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“Fuck.”

“Yeah, fuck indeed,” I reply.

A laugh bursts out of him, catching me by surprise. “Let me guess where this is going.” He continues to laugh. “You offered her your spare room.”

It’s the first time I’ve heard Sawyer laugh properly, and my face breaks into a smile in response as I scratch at the back of my neck.

“Yep.”

He claps a hand on my shoulder, turning to walk away. “Secret’s safe with me, Jack. I’d just hold off on telling Tyler anytime soon.”

When my phone buzzes in my bag, I reach behind and grab it before I look back at Sawyer. “It’s an arrangement to help her out while she gets back on her feet. She has about as many friends in this city as I do, and she can’t exactly move in with her ex.”

He nods in understanding. “I get it, and it’s the gentlemanly thing to do. I’d still probably hold off for a few weeks though.” His laugh begins to fade out. “For the record and from a captain’s point of view, this is a bad idea. But we’re all pros here, and I’m not about to stand in the way of my guys’ personal lives. Just approach this with caution, all right?”

“I got it. You don’t need to worry,” I reply confidently. “She might not even accept the offer anyway.”

I’m alone for the first time when I turn my phone over in my hand, and my pulse picks up.

Kendra

Hey, sorry it took me a few days. Life has been crazy, and we only just got back from an away game in Texas. Does your offer still stand? Nice goal, BTW.

I’d ask how her game went, but since I already know they won, I leave that part out. The fact that she watched my game though … well, that sends my pulse racing a little faster.

Me

Hey, yeah, course it does. When do you want to move your stuff in? I can help if you need.

Kendra

I have a grand total of one suitcase and two duffel bags, one being Tyler’s. So, thanks, but I’m good. I was thinking tomorrow morning if that works?

Fuck, tomorrow. I mentally walk through my apartment and think of all the prep I need to do and which room would be bestfor her. Thank fuck Mum insisted on me making up one spare room when I moved in. To say my place is a bachelor pad would be an understatement.

Me

Was literally everything destroyed?

Kendra

Pretty much, but my apartment came furnished anyway. I just can’t reenter while there’s asbestos exposure.

I head on an away series the day after next, but I’ll be home tomorrow morning.

Okay.

And thank you for this. Seriously, you are a lifesaver. I promise it will only be a few weeks until I can get a place. In the meantime, you can put me to use to make up for the favor. I can’t cook that well, but I’m not totally useless in the domestic department. *smiley face*

I close out of the message and squeeze my eyes shut, dropping my head between my shoulders.

Kendra around my place, probably dressed in sweats and T-shirts, with her hair in one of those messy buns girls casually throw up but know exactly what they’re doing when they wear them.

Jesus.

What the fuck have you gotten yourself into, Jack?

CHAPTER NINE