Chapter 25

Delaney

“What are you smiling at?” Winter asks me, shooting me a curious look as I stare down at Kai’s message. We’re on our way to the hotel where we’re staying for the away game.

Clicking the lock screen on, I lift my eyes to her. “A guy I’m kind of seeing.”

I still haven’t told Winter about Kai. I haven’t told anyone. Because how the hell do you casually mention you’re kind of dating your professor?

Right now, I’m not really sure what we are. It’s been a few weeks since he started running with me, and I’ve never felt safer. I’m actually enjoying my runs again without any worries. He hasn’t pushed me to tell him about why I’ve been so hesitant to go alone in the mornings, and since it hasn’t come up, I haven’t felt the need to tell.

We’ve been slowly getting to know each other. But with only seeing each other during our morning runs and on Wednesdays for my World History class, it has not given us much time to talk.

I don’t mind. I enjoy the slowness, the building of this growing crush. I get excited to see him every morning, and we text a lot during the day.

I’ve fallen for this man pretty hard already, and I don’t seem to care anymore about what might happen if we’re caught.

Maybe it’s reckless, but with everything else going on in my life, I need this.

Not to say I don’t still miss what I had at the house with everyone. I’m always thinking of Logan and worry so much about Benny. Everyone in that house means so much to me.

Thankfully, Justin has been showing me photos of him, keeping me up to date. I know I don’t deserve that information, not after I pulled myself out of their lives.

I’ve seen Elijah and Owen around campus and sometimes at the games. We smile and wave. They’ve tried to talk to me a few times, but I’m too afraid of Stacy seeing and causing more issues.

Surprisingly, she hasn’t been. At least she hasn’t caused any new ones. She hasn’t bothered to pay Winter or me any attention when we’re taking our photos, and neither of us are complaining, that's for sure.

I’ve been back to the house a few times to have coffee and hang out with my mom when it’s just her and James at home. As much as Stacy wants me to stay away from the guys, I’m not giving up my relationship with my mom for anyone. That's where I draw a line.

She has no right to control my life. It’s bad enough I’ve let her have this much power over what I do. If Benny wasn’t on the line, I’d have told that bitch to get fucked.

Logan makes it seem like her dad is this big, deadly person. I’ve never heard of any talk about a gang around here. So is he really that dangerous? Or is it all talk?

“I’m sorry!” she turns, gaping at me. “A guy! What guy? Why haven’t you told me anything about it, Laney?!”

“I know, I know.” I feel guilty. “It’s new and very confusing. After everything with Logan and his brothers, I’m playing it a little safe, okay?” Lies. I say I’m being cautious, but I want that man. Badly.

“Who is he?”

“Remember the guy I had that one-night stand with?” I bite my lower lip.

“No way! So, it wasn’t just one night?”

“Well, the sex has been. Apart from kissing, we haven’t done anything since,” I tell her.

“How did you find him? I thought he was just passing through.”

I laugh. “Well, it turns out he got a job in town. We ran into each other, and we’ve been texting.”

“Wait, this is the guy who’s older right?”

“Yep.”

“How much older again?” she asks me, cocking a brow.

“Ahhh, sixteen years?” I grin, hoping she doesn’t freak out.

“Damn. Thirty-five, that’s not bad. Sounds like a big age gap, but I don’t think it is.”

“Thank you.” I throw my hands out. “I didn’t think so either.”

“Still not going to tell me his name?” she pouts.

“Kai. But that’s it. I’m not saying anything else until I know this is going to go somewhere.”

“Alright,” she sighs. “Fine. But when it’s time, I want all the details.”

“Deal.”

***

“So, what do you want to do?” Winter asks, laying back on the bed she’s picked out. We’re staying in a room with two queen-size beds this time. I love the girl, but there are only a few people I’d like to share a bed with.

“Can we watch a movie?” It’s only eight at night, but tomorrow, we have to get up and head out with the teams to take photos before the game starts.

“We could. Or we could go grab something to eat.”

“Oh, food, I like that idea better.”

We head across the street to grab something to eat. We sit and talk for a little bit, but on our way out, we pass Stacy and her friends. She doesn’t see me, and I’m about to keep walking when I overhear what she is talking about.

“You’re really going to give it a try?” her friend, Rachel, asks.

“He said he wanted to give Bentley a life with both parents. He wants to take it slow, but he said he would try. For him.”

My whole body tenses, and I shoot Winter a panicked look.

“No way,” she whispers. “Logan would never!”

I know he wouldn’t, not after everything she’s done to him.

“About time. It’s crazy that he took this long,” Rachel sighs.

“I know, but that’s okay. Bentley is still young. He won’t even remember a time when Logan and I weren’t together.”

“Do you think you will get married?” another girl asks.

“If he knows what is best for him, he better marry me.” Stacy laughs, and I shiver. She sounds like a fucking witch cackling.

“Come on.” Winter grabs my hand and yanks me towards the crosswalk. When we’re out of earshot, she lets out a frustrated huff. “That woman has way too many screws loose!”

“Like Logan would ever marry her.” I laugh, but there's this feeling in the pit of my stomach at just the idea of it.

“The only way that would happen is if she puts a gun to his head. Even then, I think he’d rather her pull the trigger,” Winter grumbles.

I look at my friend in surprise. “Damn, Winter, that's dark.

“Too far?” she asks with wide eyes.

“Nah,” I laugh.

When we get back to the hotel, Justin is waiting in the hotel lobby.

“My wife!” He jumps up from the chair and races across the room. I laugh as he scoops me up in his arms and spins me around. “I’ve missed you, my fair maiden.”

I roll my eyes with a smile. “You saw me yesterday.”

“Yes, and it’s been far too long.” He looks over my shoulder. “Well, hello there.” He grins.

“You haven’t officially met, have you?” I ask, looking between my two friends.

“Nope.” Winter smiles. She holds out her hand, bright and bubbly. “Hi, I’m Winter. Nice to meet you.”

“Winter,” Justin purrs, taking her hand and lifting it to place a kiss on the back. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I try not to laugh, but Winter does. “Ah, moves like a creepy dude from a nineties movie. How charming.”

Justin laughs. “It’s a talent for sure.”

“I like him,” Winter tells me.

“Me too.” I laugh, and Justin beams.

“Ladies, ladies. No need to fight over me. There’s plenty to go around.” He looks at Winter and whispers. “Later, me and you. My wife doesn’t have to know.”

“ Girls, Justin. She’s into girls.” I sigh.

“Right. Right.” He winks at Winter, and she just laughs.

“Come on, you big dummy. We’re going to go upstairs and watch cheesy movies and make fun of them while we stuff our faces with popcorn,” I tell him, looping my arm through his.

“Sounds like my kind of night,” he replies.

***

The next morning, I’m with the football team, and I can feel Logan’s eyes on me the whole time. It’s hard not to let myself search for him.

I should be trying to let my feelings go. To move on with Kai because being with Logan isn’t something I can do anytime soon, if ever. Even with Stacy being out of the way, it doesn’t change that we’re a family now. And although it’s a risk we might be willing to take, I’m still scared of how it will affect our parents. How will they react?

A few hours later, it’s game time. The fans are wild on both sides. It’s so loud and crowded; I’m glad I’m not in the stands tonight.

By the end of the night, I have some good shots. It was so close right up until the end. Sadly, our team didn't win.

“I have a feeling we’re going to have a lot of drunk, pissed off football players,” Winter comments as the football team leaves the field, their shoulders hanging low in defeat. I feel bad for them. But it was a good game. They made some amazing plays.

“Let’s head back to the hotel. Justin said he wanted to hang out tonight.” I’m not sure if that's still the case. Maybe he wants to hang out with Logan instead.

When we get back to the hotel, we head up to our room. Just as we get inside, I get a text message from Justin.

Future Husband: Hey, sexy mama. Come over to my room and get ready. We can pre drink and get fucked up. We’re all pretty depresso over here.

Laughing, I shake my head at the name he’s changed his contact to when he stole my phone last week.

Me: How are you all holding up? You played hard tonight.

Future Husband: Not so good. A lot of broody fuckers. Logan included. He said something about going back to his room and going to sleep early. I’m yours for the night.

My smile falls at the mention of Logan. This is the last thing he needed. He’s gotta be so stressed with everything right now. He’s worked hard in practice, and this loss is going to hit him personally.

Me: See you soon.

“Justin said to meet him at his room and we can get ready there. He said he wants to get fucked up.”

“Oh, lovely.” Winter laughs. “I can already feel the hangover as we drive back tomorrow,” she says dramatically but smiles. “I’m in.”

Once we grab everything, we head over to Justin’s room. “Hey, pretty ladies.” He opens the door, letting us in. “I grabbed some things from the store. Got to get you started since you can’t drink at the bar.” Justin laughs at me. “We’re going to have to go to the hotel bar, otherwise you would get carded.”

“Fine by me.”

Justin puts on some music and cracks open a beer.

I’m in my own little world as I get ready, sipping on a cooler as Winter and Justin talk. I smile in the mirror as I watch Winter full-on chatting while Justin listens intently, hanging on her every word.

The boy is smitten, and I feel bad. At least I’m not the only one making bad romantic decisions.

When I’m done, I have another drink and sit down with them.

We talk for a good hour, and by the time we’re ready to head out, we’re all tipsy and feeling good.

“You two are fun. We have to hang out more.”

“Nope,” Winter says. “Can’t betray my bestie like that.”

“Who?” Justin asks.

“Elijah. I already promised he and I could be besties with Laney. But Laney can’t be friends with Elijah, so that would just be mean if we become besties with you.”

Justin looks at me with a frown. “Why can’t you be friends with Elijah?”

I shoot Winter a glare. She gives me a guilty look because of her slip-up and bites her lips together.

“Fucking hell. Is it that bitch? Is she telling you who you can and can’t be friends with?”

“Justin,” I sigh. “Leave it.”

“Laney, you have to draw a line somewhere, or she will end up running your life. She’s crazy and gets sick pleasure from it. She knows you care for Logan, and she’s using you now, knowing you will do whatever is best for him.”

“It’s not like that.” But it is. It fucking is, and I hate it.

There’s a knock at the door, and we all look towards it. “Hey, J. You here?”

“Is that Logan?”

Justin gets up and answers the door. “Hey,” he answers.

“I know I said I was going to go to sleep, but I don’t want to be alone with my own thoughts. Want to go get a drink?”

Butterflies dance in my belly at his voice.

Justin looks back at me, not sure what to do.

“You have people in there? Shit, man, if you’re hooking up with a girl, I’ll just go.”

“No girls are getting hooked up with in here,” Winter shouts. “I don’t like dick!”

“Oh, come on.” Justin pouts. “Why do you gotta rub my face in it like that?”

Winter giggles, and Logan steps into the room his eyes locking on me.

“Hi.” I wave awkwardly.

“Hi.” He blinks, a pained look taking over his face. “Sorry, I’ll leave you be.”

“Wait,” Justin calls after him, and I feel like shit.

Winter gives me a worried look.

Justin comes back, looking sad. “I feel bad.”

“Why don’t you go hang out with him. Winter and I will be fine doing our own thing. He could use a friend.”

“Are you sure?”

“We had you last night. Go on.”

“You're the best wifey for lifey!” He hugs me.

Justin takes off to Logan’s room while Winter and I head down to the bar.

It’s pretty packed, most of the team getting a head start on getting trashed. Winter buys me a drink, but no one notices. We sit at the bar, and Winter ends up in a long conversation with the bartender. It’s pretty sweet to see her get all flustered over the older woman. She’s smiling at her like she finds her cute.

I’m about five drinks in when I feel trashed. “I’m going to pee,” I slur.

“Okay!” Winter says. “You want me to come with?”

“Nah. You keep doing you.” I wave her off before getting up and weaving my way through the crowd.

I frown when I see the line is way too long.

“Nope.” I shake my head. I’m going to piss my pants if I have to wait in this line. Would be faster to head back up to my room.

Turning around, I head towards the exit. As I round the corner, I bump into someone.

“Wow.”

“Sorry.” I giggle, looking up to see Logan. “Oh, it’s you. What are you doing here?” I frown.

“Going to get a drink.”

“Where’s Justin?” I ask, looking around.

“In there somewhere. I had to piss, but those lines are crazy.”

“That's what I’m doing!” I say dramatically. “No one has time for that.”

Logan grins. “You're drunk, aren't you?”

“You’re drunk.” I raise a brow, swaying a bit.

“Sadly, no.” He sighs. “Can’t do that because that leads to making wrong choices, and I can’t risk that.”

“You fucked me while being drunk, was I a wrong choice?”

His face falls. “Anything with you is never a wrong choice, Laney,” he says softly.

I want to kiss his stupidly handsome face right now. But instead, I word vomit. “Just a heads-up. Batshit crazy baby mama is telling people you’re together and gonna get married,” I scoff, pretending to gag.

“You’re fucking kidding me, right?” Logan looks pissed. “What a fucking piece of work.”

“You’re telling me. Someone’s drinking the kool-aid. I think she drank it all.”

“You don’t believe her, do you?” he asks, eyes searching mine.

“No!” I laugh.

“Good. Because I don’t want her, I’d never go there. Not even with a gun to my head.”

I snort out a laugh. “We thought as much.”

“We?”

“Me and Winter.”

He nods.

“So, who do you want?” I ask because my drunk ass doesn’t know when to shut up.

“You know the answer to that, Laney.” Why does he have to look at me like that?

“Refresh my memory,” I whisper. You're playing a dangerous game, Laney. Walk away. Walk away now.

Logan steps towards me, and I step back. We keep walking until he pushes me into a dark corner. My heart pounds in my chest, head spinning.

When he cups my face, I whimper.

“I want you, Laney. I have since the night we met last summer. You're kind, loving, and when I see you with my son, I feel like everything is right in the world. I know you feel like you need to stay away to protect us, but it won’t be like that forever. I love that you care so deeply about Benny. When you're ready, I’ll be here.”

He bends down and kisses me. I feel everything around me stop, disappearing so it’s only the two of us.

His lips are warm against mine, soft as he kisses me sweetly. It’s everything.

“I have to pee,” I murmur against his lips.

He pulls back and laughs.

“Go pee then.” He smiles, and damn it, I like his smile. “I’ll be seeing you around, Laney. You can’t avoid me forever.”

I watch as he leaves, dumbfounded and horny.

“Why does my life have to suck?” I whine as I head towards the elevator.

I don’t even bother going back downstairs, and instead crash on the bed.

For the first time in weeks, I dream of Logan. Why does it feel like a betrayal to Kai?