Page 37 of Cross the Line

The dryness of my eyes told me it was very real, though I struggled to believe it. I grabbed the contact case from the coffee table. I couldn’t stand to wear my contacts any longer, even if I could barely see without them. No glasses meant limited options. And with that reminder of my canceled flight, I checked my phone one final time, scrolling back through the last few messages from hours ago. There was a group chat between Coach, Berkeley, and me.

Coach: I spoke with Daniel about Carson’s request to stay with a friend. Since this is an unusual circumstance, the team will give Carson permission to stay off-site if he chooses.

Coach had asked our general manager for permission?

I supposed it shouldn’t have surprised me—the team was strict about curfew and travel protocol, especially when it came to safety. And while I appreciated that, I was an adult. I didn’t want to report to anyone about my whereabouts. I hadn’t had a curfew since before I’d left home, and I chafed against the idea.

Berkeley: Okay. Thanks for confirming. I will cancel his reservation at the Huxley Grand. Carson, can you please confirm that’s what you’d like?

Me: Go ahead and cancel it, please. And thanks, Coach.

Berkeley: Okay. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get someone to bring you your bag. I will NOT be using this company again.

Me: I appreciate you trying. I know if anyone could’ve made it happen, it would’ve been you.

Berkeley: Thanks, Carson. Your flight is scheduled to depart tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Coach: Don’t be late. We’re already going to be rushing to get a practice in.

Me: Yes, Coach.

There had been no new messages since the last one I’d sent, so I set an alarm for the morning.

I turned my attention back to Logan, debating the best course of action. She looked so peaceful I was afraid to move her. Instead, I gently rearranged her blanket so it was covering her once more. I’d never seen her look as unguarded as she had tonight. As she did right now.

Dark lashes slanted over pale skin. Lips parted in sleep. I lifted my hand as if to caress her cheek then stopped myself when her breathing changed.

Don’t be fucking weird.

I took a step back, then another. It was late. I was tired. She trusted me, and that wasn’t something I took for granted.

There weren’t many people who took the time to see past the mouthy player everyone loved to hate. The cocky pro athlete who loved to show off on social media. There were even fewer people in my life who’d gotten to know the real me. And Logan was one of the few who had.

My eyes were dry and burning, so I confirmed the front door was locked before heading down the hall to the bathroom. I kept the lights off, trying not to wake up too much. Then I removed my contacts and brushed my teeth.

After I opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, I squinted at the two open doors. Both rooms were dark, and I had no idea which was Logan’s room and which was the guest room. She’d been so quick to change earlier that I’d heard the door to her room close and reopen all before I’d exited the bathroom.

I peered inside the first one, squinting through the darkness as if I could make out some detail, some clue. It was late, and I was tired. Not that it would’ve mattered if I’d turned the light on; I still could barely see shit without my glasses.

Nothing stood out to me to suggest that this was her room or a guest room. So, I took a few steps and studied the other one. I massaged my temples, an ache building there. If I didn’t stop concentrating so hard, I was going to give myself a headache.

Logan was out cold, so I figured there was a good chance she’d sleep on the couch all night. Which meant it didn’t really matter which room I picked. Hopefully.

I picked the one that seemed to have less stuff on the floor and stumbled inside before falling onto the bed. I passed out, grateful for the warm bed in a safe home.

I must have slept hard because I had crazy dreams. And when I started to drift awake, gray early-morning light was spilling into the room. I opened my eyes to the sight of Logan and smiled. She was facing me, her hands tucked beneath her cheek. She looked so cozy, so at ease, and it filled me with warmth and contentment.

She trusts me.

I didn’t know when—or more importantly, why—she’d climbed into bed with me, but I was grateful she had. It was quiet, and I enjoyed the simplicity of the moment. Peaceful. Right.

She opened her eyes slowly. I hadn’t thought she could possibly be any more beautiful, but then she smiled a sweet, sleepy smile. I wanted to kiss her, and it wasn’t the first time. But when she lifted her hand to my cheek, I realized maybe she wanted that too.

She shifted closer, draping her leg over my hip. Holy shit.

I wanted to touch her so badly, but I felt as if I were holding my breath. Waiting to see what she’d do next. Letting her take the lead.

She threaded her hand through my hair, and I let out a moan. My restraint snapped, and I rolled us so she was on top of me, straddling me. She stilled, her eyes widening slowly, almost comically.