Page 61 of Ruck Me Harder

“My agent has been trying to work on some new endorsement opportunities…” Al says.

“Alycia—that’s my new agent—she mentioned that she has a whole list of ideas for the three of us,” Tony says.

My eyebrows go up. “Really? That’s so cool!”

“But only if all three of us are on board.” His eyes flick toward Cari. “I’d understand if you’re not interested. It’s a lot. You get to live a relatively private life right now. That might change.”

“I can do it,” she says with all the optimism and positivity of someone who has no idea the kind of power she wields. “I want girls to see women succeeding in sports. If I can do my part to show the world that women are just as strong and capable as men, I will.”

“So you’re in?” Al glances at me, then Tony.

He shrugs. “If you guys both want to do it, sure. I don’t think they want me though. People don’t care about gymnastics.”

“They do,” Al says firmly. “It’s all of us or none of us.”

Tony sighs. “Then yes. Let’s do it.”

“This will be great,” Al says, typing on his phone. He grins over at me. “You’re pushing him out of his comfort zone. I like it.”

“Not pushing,” I correct. “Just… supporting.”

Tony gives me a soft smile before turning back to the stove. He bustles around the small kitchen, moving the food to serving platters. There’s barely enough room for one person to move around, much less two, so I don’t offer to help, even though I want to. I don’t like being waited on.

The small table is set for four already, and as Tony brings the food to the table, Cari gets up and heads to the fridge.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” she asks me.

“Water would be great, thanks.” I catch Tony’s arm on his way past me and he curls his arm around me, leaning into me as much as I’m leaning on him. He presses a soft kiss on the top of my head before releasing me.

These stolen moments, a quick snuggle or a sweet display of affection, mean the world to me. With every one, I’m slowly starting to drop my guard. I’m finally starting to believe him when he says he’s not going anywhere.

As we sit at the table, Tony sets his hand on my leg. We haven’t shared a lot of sit-down meals together. He typically arrives at my apartment after his restaurant shift and isn’t hungry for food, only for my pussy. When we have breakfast after a sleepover, we’re usually standing at my kitchen island before we run out the door for training.

This is nice.

And as Al and Cari talk around us, it’s nice being with them too. I don’t see my siblings very often, we’re all spread out across the country, so it’s nice to feel like part of a family unit.

“You know,” Al says slowly, and I force my attention back to the conversation. “We’re playing Colorado next month.”

“My brother plays for Colorado.”

He grins. “I know. What’s the chance we can get together with him?”

I blink. “You want to get together with my brother?”

“Yeah. Gotta see if he approves of this pendejo.” Al nods toward Tony. “I can’t wait to see the big brother inquisition.”

“Chuck is younger than me.” I focus on that part. My hand falls to Tony’s leg and I squeeze. “There will be no inquisition. I’m happy, so he’ll be happy for me.”

“I can handle it,” Tony says through a scowl. “He can interrogate me all he wants. He won’t scare me away.”

My heart gives a loud thump and my throat gets choked up as I lean over to kiss him. He kisses me softly, cupping my cheek.

Across the table, Al gags. “We get it, you’re in love and shit,” he says. “We don’t want to see it.”

Tony withdraws, flipping his middle finger at his brother. “Fuck off,” he growls, but there’s no heat in his voice.

Cari grins, shaking her head. “They’re cute. Leave them alone.”