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Competitive Advantage

Page 122

by A.K. Landow

“I think you’re my person, and it fucking terrifies me.”

“I love hearing that, baby, but what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“That’swhat’s wrong. You called me baby…and I like it.” I start sobbing again.

He lets out a laugh. “Because it’s always been a red flag, right?”

I nod through my tears while he continues to laugh and hold me. He whispers into my hair, “Do you want me to put on sandals too? I can take a selfie in front of my car if you want…with my Android…while wearing a chain necklace and white jeans…with my fruity drink in my other hand.”

I can’t help but laugh through my tears. “The fact that you listen to my red flags is kind of a green flag.”

“Yeah, well the fact that your tits keep getting bigger is a huge green flag for me. We’re a match made in heaven.”

I smack his arm. “They are not.”

“Um, yes, they are. Trust me. They’re my favorite things on this planet. I know when they’re changing. I know every inch of your body, and I love all of it almost as much as I love you.” He tilts my chin until my eyes meet his. “I love you too. I have for a while, but I knew you wouldn’t want me to say it first.”

And then the waterworks begin all over again because once again, he knew what I needed and gave it to me. Why am I so damn emotional?

Oh, right. Duh.

He studies me carefully. “Did something happen tonight? I know my girl, and this isn’t just lovey-dovey emotions. You’re upset about something specific.”

Yep, he’s my person.

“I walked in on my dad and a woman,” I admit.

He smiles. “Good for Coach. He deserves to get laid.”

I stare at him. “That’s my father, asshole.”

He chuckles. “Right. He deserves to make love. Better?”

“No, dipshit.”

He chuckles. “Why were you there? I thought you were going to Shay and Alyssa’s tonight?”

“I was at their place for a bit.” I bite my lip. He’s not going to be happy about this. “I decided it was time to have a real talk with my dad. I wanted to lay it all on the table and confess everything to him.”

He stiffens. “What?” he says in a raised tone. “I wanted to be there for that conversation. I owe it to him to have that conversation man to man. I would have done it months ago, but I’m respecting your wishes. You should also respect mine. That’s how relationships work.”

Now I feel like shit. “You’re right. I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I wanted to protect you from his wrath like you protect me. It doesn’t matter anyway. I didn’t tell him.”

“Then why are you so upset?”

I exhale a long breath. “He didn’t answer the door, so I just walked in. He was by his pool dancing with a woman. At first I thought it was sweet, but then I saw her face. It was Fallon.”

His eyebrows pinch in confusion. “Fallon who?”

“How many fucking Fallons do you know?”

“Fallon Montgomery? That Fallon? Tanner’s ex-wife, Fallon? Harper’s mom, Fallon? Your coach, Fallon?”

“Oh my god,” I whine. “Stop saying her name. Yes, that Fallon. The one who has weaseled her way into my life over the past few months. I thought she cared about me, but it was about my father, like everything and everyone in my life growing up.”

His lips twist a bit. “Nah, that doesn’t sound like Fallon. I’ve known her for ten years. She’s a good person. She doesn’t have a deceitful bone in her body.”

“Did you know that when they were married, she fucked Tanner’s best friend? That’s what precipitated their divorce.”