Page 92 of Definitely Not a Thing

He didn’t seem too worried about it, which made sense – he was getting back tohisnormal.

But it was all going to be new for me.

Sitting outside on my balcony, I pulled my knees up under my chin and hugged them, staring off into the distant city lights.

Even if it was still pretty new, even if we hadn’treallyput a title on it yet, the reality was still what it was.

I was dating a professional athlete.

One who, in a few weeks, would be the source of headlines, his pictures splashed across a million screens. Lots of attention, lots of scrutiny for him.

And also, potentially…me.

Rori had already told me what to do about it – tune it out. Of course, her situation was pretty different, with her story having a lot more drama and mess than any nosy gossip bloggers couldeverfind on me. But it was close enough to resonate with me, and I planned to keep the advice close in my mind.

Kae and Claire’s advice was to not overthink it.

Couldhe be a playboy?

Sure.

I’d only known that man a few months, it would be literally insane to launch myself – myheart– full throttle.

But I could enjoy it for what it was,whateverthat was, from moment to moment, and see what it became.

And the thought of it made me smile.

Like… I literally couldn’t keep a grin off my face at the thought of him.

Which kinda contradicted the wholedon’t go full throttlething, but man… whatever.

I liked him.

I wasn’t even surprised when my phone rang and it was his name on the screen, like he knew he was on my mind.

I had the answer button swiped before it could ring a second time.

“What you smiling about?” he asked, making me frown and look around, first athisbalcony, which was empty.

“How did you know I was smiling?”

“Cause I know you saw my name on that phone before you answered. Why wouldn’t you be smiling when a real nigga call?”

“Boy,” I laughed, shaking my head. “I’m guessing you’re out of practice for the day?”

“Mmmhmm,” he groaned, his voice sounding low and sexy and comfortable and… muffled. “Already in my bed – in Blackwood, so you can’t get to me.”

My eyes went wide. “SoIcan’t get toyou?”

“Mmhmm. You got me in trouble.”

“You’re gonna have to explain that one.”

He chuckled. “Man… I was so damn drained in practice this morning after fooling with you all night.”

“And that’smyfault?”

“Exactly.”