Page 92 of Playing for Keeps

“Sure.”

“Don’t forget he’s gluten intolerant,” Char said.

I shuffled from one foot to the other while Char and Ethan discussed the dietary requirements of Theo’s friend.

Because this was the thing. Ethan and Char would always be connected because of Theo.

Where the hell did it leave me?

Distraction arrived in the form of fans wanting autographs and selfies, and suddenly I slotted into the role of Luke Hunter, Marauders fullback. Luke Hunter, scorer of the winning try in the Supreme Rugby final. It was a role that was a lot easier to play than the Luke Hunter who had no idea what he was doing with his best friend.

The team’s luggage arrived on the conveyor belt and I managed to break away from the fans to collect my bag. Suddenly I sensed Ethan next to me. As he reached to grab his bag, his shoulder bumped mine, which sent a shiver of want through my body.

I turned to meet his eyes and he gave me a molten look that showed he hadn’t forgotten about recent events between us.

But before I could work out what to say, Theo was there.

“Are we going now?” Theo asked.

Ethan glanced down at his son, and then back up at me. “So, I’ll…um…see you later?” he said.

I tried to force a smile. “Yeah. Okay. See you, Theo. Have a good time at your friend’s house.”

Theo gave me a big smile and started to tug Ethan toward the exit.

I could only watch him leave, the big question still lying unanswered between us.

What happened now?

* * *

I arrived home to my empty house, my head thudding. My new place was not as nice as the apartment I’d shared with Jonathan, and I hadn’t had time to decorate properly. The blank walls stared back at me accusingly.

Fuck. Sometimes I wished my brain had an off switch. It would definitely come in handy right now.

Instead my brain decided to replay the last twenty-four hours in excruciating detail. The highlight should have been helping my team win the Supreme Rugby Championship, but now that seemed like a minor thing compared to the fact I’d had incredible sex with the guy I’d loved for most of my life.

Did he want it to continue? Was it possible for us to build something together despite all the history and complications?

Was it just going to become something I craved even more now that I knew what being with Ethan was like?

I unpacked my gear, charged my phone and, when it had enough juice, started to respond to all the messages of congratulations I’d missed last night.

Jonathan had sent me a nice message. It was the first time he’d reached out since we’d finished dealing with all the logistical stuff, and I made sure to send him a warm reply.

I’d been trying to give him space but I hoped that one day we could be friends. He was a great guy and I didn’t want to lose him from my life.

And fuck, he’d been so right to end it when he had. Recent events had proven that.

After I’d responded to all the messages, I didn’t put down my phone.

Should I message Ethan? I didn’t want to interrupt his time with Theo. What time did sleepovers start these days? Maybe I should suggest meeting up tomorrow?

I was standing in my kitchen, trying to decide whether that was too stalkerish, when my doorbell rang. I jogged down the hallway to open it.

Ethan stood on my doorstep.

My heart thudded.