“Sure, it will be fine,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel.
“Perfect!” Bellamy claps.
“We’ll go get the bags,” Knox says, slapping his hand on Landry’s shoulder, and all the guys head out. I move to follow them, but Will’s hand on my arm stops me.
“I’ll grab your stuff, Mandy,” he whispers.
“You don’t have to,” I tell him. He just smiles and says again, louder this time, “I’ll grab your bags,” before he turns and walks out the door.
Bellamy walks up next to us with Coral on her hip. “It’ll keep him young,” she teases.
I nod. “Thank you, Will.”
“You’re welcome,” he replies, before ducking outside to get his bags, and mine and Mia’s.
“Come on. Let’s let these kiddos run out some energy so we can get them to bed,” Corie says, covering a yawn.
We all gather in the living room, drag out toys for each of our kids, and play with them. The guys move the bags to the rooms, working out which bedroom is for which couple or group—because Will and I are not a couple. No matter what the attraction sparking between us suggests.
I was looking forward to a week of relaxing, taking my daughter to the ocean for the first time, and now, well, I don’t know what this week is going to look like. What I do know is that no matter how many times I tell myself he’s off-limits, that wanting him is wrong, my good intentions fly out the window when he’s near.
I have to keep it together, and after this week, I’ll distance myself. I’ll ask questions, like who all is going to be there, before I agree to future outings or events. At least until this—whatever this is—passes.
If it passes.
Fifteen
Will
* * *
I should have declined the invitation. In fact, I almost did. My daughter and my players don’t need me tagging along for their offseason vacation. But when Bellamy rattled off who all was going, I got stuck on one name. Well, two names, actually. Amanda and Mia.
Bellamy had barely finished listing all the names before I was asking when we were leaving. My daughter was thrilled, or she seemed to be, and that made me feel terrible, because while I’m happy to spend time with her, it’s Amanda and her daughter I crave to see.
Until this morning, when I watched her walk out of the house. It had been two weeks since I’d seen her. Two weeks since holding her in my arms, feeling her soft skin, and kissing her like it was the last thing I’ll ever do. Two weeks of thinking of nothing but her and hating the decision we had to make.
Now, it looks like we’re going to be sleeping in the same room. I offered to take the couch—granted, it was a weak offering at best—but I forced the words out of my mouth when all I wanted to do was cheer that I’d get to be close to her.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling when I think about us sharing a room this week. Amanda and Mia, they’re… important, and the chance to spend time close to them this week is why I’m here. I know it’s wrong, and I know we made our choice, but still, I’m here, in her orbit, and that has to be enough for me.
With the time difference between Nashville and Florida, it’s after seven in the evening. The kids are rushing around, letting out some energy after being cooped up in the car all day. I’m in our shared room, having just brought our bags upstairs. I place mine on the bed closest to the door, and lay Amanda and Mia’s on the opposite bed. There are two dressers, so I unpack my things, using the dresser closest to my bed, and store my empty suitcase in the closet. I don’t allow myself to think about how tonight is going to go. Instead, I make my way back to the living area and find Amanda. She’s standing with Bellamy, with Mia on her hip. As soon as I get close, Mia reaches for me, and I smile as I take her into my arms.
“I unpacked. I took the bed closest to the door. I’ll keep an eye on this little cutie if you want to go do the same.”
“That’s okay,” Amanda says.
“Go, we’re all here to help. Freshen up from the drive. Dad’s got this,” Bellamy assures her.
“Come on, Mia. Let’s go see what Coral and Camden are getting into,” I tell her. I glance up, catching Amanda’s eye. “I’ve got her. Go unpack and get the two of you settled.” I nod, not waiting for her reply, before turning and walking toward the rest of the guys, who all have their kids. Well, everyone but Foster, but it won’t be long before Eden is delivering their first baby.
“Looks like this is where the party’s at,” I say, stopping next to Knox.
“Coach,” they all greet me.
“Will,” I remind them. “This one”—I nod toward Reid—“made us family in more ways than one. You can call me Will outside of the stadium.”
“Will,” Landry says, and immediately shakes his head. “Nah, it’s Coach,” he says, and I nod.