Page 8 of Run the Play (Nashville Rampage #2)

Knox grumbles something under his breath, and the guys all laugh.

I smile as well. I love the dynamic between all of them.

The more time I spend with them, the more of their personalities I learn, and it’s plain to see that they have each other’s backs.

No matter what. That’s a good quality to have.

It’s one I’m not familiar with, but I can understand its worth all the same.

The guys head back out to unload the truck, talking about who can carry the most boxes. Sloane and I finish breaking down boxes while Corie calls in for pizza delivery. My eyes widen as I hear her rattle off a massive amount of food.

“It will all get eaten.” Sloane laughs. “These guys can put it away. Especially during the season when they’re training.”

“They’re all so fit.”

“Right? I even think about more than a couple of slices and my hips expand.” Sloane chuckles. “Knox usually doesn’t eat badly, but Corie has been a bad influence on him.”

“I have not,” Corie says, hanging up the phone.

Sloane gives her a knowing look, and she grins.

“Fine, maybe a little, but he’s a machine, eating grilled chicken and green beans all the time.

I get that he’s a professional athlete and needs to stay in shape, but damn, a little pizza never hurt anyone. ”

“Hear, hear!” Landry says, placing two boxes on the living room floor.

The house has an open-floor plan, so it’s no wonder he heard our earlier conversation.

However, I should have been paying more attention to my surroundings.

I should have heard them come in. I let my guard down.

It was minor, but I’ve lived through situations that are not.

That’s a hard lesson to learn, so I’m shocked I let myself get so comfortable so quickly.

“Stop listening to our conversations!” Corie calls back.

“Love you, little sister.” Landry calls out his reply before going back outside for another load.

“What’s next?” Sloane asks.

“Most of what’s left is our clothes. We’re going to buy new furniture, but the new bedroom suite was delivered yesterday. Come on, I’ll show you.” She nods for us to follow her down the hall.

“Wow. This is gorgeous,” I say as we enter their bedroom.

“Thanks. This is the owner’s retreat. At least, that’s what the realtor called it as the primary bedroom. There are four more bedrooms upstairs as well as a loft sitting area.”

“I love this bed,” Sloane says. “It’s massive.”

“It’s a California king,” Corie explains.

“And check out the bathroom.” She takes us into the bathroom, showing us the huge walk-in shower that is so spacious, you could literally play baseball in it.

Nickelback would be jealous. There are his-and-her sinks and a huge clawfoot tub made for more than one person. It’s a dream bathroom.

“Damn,” Sloane mutters. “How attached are you to that husband of yours? I’m thinking we kick him to the curb and call this our girls’ haven,” Sloane says with a laugh.

“I’m pretty attached,” Corie teases. “But anytime you need a spa day, we’ll send him to my brother’s place and can make that happen.”

Sloane points at Corie. “I’m going to hold you to that.”

Corie laughs, but I have a feeling Sloane’s not joking.

“You have a beautiful home, Corie. I’m so happy for you,” I tell my new friend. I know what she and Knox went through to be together. This is their happily ever after and they’ve earned it.

“Thank you. We want a couple of kids and a place where his family, our family,” she says, blushing, “can stay when they come to visit. The basement has a huge recreation area and two more bedrooms, the recreation room walks out to a patio with a hot tub.”

“Keep talking, and I’m never leaving,” Sloane jokes.

“You can have your pick of rooms,” Corie tells her.

“Just know there’s only a bed in one of them right now, at least until the guys get them put together.

We’re going to leave a couple of them unfurnished, but we have the spare bedroom furniture from the condo.

I left my bedroom furniture at Landry’s place. ”

“I bet he’s lonely living in that big ole house all alone,” Sloane says.

My chest squeezes at the thought of the vibrant life of the party, Landry Reynolds, being lonely.

It doesn’t sit well with me, but I ignore the feeling.

I know it’s because I understand loneliness, and I don’t wish it on anyone.

I was the girl surrounded by people, but still felt so overwhelmingly alone.

“He is. I feel bad about that, but we have to keep moving on and moving forward, right? I just wish he could find his someone, and then I would worry less about him.”

“We should fix him up,” Sloane suggests.

“If I knew someone who was ready to settle down, I would.”

“Don’t look at me,” Sloane tells Corie. “I grew up smelling his farts and feet, I’m good.”

Corie and I burst out laughing. “Stop,” Corie says, holding her belly.

“What about you, Rowan?” Sloane asks. “He’s a good one,” she offers.

“Not in the market for a relationship—not sure I ever will be—but I’m sure we can put our heads together and think of someone.”

“I don’t know,” Corie starts to backtrack. “Look at the situation Baker is in. Maybe we’re better off just to let it happen naturally.”

“Let’s keep it on the table, but we won’t be actively searching,” Sloane suggests. “I’d love to see him fall to his knees for a woman. You know that when Landry Reynolds falls, it’s going to be hard.”

“What makes you say that?” I ask.

“That’s just who he is,” Corie says. “If my brother is in, he’s in. He’s dedicated and trustworthy. Sure, he cheats on his team-mandated diet, but in all other aspects of his life, Landry is loyal to a fault. He stepped up when we lost our mom and took care of me.”

“He still wants to take care of her. I can honestly say, if you fell for anyone other than Knox, he wouldn’t have taken the news so easily,” Sloane says.

“It was still hard on him, but it’s impossible not to see that we love each other. I can admit that, and Knox is a great man. Landry had no argument there.”

“Agreed. And when he falls, he’s going to be all in. That’s just who he is. I, for one, can’t wait to watch it happen.”

“Yeah.” Corie smiles. “I’d love to see him happily in love. I want him to find the relationship that I’ve found with Knox. He’s my only family. Was my only family before I was married, and I want him to have something of his own, you know?”

Sloane and I both nod. I know exactly what she means.

I don’t have any family or close friends, but that’s all starting to change.

These two ladies have brought me into their lives and accepted me for who I am.

Me—just Rowan—and they don’t understand how their friendship is healing me in ways I never knew I needed.