When Stars Collide (Light in the Dark 2)

“How did you know?” he asks.

I snort. “Xander, I’m a football-obsessed freak. Did you seriously think you could get drafted to our hometown team and I wouldn’t know? Man, you don’t give me enough credit.” I take a sip of my wine.

“But,” he starts hesitantly. “You never said anything.”

I shrug. “Neither did you,” I counter. “I figured it had something to do with Cade so I kept my mouth shut.”

“So, he doesn’t know?” Xander asks.

“I mean, I guess he doesn’t. I don’t think he’s paid attention to anything football related since before the season ended. I always felt like football was mor

e of an obligation for him than a passion.” I cross my fingers together. “So, that being said, why didn’t you think you could tell me?”

He sighs and rakes his fingers through his hair, his jaw ticking. “I don’t know. It’s stupid. For a while it didn’t seem real, and then I felt like I was letting everyone down for pursuing football as my career.”

“But it’s what you love,” I counter. “You’re letting yourself down if you don’t pursue it.”

He shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re very wise?”

“No, but I’m glad you think so.” I raise my glass to my lips and take a small sip.

“So,” he says hesitantly, flicking his dark hair from his eyes with a swish of his head, “you’re not mad at me?”

“Well, I think you’re an idiot for keeping this a secret from everyone, but no, I’m not mad. We all have our secrets,” I whisper, thinking of Cade and my father. “Have you told your parents? Who all knows?”

“Well,” he says with a swoosh of his hand, “you’re the only person I’ve told, but you already knew, so now I’m wondering how many other people know.”

“You should tell your parents,” I tell him. “Stop leading your dad on. I know he’s thrilled you’re supposedly following in his footsteps, but he’ll also be thrilled for you to follow your dreams. Don’t forget that.”

He smiles at me and reaches across the table for my hand. “I’ll tell them soon,” he promises. “Will you go with me?”

“Sure,” I say. Xander’s family is practically mine.

“Mom’s been begging all of us to get together for a family dinner—you and Cade included.”

I fight a smile. “Does that mean you’re inviting Cade to this dinner to tell him too?”

Xander lets go and sits back, exhaling a heavy sigh. “I suppose. Might as well tell everyone."

Before he can say any more, our meal is brought out. My stomach rumbles at the scent of my pasta meal, and I try not to act like a savage as I dig in, but I’m starving.

Apparently, thinking you’re pregnant burns a lot of calories because I feel like I haven’t eaten anything all day.

We’re quiet for a few minutes as we eat and then he laughs, laying down his fork. “I seriously can’t believe you knew and didn’t say anything.”

“Hey.” I raise my hands in surrender. “Don’t be mad at me, you’re the one that kept it a secret, I was just following your lead.”

He shakes his head. “I feel so stupid for not telling you sooner.”

I shrug and take another bite of my pasta. “It was stupid,” I agree. “But I guess you felt like that’s what was best for you at the time. Now tell me, how’s practice been? Is it brutal? Can I watch? There’s nothing quite like a bunch of sweaty guys piling on top of each other in those tight pants.” I make a grabbing motion with my hands.

Xander chokes on a bite of food and beats at his chest with a closed fist. “Thea,” he says my name in shock.

“What?” I shrug innocently. “I love the game, but you can’t blame me for wanting to look at their butts. I mean, those pants … yes. Just yes.” He gives me a funny look and I raise my hands in a placating gesture. “Don’t worry, I always look at your butt the most.”

He snorts. “I have to say, you never cease to surprise me.”

“Good.” I grin. “It keeps things interesting.”