipment bags.

Their loud chatter and laughter fill the air. I look around, trying to find Logan. He’s standing off to the side, talking to Justin.

“There’s Daddy,” I tell Benny, kissing his little cheek.

As we head over towards him, Logan spots us and smiles. “You made it.”

“As if you weren't texting me the whole time.” Elijah laughs.

“I’m not even sorry.” Logan chuckles, taking Benny from me.

I stand back, the smile staying glued to my face, as I watch the two of them together. Here’s this big football player with this tiny little baby in his arms. The way his whole face lights up whenever he’s around Benny makes it really hard not to be attracted to him. It’s next to impossible.

“Ah, guys,” Justin interrupts. “If we don’t want baby mama drama, I think we gotta get out of here now. The cheerleaders just pulled up.”

“Fuck,” Logan mutters.

“Wait, Stacy is here?” I ask, my gut sinking. Lovely. Just what I needed. Some crazy bitch in my face. She’s already accused me of trying to play mommy to Benny. What’s she going to think when she finds out I’ve been watching her son when Logan needs me to. And I’m here, sleeping in the same room as both of them. Nothing good can come from this, that much I know.

“I’m sorry.” Logan gives me a guilty look. “I should have told you. But I thought if you knew, you might not want to come. I really did want Benny here with me this weekend. I know if I left him at home, she would have accused me of making football more important than extra time with my son. And I know Elijah could have watched Benny for me, but I... I really wanted you here for my first game.”

Surprise flutters through me. “You did?”

He shrugs. “We’re friends, and it’s nice to see people in the stands cheering you on.”

I bite my cheek, keeping myself from smiling. “You better win because here’s a fun fact. I hate football, meaning I only came because of you.”

There's a moment where he holds my gaze, heat filling his eyes, and then I realize what I said. Dear god, this man.

“I’m offended. But that's okay. By the end of this season, I’ll make a Princes’ fan out of you.” He grins.

Princes, the collective team name for all of the school sports. It’s fitting because each of the Cross boys give off their own unique royalty energy.

“Challenge accepted.” I grin.

“Really, guys, they’re coming in,” Justin warns.

“Shit.” Logan grabs my hand and pulls me through the crowd, Elijah and Justin following close behind.

We make it to the elevator just in time before a flood of cheerleaders swarm the hotel lobby.

“It’s a good thing you’ve already checked in. Gets us out of that hot mess. I pity the coaches.” Logan chuckles.

Elijah and I give each other a look, wondering how he’s going to react.

When we get to our floor, we lead him to our room. “Sooo, there’s a little bit of a problem,” I begin as we step inside.

He goes first, and a second later, he turns and frowns. “Where's the other bed?”

“And that's the problem,” Elijah finishes. “There isn’t one. And before you ask, I’ve already checked to see if we could switch rooms. It’s a no-go. None of them can fit a crib.”

“So, what?” Logan looks between the two of us. “We’re all sleeping in one bed?”

“Looks like it.” I give him a half smile.

“Shit.” Justin laughs. “This is too good.”

“Fuck you.” Logan points at his best friend, giving him a warning look.

Justin holds up his hands. “Hey, I have an easy fix to the problem,” he says.

“And what's that?” Logan glares at his best friend.

“I’m not rooming with anyone.” Justin’s grin widens. “I got a king-size bed all to myself. More than enough room for you, Laney girl.”

“Absolutely not,” Logan snarls. “Not fucking happening.”

“Why not? You can sleep in the same bed as her, but I can’t?” His friend pouts. I know he’s just doing this to fuck with Logan, to get a rise out of him, and it’s working. It’s honestly pretty funny to watch him get so worked up. I shouldn’t like the fact that Logan is jealous, but I do.

“If you want to use your dick tomorrow night after our win, I suggest you shut the fuck up right now,” Logan growls.

“Relax.” Justin grins, rolling his eyes. He shoots me a look. “I love getting him going. It’s so damn easy.”

I bite my lips together, trying to keep myself from laughing. I like Justin. He’s fun.

“Go get checked into your room,” Logan grumbles, pushing his friend out the door.

“But my fair princess, she’s in there. You can’t keep me from her forever!” he shouts before the door has a chance to fully close behind them. A giggle slips free, and I shake my head.

“He’s crazy,” I tell Elijah.

“He is. But he’s a good friend to Logan. One of the few who’ve stuck around after Benny came into the picture. Most guys don’t want a friend with a baby weighing them down. All they want to do is party, play football, and have sex.” Elijah shrugs. “That’s not who Logan is anymore. Everything comes second to Benny.”

My heart warms. “And that’s how it should be. I don’t think he should forget about who he is and what he wants in life, but I agree, Benny comes first.”

Elijah looks at me for a long time, making me squirm.

“Sorry about him,” Logan mutters as he comes back into the room, breaking whatever was going on between his brother and me. “He’s such a dick.”

“I don’t know.” I turn to face him. “I kind of like him. He’s funny, charming, and have you seen that hair?”

Logan glares at me, his jaw ticking. Okay, this is kind of fun.

“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” Elijah asks.

From what Logan already told me, we’ll spend the night here tonight, wake up, eat, and then Logan will be with his team for the day, getting ready for the game tomorrow night. With the game ending late and a four-hour drive home, it made sense to stay another night and drive back Sunday morning because Logan didn’t want to drive that late with Benny.

“I’m starving,” Logan declares. “I say we go grab Benny’s stroller and take a walk to see what there's to eat around here?”

“I’m good with that,” I agree.

“There’s a restaurant just downstairs,” Elijah suggests.

“Yes, and this hotel is packed already. Also, anytime I can avoid my crazy baby mama, the better,” Logan drawls.

Yeah, I can’t argue with him on that one.

We end up finding a steakhouse about a fifteen-minute walk away, and I have one of the best steak dinners of my life.

“That was so good,” I groan as we walk back to the hotel. The sun is starting to set, and even though it’s only seven at night, I’m ready for bed.

“It was. I think I ate too much,” Elijah grumbles.

“I’m still hungry. You think McDonald would deliver?” Logan asks.

I turn a gaping face towards him. “Dude, you just had two steaks the size of your head, a plate of mashed potatoes, and fries .”

“And your point?” he asks, cocking a brow. “You think that's enough? Babe, I’m a football player. I could eat the whole damn cow and still be hungry.”

I try to ignore the fact that his calling me babe sends a tingle down my spine.

“It’s true. It’s a good thing Dad has money, or he would be broke just feeding the three of us.” Elijah chuckles.

“Ugh, just thinking of more food makes me feel sick.”

We get back to the hotel room, and Logan puts Benny down for the night.

“So, wanna watch a movie?” Elijah asks once Benny is asleep. One of the things I love about that boy is he sleeps like a rock, straight through the night, for the most part.

“Sure.” Anything to fill the time. “I’m just going to get ready for bed.”

Grabbing my bag, I head into the bathroom and rummage through it. “Shit,” I mutter to myself. This can’t be the only thing I’ve brought with me to wear.

I keep digging, but there’s nothing else. “Fuck!” I swear I put something to sleep in here. Did I forget it on my bed?

Sighing, I look at myself in the mirror. I guess I’ll be sleeping in jeans tonight.

Brushing my teeth and using the bathroom, I head back out.

“I thought you said you were going to change?” Logan asks when he sees me.

“I was. Then I realized I didn’t bring any sleepwear. I’ve slept in my clothes before, it’s no big deal.”

“That can’t be comfortable,” Elijah argues. “Here.” He gets up, goes over to his bag, and grabs a t-shirt, along with a pair of boxers from his bag. “Would this work?” He has this adorable blush on his cheek. The man who told me he wanted me to step on his chest and demand he kiss my feet is blushing over me, wearing his shirt and boxers. He’s a conundrum, that one.

“Are you sure?” I ask, my hand grabbing the clothes in his hand.

“Yeah. You shouldn’t have to sleep in your jeans. It’s fine.”

“Thanks.” I take them from him and turn to find Logan frowning, eyes glued to the clothes. Is he jealous of this , too?

Not wanting to get in the middle of that, I turn going back into the bathroom to get changed.

“Shit,” I whisper, looking at myself in the mirror. Elijah’s shirt ends right above my knees. It looks sexy.

That boy did not think this through.

“Alright, let’s watch a movie,” I announce when I walk back into the room.

Both guys look over at me. Logan curses under his breath, hands tightening around the bag he is holding. Elijah is sitting on the bed, his eyes slowly traveling over my body. His attention has me growing warm.

“Ah, yeah, movie,” Elijah parrots mindlessly as his eyes lock on the hem of the shirt.

“So, how are we doing this?” I ask.

Elijah’s eyes snap up to mine. “What do you mean?” he asks in a panicked voice.

“The sleeping.” I laugh. Oh, this sweet boy. “Who’s sleeping where in the bed?”

“You can sleep in the middle,” Logan says. “I love my brother, but I don't need him cuddling up to me in his sleep.”

“Oh, so you're a cuddler.” I grin over to Elijah.

“So he says.” Elijah rolls his eyes.

I crawl onto the bed, and Logan joins us.

“Is this weird?” Elijah asks as we kind of just sit there for a moment.

“Doesn’t have to be,” Logan mutters.

“Yeah, no. It’s not like I’m sleeping between two men I slept with, who are brothers and happen to be my stepbrothers. Nah, not weird at all.” I let out a groan, leaning back against the pillow.

“You're making it weird, Laney,” Logan accuses.

“Well, what do you want me to do?” I huff. “Owen says that there's no point pretending it didn’t happen. And the fact I know that both of you feel something for me because you’ve admitted to me.... makes this weird, okay. Not uncomfortable, but weird.” I look between the two of them. “That is unless you no longer feel that way about me.”

They both look away and towards the TV, not answering me.

Knowing they're still not over their little crushes on me shouldn’t make me happy, because we are trying to move on. But it does.