Page 221 of Just for the Plot

Is there anything I really can say?

Other than I’m sorry it didn’t work out for us?

I’m sorry that I started to fall for someone else?

“Do you think, in an alternate reality, where the other guy didn’t exist,we could have made things work?” he asks, his eyes so sincere, the guy I first met in the bar completely gone as his true self shines through.

This is not Cougar.

This is Logan.

This is the man off the field, not looking like a douchebag in the bar.

This is the man he needs to show everyone.

“Do you think it would help if I answered that question?” I ask.

“In all honesty, probably not,” he says. “But because I’m a fucking curious, desperate bastard to know if I truly had a chance, I think it would.”

I nod, knowing that he’s looking for that kind of validation. After a few seconds, I say, “I think if we continued to go on dates and you showed me more of this side of you…the kind, caring, sweet, genuine side, yeah, I think there could have been a chance with us.”

He nods and then leans back in his chair.

“It’s the Logan side of you.”

His eyes shoot to mine. “You know my name?”

I chuckle. “Come on, what parent would actually name their kid Cougar?”

“Fun parents with a passion for animals?” he asks cutely, making me laugh.

“Sure, but that’s not your parents.”

“No.” He laughs. “My dad fucking hates it and refuses to acknowledge the use of Cougar.”

I chuckle. “Maybe it’s time for an overhaul.”

“Professionally, no.” He shakes his head. “I’ll always be Cougar on the field, but maybe in my personal life, I can lean on the Logan side of me.”

I nod. “I think that would be really great, because if I know anything about you, it’s the Logan side that I was the most attracted to.”

He softly smiles and gives me a curt nod. “Thanks, Bower. I really needed this.” Then he stares at me for a moment and says, “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“That guy you ditched me for, that you have feelings for, is he worth it?”

An image of Bennett comes to the forefront of my mind. His beautifully handsome face, captivating eyes, and gentle, sweet soul. The love I know he has for me, that he shows me every chance he gets.

“There’s a pause,” he says. “Leads me to believe he might not be.”

I look up at Cougar as realization rolls over me. I shake my head. “No, he is.”

Because even though I’m terrified about what would happen with Gabby, even though I know I’m risking so much, the thought of not being with him terrifies and hurts me more.

“I can’t…” My breath catches in my throat. “I can’t imagine a moment where he doesn’t see me and his face doesn’t light up. I can’t imagine a day without his nose nuzzling along my neck. I can’t imagine not hearing his deep, sultry voice calling me beautiful.” I nod, my mind letting him brand himself all over me. “He’s worth it. Everything about him is worth it.”

Cougar studies me for a moment, almost as if he’s calculating in his head that he believes me or even that he wants that same feeling.