Beyond the Play (Out of Reach 3)

“You excited to start off-season workouts?” she asks, changing the subject.

I know what she’s doing, and that’s okay. I’m not giving up, and eventually, she’ll see she’s been running for no reason. I like women. I like sex, but I can refrain. I’m not an animal. I don’t stick my dick in anything that walks. However, the thought of Parker and my dick, well, that’s definitely something I can get behind.

“Yeah. I was angry at first, but I’m starting to think this trade to the Blaze might be exactly what I needed.”

“They’re a great team.”

“You might be a little biased.”

“Maybe,” she says, and I can almost hear the smile in her voice. “I should probably go. I told Autumn I’d watch a movie with her.”

“I’ll see you in the morning?”

“Yeah,” she whispers. “I’ll be there.”

“Good night, Parker.”

“Good night, Holden.”

I end the call and toss my phone on the bed. My heart is beating a little faster, and something that feels a lot like excitement flows through my veins. What is she doing to me?

CHAPTER 11

Parker

Phone in hand, I make my way to the living room. I told Autumn I was going to change. I didn’t know Holden was going to call, but I should have guessed. I can’t believe I let him talk me into going to house showings with him tomorrow. I set parameters today, and I’m already bursting through them. I should probably cancel, but I won’t. I’ll just have to make sure he understands that I’m doing this for him as a friend.

“I was getting ready to send a search party,” Autumn teases when I take a seat on the couch next to her.

“Sorry, I got a phone call.”

“That’s cryptic,” she says, turning to face me.

Here goes nothing. “Holden called.”

“What? Holden? Holden Bailey?” She barely contains her excitement.

“Yep.”

“How did he get your number?”

“Funny story.” I tell her about earlier today and how Holden said he’s been there watching me all week. “It’s creepy, right?” I ask.

“It’s sweet, is what it is. Who would have thought the player had it in him? Why didn’t you tell me when you got home?” she questions.

“I was still processing it all. I didn’t expect him to call, although I should have. If that man is anything, he’s persistent.”

“So what did he want?”

“He asked me to come to a couple of house showings tomorrow.”

“Parker! You have to go,” she says, moving to sit on her knees. “He’s into you. You’d be crazy not to see where this goes.”

“I know where it goes, Autumn. Straight to his bed to carve another notch.”

“I think you’re wrong.”

“Come on. This is Holden Bailey we’re talking about.”

“I get it. He’s hot as sin, and he can have anyone he wants, and he’s… indulged, or so that’s what it seems. You know as well as I do the media can exaggerate things.”

“That’s what he said.”

“You have to admit he’s been pursuing you pretty diligently.”

“Whose side are you on anyway? Grinding up on me at the club and stalking me at my favorite coffee shop is hardly anything to be happy about.”

“It is when he can have anyone he wants.”

“That’s why he’s doing this. He’s enjoying the chase.”

“I think you’re wrong. He agreed to go slow and prove it to you.”

“And now here I am, hours away from going house hunting with him.”

She grins. “He’s wearing you down.”

“I should cancel.”

“No!” she shouts, placing her hand over my arm before I can reach for my phone. “You need to let this play out. See what happens.”

“We both know all that’s going to do is crush my heart. I can’t detach. It’s not in me. Not when he’s all sexy and being sweet. He bought me a latte, and then today, he brought me lunch. He’s being sweet regardless of his sexy broodiness. It’s a lethal combination. Let’s not forget he’s my hall pass. I was already crushing on him. I’m doomed.”

“I’m glad to see that you’re finally admitting it. Now we’re getting somewhere.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Parker, he’s into you. I’ve seen him at the club looking for you. I saw the two of you together. I see the sparks, and I can see the way he looks at you. This isn’t just a game to him.”

“He’s a player, Autumn. He’s perfected the act.” I say the words, but deep down, I don’t want them to be true. I want Holden to be everything she says he is, and I want this… whatever this is between us… to be real. I already know I’m going to fall for him and that I’m going to get my heart broken, yet here I am, willingly allowing it to happen.

“All it takes is for him to find the right one.”

“This is a bad idea.”

“Maybe, but you’re going anyway.”

“Yeah, I’m still going.” Regardless of knowing he’s all about the game, I’m still going because I want to spend time with him. I want to see the house he chooses to make a home. I don’t know what’ll happen, but I agreed to go, and I’m not backing out.