Page 98 of Running
“It sounds like a lot to juggle,” Rori finally says to Grace, who shrugs.
“I’m used to it, to be honest.” Her tone is placating, not bitter.
Landon puts his fork down emphatically, a little dramatic for him.
“Well, we have a bit of an announcement that might make life easier for you, Gracie.”
She looks curious, and I know I am. “Oh, what is it?”
“Rori’s going to train the rest of the year here, instead of at the Pinnacle facility in Tampa. Her coach and dad are finding arental nearby, and I’m going to help her find a physical trainer since hers has to stay on the gulf coast.”
“I even talked to the men’s tennis coach at Tolliver about some of the seniors helping me as hitting partners,” Rori says to Grace. “Since it’s my offseason after the WTA Finals, and Landon’s in the thick of his season, setting up here made a lot of sense.”
“This is so great!” Grace responds enthusiastically.
“I’m really excited. I’m only here for a couple days this week, but after the tournament next week, we should have the whole thing set up. Other than the WTA Finals, I’ll be able to stay put and be with my guys.” She glances at Landon and then Grover, who’s gone back to sleeping on his bed in the corner.
I just have one question, based on what Landon said earlier. I probably shouldn’t ask it but I can’t hold myself back. “Congrats, this sounds great, Rori. How does this impact Grace?”
Landon nods, like he knows this is a missing puzzle piece to fill in, and then swivels to look at Grace.
“Well, you know I’ve got your back financially, but I think it’s time for you to retire as my ‘personal assistant.’ With Rori here for the rest of the NFL regular season, she’ll be able to take care of Grover, run any errands, etc.”
“So I’m fired,” Grace jokes.
“Yeah, I’ll write you a good letter of recommendation though,” he teases back. “No, seriously, Gracie, focus on finishing school and finding a job you like.”
She smiles at him, and I can see she doesn’t mind this news at all. “Thanks, Landon.”
He looks satisfied with her response as well, and glances up at Rori displaying a level of happiness I’m not sure I’ve ever seen.Maybewhen we won the national championship at Alabama.
The emotion on his face makes me turn to Grace, and I find her already looking at me, wearing a sly expression again. Suddenly, I discover—specifically,feel—why. Underneaththe table, her bare foot touches my ankle and slides up my leg to my knee. She must have taken off her sandals.
Of course, my dick is immediately responsive to our skin-on-skin contact, and the promise of more. But I shake my head at her the slightest bit, knowing this is too dangerous, and try to convey the warning message, “don’t start, Goldie,” with my eyes.
I can’t wipe the grin off my face, though, at the thought of Grace wanting to push those boundaries with me. And when her foot drops off my leg, I shoot her a wink so she knows I’m not upset at the gesture.
“So what are you doing with your two days here?” Grace asks Rori as the moment is broken.
Rori shares their agenda for her visit, and the rest of dinner is filled with small talk about all the places Rori should explore in the area, now that Landon and her are public. Grace and Rori even make plans for a hike when Rori’s back in town.
Once dinner is over, we hang out another forty-five minutes until I see a pointed look from Grace. Message received.
“Hey guys, I’m going to take off, with practice tomorrow and everything.”
Grace follows the cue. “Me too, I’ve got class in the morning.”
We spend five minutes collectively saying our goodbyes before Grace and I leave the house.
When we reach our cars, I breathe a literal sigh of relief. Grace looks over at me, having heard the sound, and smiles.
“We made it,” she teases.
“No thanks to that move under the table, Goldie,” I say back. “But you can make your apology at my place, if we’re still hanging there?”
“Yes, please.”
I never get that apology.
