Page 103 of Twisted Truths

There’s a bitter edge to his words that makes my chest ache. I cup his cheek and press my lips to his. Just a soft, lingering touch.

He rests his forehead against mine and murmurs, “Thank you for listening.”

“I’m here for you.”

“I know.” Nash runs his hand down my back gently. “Go to bed. I’ll be there soon.”

“Are you sure?”

He nods, so I leave him to it, bending to give him one last kiss before heading for the door.

I plan on waiting up for him, but by the time I crawl into his bed, the familiar scent of him wrapped in the sheets, my tiredness wins out before my thoughts can catch up.

Chapter Thirty-Five

NASH

Abuzzing sound pulls me from my slumber the next morning. Hadley mumbles something in her sleep, snuggling closer to me. I press my lips to her temple as I reach for my phone and squint at the screen.

Clay.

Christ, my agent is terrible at working out time zones. Figures he’d call when I’ve only had a couple hours sleep.

I hesitate, but I need to talk to him, so I slide my thumb across the screen and answer, keeping my voice low so I don’t wake her.

“Give me a second.”

I ease out of bed carefully, smiling softly as Hadley curls herself tighter in the sheets. My heart aches as I think about how I tried to push her away. I may have only known her a couple of weeks, but she has this calming essence about her that quiets the noise in my head in a way nothing ever has. Mum always spoke about how people come into your lives when you need them, and when it comes to Hadley, those words couldn’t be more true.

With a final glance at her, I step into the hallway, rubbing a tired hand over my face as Clay’s voice comes through, bright and too damn energetic for how early it is here.

“How’s my favourite Aussie ball player going?”

“Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you?” I say with a chuckle before stifling a yawn.

His tone turns serious. “All jokes aside, man, how are you coping with everything?”

I consider brushing him off with the standardI’m fine, but after everything I’ve been through, he’ll see straight through it. Letting out a sigh, I go with, “Taking it one day at a time.”

He’s quiet for a beat, and I imagine him leaning back in his desk chair, his hands steepled in front of him as he nods. “We’re here for you in whatever capacity you need us.”

A lump forms in my throat at the sincerity in his voice. “Thanks, appreciate it. You’ve already done so much, and I don’t know how I’m going to repay you.”

“You can repay us on the court. Are you still on track to fly out next week? Need me to make any arrangements?”

“Yeah. I am. Tickets are booked.” I pause, glancing at my bedroom door. “I’m going to need a bigger apartment.”

There’s another beat of silence, followed by laughter. “Damn, Nash. Bigger apartment? Don’t tell me you’re bringing someone special with you?”

I lean against the wall and rub the back of my neck. “Something like that.”

“Oho, okay. I’ll get the ball rolling and send you through a few listings to look over. You just say the word if you need anything else. Seriously, Nash, you’ve worked your arse off for this. Everyone’s ready to see you step out in the big leagues. The Shamrocks have high hopes for you.”

I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Yeah.”

“I mean it,” he adds. “You’re going to do good things. I’llbe in touch about the apartment. Call me if you need anything. I mean it.”

“Thanks, Clay.”