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Chapter Eighteen

C orie

With the door shut, I’m barely in my room before my phone rings. Glancing at the screen, I see Knox’s name. “Aren’t you supposed to be playing poker?” I answer.

“I stepped outside for some air.”

“And you thought it was a good time to call your secret… friend?”

“My secret girlfriend, and yes, I wanted to talk to you.”

“Okay?”

“We have a game this weekend.”

“I know. First regular-season home game. I’ll be there.”

“Good. I want you there, but I wanted to offer something to you. To you and Sloane.”

“Landry already got us tickets.”

“I know, but it’s supposed to rain, and I thought the two of you would be more comfortable in a suite.”

“Do you have a suite?”

“I do.”

“And you want us to sit in your suite?”

“I do.” He pauses. “With my family.”

My breath hitches. “You want me to sit with your family? Knox, this is a bad idea.”

“Not all of them are coming. Just my parents, sisters, Aunt Reagan, and Uncle Tyler. The others, I’m not sure can make it.”

“‘ Just ,’ Knox. That’s all of them.”

“No, we have three more families, my aunts and uncles by choice and their kids.”

“And I tell them what? Hi, I’m Corie. I’m sleeping with your son, but shh , don’t tell anyone. Oh, and this is my best friend, Sloane,” I scoff.

“Fuck, I knew I should have skipped tonight and came to see you in person. It won’t be like that. I already told my dad that Landry’s sister and best friend might join them.”

“But why?”

“I don’t need a reason why, Corie. Just because. I promise you it won’t be awkward. My family is cool as hell.”

“Knox, we’re lying to everyone. How am I supposed to meet your parents under false pretenses and without you there?”

“Then let’s tell them.”

My belly flips at his words. I want to tell the entire world, but too much is at stake. “You know we can’t do that.”

“Then be there for me. I want to know you’re there when I look into that suite.

That you’re with people who are just as important to me as you are.

I want to know you’re not standing in the pouring rain.

I want my family to get to know you. Even if they think you’re only Landry’s little sister, for now, I want them to know the woman who has captured all of my attention. ”

“This is risky.”

“No, Corie girl, it’s not. You’re Landry’s little sister and her best friend, joining my family in the suite. I have a huge family, which is why I pay for the suite so they can all come whenever they want. It’s an open invitation. I want you included in that. You and your best friend.”

“Can I think about it?”

“Please think about it,” he answers. “I need to get back in there. We’re not playing late since we have to be up early for practice. Can I call you later?”

“Sure.”

“Talk to you soon,” he says, and the call ends.

I drop my phone onto the couch next to me, and my mind races. On the one hand, I’d love to meet his family and learn more about the people who made this incredible man who stole my heart.

However, it’s risky. Will they believe nothing is going on between us? Can I keep my feelings for him locked down while I’m with them? I wish I could say with 100 percent certainty that I can, but honestly, I’m not so sure. I need a second opinion. Grabbing my phone, I call Sloane.

“What’s up, buttercup?” she answers.

“Nothing much. Landry is playing poker with the guys at Baker’s.”

“On a Monday night?” she asks.

“Yeah, they were off today. They won’t play late since they all have to be up early for practice tomorrow. What are you doing?”

“Not a single thing. I’m holding down this couch. Today was brutal. There is some kind of virus running through my classroom, and let’s just say, there were lots of bodily fluids being expelled.”

“I guess that’s a hazard of being a preschool teacher.”

“Yeah, that and parents send their kids to school sick. I get it. There are times you don’t realize it.

These things can just come on without notice.

However, when you drop them off and tell me they’ve had a tummy ache most of the night but no fever, so you brought them anyway, you can pretty much guarantee that they're losing their cookies at some point during the day.”

“Bless you and all the teachers who don’t get enough credit for what they do.”

“Thanks, bestie. I love those kiddos. It’s worth all the struggles, even on the bad days.”

“You always did love kids. You need to find you a man and have a few of your own.”

“If I recall, I’m not the only one who made extra money in high school for babysitting.”

“It was a good gig. Way better than flipping greasy burgers.”

“On this, we agree, my dear friend. So, what’s up?”

Exhaling, I tell her about my call with Knox. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Um, we go to the suite,” she says. I can hear the excitement in her voice. “Corie, you’re both in this. Sure, you’re still hiding it, but that’s a decision you made. You told me he wanted to tell Landry and the Rampage and let the cards fall where they may.”

“We can’t do that. Not during the season. If we’re still together once the season ends, I can look for a different job.”

“You might not have to.”

“It’s a possibility, but if one of us has to leave the organization, it should be me. Then there’s my brother we have to think about.”

“I still think you’re underestimating Landry.

All he wants is for you to be happy. He will be fine with it if he knows Knox is all in.

Besides, he’s going to have to see him when he sees you, and we both know he’s not writing you off.

Landry is the best big brother. You could commit murder, and he’d still be standing by your side, supporting you. ”

“I know, but this is different. He told all the guys, hell, the entire team, I was off-limits. You’ve heard him say that just as many times as I have.”

“Yeah, because many of them are fuck boys. Not Knox, and not his core group of friends. Sure, they hook up, but sex is healthy and natural. They’re not picking up a different woman every night. None of them have ever been like that. Landry knows that. Trust him, Corie.”

“Why are you defending him so hard?”

“I’m not. I’m assisting my bestie with her dilemma, which is why she called me,” she sasses.

“Look, I know Landry just as well as you do. He’s protective.

He took on that role with pride. Even before we lost her,” she says, speaking of my mom, “he was always protective of you. Are you happy, Corie?”

“Yes.”

“Is Knox included in that happiness?”

“Without a doubt.”

“Then Landry will come around. He’s not going to lose you over this. He will have to learn to accept that Knox is your person. He’ll find his one day.”

She’s right. I know she is, but it’s scary.

Landry stepped up when we lost our mom, and in a way, I feel as though it’s disrespecting him by dating his best friend, but Sloane is right.

I can’t recall a time I’ve been this happy, and Knox and how he treats me is a huge part of that.

When he’s with me, it’s us. Sure, we don’t go out in public, but if we did, I know in my gut he wouldn’t be any different.

In fact, he might be even more attuned to me.

“Thanks, Sloane.”

“Always, bestie. Now, are we going to be living the suite life with the Beckett family on Sunday, or are we going to be drowned rats in the stands?” she jokes.

“You’ll be there, right? When I say be there, I want you glued to my side in case I fumble.” I smile at myself when using football terms. Knox and my brother would both be proud.

“I’ll be there.”

“Then I guess we’re living the suite life.”

“Yes!” she cheers. “You just made a long, hard day even better. We need to pick out our outfits.”

“Jeans and Landry’s jersey,” I tell her.

“There’s a chance we might be on TV. You know they show the suites.”

“And I’ll still be wearing jeans and Landry’s jersey. I just want to be me, Sloane.”

“Fine, but I get to curl your hair and do your makeup.”

“Deal.”

“Maybe we should wear Knox’s jersey, you know, since it’s his suite and all.”’

“Yeah, we can’t do that. We’re guests as Landry’s sister and her best friend. Wearing Knox’s jersey will raise questions.”

“He is your boyfriend. Wait, do you even have a Knox Beckett jersey?”

“Nope.”

“All these years you’ve crushed on him, you never splurged.”

“Nah, I’m a Reynolds fan.”

“We’re going to have to have one custom-made for you with both of their names and numbers. I can see this being a fight with them.” She laughs.

“If we ever get to that point, we’ll see what we can figure out,” I assure her.

“I’m holding you to that,” she tells me.

“I knew you would. Thanks for talking me off the ledge. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“You’ll never have to. Love you, Corie.”

“Love you, too. Talk soon,” I say, hitting End and dropping my phone to the couch, just as the front door opens. Landry enters the living room and plops down next to me on the couch. “Did you take them for all they’re worth?” I tease.

“You know it. Well, not all. I got second. Reid took home the most.” He kicks his feet up on the coffee table. “What are we watching?” he asks, pointing toward the television that has the sound muted.

“Nothing. I just got off the phone with Sloane.”

“How is she?” he asks.

“Good. You know, living her best life as a preschool teacher when a virus is going around.”

Landry winces. “She’s one hell of a woman for doing that job. I don’t think I could handle it.”

“You’ve taken care of me when I was sick before.”

“Yeah, but you made it to the bathroom in time.”

I laugh because he’s right. “I think when it’s your own kids, it’s different. Or, you know, your little sister.” I lean my shoulder into his.

“You’re probably right.”

“You’re going to be an excellent father, Landry.”

“You getting soft on me, little sister?” His tone is teasing.

“Nah, just making an observation.”

“Well, one day, I hope to prove you right.”