Page 16 of Run the Play (Nashville Rampage #2)

“I know I don’t have to. They got the gifts handled, and I’m not going to just stand here and watch you work. We’ll have this done in mere minutes.” He winks, and my heart does this flutter thing in my chest. It's almost as if it has wings and they’re flapping rapidly.

“So, how are you feeling with everything? Have you heard from the dickhead?” he asks.

I can’t help it, I chuckle. “No, I have not heard from Chaz, but he doesn’t have my new number. Not that I’m aware of.”

“Training camp starts in a little over a month.”

“I know. I’m dreading the moment when the team has to report. Just my luck, he’ll fake an injury.”

Landry turns off the water, dries his hands on a towel, and pulls his phone out of his back pocket. “Give me your number.”

“What? Why?”

“Well, one, we’re friends, and friends have each other’s numbers. Two, if he fucks with you, you need a way to get ahold of me. I’ll text you mine once I have yours. I’ll also send you the rest of the guys’. We’re not going to let him hurt you again, Rowan.”

Tears well in my eyes. I clear my throat and rattle off my number. I hear the ding from my back pocket and then four more.

“There. I sent you the other guys' contacts. Don’t be afraid to use them, Rowan.”

“Thank you, Landry.” I close my eyes and focus on my breathing to calm my emotions.

That’s why I don’t see him leaning in close.

I feel his presence and then his lips against my temple.

He doesn’t speak but takes his time pulling away.

I know because I count every erratic heartbeat while his lips are against my skin.

When he finally eases back, I’m both sad and relieved.

I'm relieved that I can breathe a little easier, but I'm also sad because he’s someone I trust, and the warmth and tenderness he’s shown me are not something I’m used to.

It’s a fluke thing, I know that. I also know that I can’t allow myself to fall for him or get attached.

I’ve traveled the road of dating a professional athlete, and it’s a dead end for me.

However, I know in my soul that Landry is different.

He’s not a man who will use his size and strength against a woman.

He would never make the woman in his life feel insignificant, but that’s all the more reason to keep my distance.

I barely survived my relationship with Chaz.

If I were to fall for Landry, I’d never recover from the loss.

The others come back inside, and Corie and Sloane jump into putting leftover containers together for everyone to take home.

“Thank you for today, for the gifts, and all of it,” Baker says.

“Oh, that’s not all,” Corie tells him. “We’re coming over to help you set up. You just tell us when you’re ready, and we’ll be there.”

Baker’s shoulders fall, a look of relief washing over his features. “Bring it in.” He opens his arms, and Corie walks into his embrace, followed by Sloane. “You too, Rowan,” he says.

Quickly, I dry my hands and step into his hug. “You’re going to do great,” I say softly, for his ears only.

“Thanks,” he mumbles, releasing me. “I’m going to head home and start unpacking.”

“You want help?” Corie asks.

“You’ve done so much.”

“We’ll be right behind you,” Knox tells him. “We were going to do the shower at your place, but the girls wanted it to be a surprise.”

“This was—unexpected and perfect. I can’t thank you all enough.”

“I’m coming too,” Sloane speaks up.

“Well, damn, now I feel left out,” Reid says.

“I’ll drive.” Foster fishes his keys out of his pocket and tosses them in the air before catching them in his fist.

“I’m going to finish up here, and then I’ll be there. Can someone text me the address?” I ask.

“I’ll drive us,” Landry speaks up. “I’ll help Rowan, and we’ll be on our way.”

“I can drive. I don’t mind.”

Landry waves his hand in the air. “It’s silly for us both to drive. I’ll just bring you back here to your car after. Is there anything that we need to pick up?” he asks Corie.

“Not that I can think of. We bought the laundry detergent to wash the clothes, already in one of the gift baskets, so I think we’re set.”

Baker clears his throat, clearly choked up. “I’m gonna—” He points over his shoulder, swallows hard, then waves before walking out the door.

“Poor guy,” Corie says.

“Really, Core, is there something else he needs that we didn’t get?” Landry asks her.

“I don’t think so. Let’s get him all set up and unpacked. He’ll need to order furniture, but other than that, I think he’s good outside of formula and bottles. However, I’m unsure if she plans to breastfeed and what type of bottles she wants to use. That’s going to have to be a decision they make.”

“Damn,” Foster mutters. “Talk about messy.”

“Yeah,” Reid agrees.

“Messy, but nothing we can’t get him through. Our Rampage family is growing,” Knox says, pulling Corie closer.

“You’re next.” Sloane laughs.

“What?” Landry whips his head around to stare at Knox and Corie. “Are you?” he asks.

“No,” Corie rushes to assure him. She smiles up at her husband. “One day.”

“One day, Corie girl. You tell me when,” Knox says, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “All right, we’re out.”

Everyone says a quick goodbye, and then it’s just Landry and me.

He turns and places his hands on my hips, moving me a little to the left, before dropping his hold and taking his spot to rinse and dry.

We finish in just a few minutes. I wait for Landry to lock up the house and follow him to his truck.

I can’t help but smile as we pull out of his driveway.

This seems mundane, but to me, today was everything.

Helping a friend in need is everything because they’re my friends.

For the first time in my life, I have my people, and I hope like hell my ex doesn’t take them from me.

I want to stay here in Nashville. I feel a connection to this city, my job, and, of course, my newfound family. That’s what they are.