Power Play (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 2)

I’ve completely and entirely fallen for him all over again.

“I didn’t even know Coach Williamson was still coaching.”

Shelli and I look toward the door as my dad and Boon come back in. Aiden had dropped off Boon’s bag before the team left for Minnesota. I assumed Boon would have gone with the team, but apparently I don’t know my boyfriend well. He told my mom to fine him his whole salary, that he’s not leaving me. I wanted to fight him on it, but I knew there was no point. He’s as stubborn as I am.

Boon nods. “I mean, he was ten years ago. I don’t know about now.”

“That’s crazy. He was my coach when I was on travel.”

They share a grin, and then Boon looks at me, that sparkle in his eyes. “Man, someone is wide-eyed and ready to go.”

I beam. “I so am.”

He pulls his hand out from behind his back to reveal a huge vase full of flowers. He walks over to my little tray table, setting them down. “They reminded me of you.”

“You’re too good to me.”

He winks as he sits down in the chair he made a nurse bring him. He kicks up his feet and then takes my hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Feeling like I’m ready to go.”

“Me too,” he says, threading our fingers together. Our eyes meet. I want so desperately to be alone with him. My family has been in and out, the team came to see me, but it hasn’t been just us. “Did you call Ally?”

I nod. “Yes, she’s worried, but I convinced her I’m fine.”

“Good. She’s been blowing up my phone.”

He then glances around as my dad sits in a chair beside Shelli. They both look at us, and Boon grins at me as an awkward silence falls over the room. If my mom were here, she’d be able to read the situation, but maybe I need to be blunt about it. I’ve been so worried about hurting my dad’s feelings. I know he is upset I was pregnant, so I’ve been patient, but I need to be alone with Boon.

I glance back over at my dad. “Can y’all give us a few minutes?”

Dad pulls his brows together. “Why?”

“Because I want to talk to my boyfriend—alone, Dad.”

He makes a face. “I guess you caught on to my hovering.”

“Oh, Dad, I caught on a while back. I was being nice,” I say as he squeezes my hand. “I don’t want you swinging on my boyfriend anymore, and believe me, I’ve told him to swing back.”

Boon’s eyes widen. “But I won’t,” he says quickly.

I roll my eyes as my dad laughs. “I’m just trying to protect you.”

I give him a dirty look. “I’m twenty-one. I’ve got this.”

“Are you sure?”

“That’s what my driver’s license says.”

“That might be a mistake,” he says with a grin before he heads out, Shelli on his tail.

She waves to me but then stops at the door. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

I send her a soft smile, and she heads out of the room.

Once the door closes, I take ahold of Boon’s shirt, pulling him to me. His mouth crashes into mine, and everything I’ve been craving is there for the taking. His tongue sweeps across mine as my hand slides into his hair, and he grasps my neck. Our kisses are desperate and perfect. I’ve missed them greatly. When he pulls back for air, my lips curve as our eyes meet.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” I say breathlessly. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” he whispers, moving his bottom lip against mine. “Funny to miss someone who is legit two feet from me.”

“We live a hard life, Hoenes.”

“So damn hard,” he agrees, kissing me once more. When we part, his eyes search mine, and I sigh.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“I think we need to.”

“I didn’t know.”

“Obviously, I didn’t,” he says as he sits on the side of my bed, and to me, he almost looks relieved. “I thought we used enough protection.”

“Yeah,” I say. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? This wasn’t your fault,” he says, eyeing me.

“I know, but I may have missed my birth control some once we stopped using condoms. I’m really bad with it, especially on the road. I have so—”

“Wait,” he says, holding up his hand and narrowing his eyes. “Are you apologizing for getting pregnant?”

I swallow hard, my eyes locked with his. “Yeah. I mean, we haven’t even been together that long, and it’s a huge commitment—”

“One I would a hundred percent take as long as it’s with you.”

Everything inside me turns to goo. “Really?”

“Oh yeah, baby,” he says, taking my balled-up hand and kissing it. “I don’t know if we’d have been ready, but I would have loved to find out. With you. Only you. No one else.”

I beam. “Thanks for reiterating that.”

“I felt I needed to. I didn’t want you getting the wrong idea.” He kisses my fist, running his hand over my wrist as his hazel gaze holds mine. Tenderness and admiration swirl in his eyes, making me breathless. “I want all the commitments with you.”