The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders 4)

“Felicity, I’m serious. I will revoke your best friend status if you breathe even so much as a word of this to Jason.”

“Relax, I’m joking.”

“You’d better be.” Because I was not ready to get relationship advice from Jason, no matter how close we were these days. “I’m sure things will be okay. It’s just a weird time.”

“Atta girl. And don’t forget what I said about seducing him. You can thank me later,” she added, and I rolled my eyes.

“Yep. Got it,” I said, wanting to end this line of conversation.

“Let me know how it goes.”

“Hm-hmm, talk to you soon. Bye.”

“Hailee, wait—”

I hung up, letting out an exasperated breath. A second later, my cell pinged.

* * *

Flick: Rude much? It’s a good thing I love you. Call me soon xo

* * *

I chuckled. I couldn’t help it. Since Jason had proposed almost two years ago, Felicity had morphed into this confident, sexy, no-holds-barred kind of woman. I didn’t blame her. She was engaged to one of the NCAA’s players of the decade. Jason had already earned himself numerous records, and a spot in the Hall of Fame. And ESPN were already naming him as a sure thing for next year’s draft. It wasn’t just Jason though, it was her. After a rocky start, Flick had found her feet with her studies. She had everything going for her. The guy, the career... the huge diamond ring on her finger.

I’d been nothing but happy for them when Jason proposed. Same with Asher and Mya. But another year had gone by, and Cameron still hadn’t popped the question. I wasn’t in a rush, I wasn’t. But lately, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was just waiting for the right time... or if he was stalling.

“Ugh, stop,” I hissed at myself.

I was letting my mind play tricks on me. Just because Cameron wanted to be there for Xander, it wasn’t any reflection on our relationship.

So why couldn’t I seem to separate the two?

And why, every time he left, did it feel like the space between us grew?

Cameron

“Hailee, I’m home.” I threw my keys down and kicked off my sneakers. I was bone-tired and weary. It had been a long ride back to Michigan, only made ten times worse given how badly Xander had reacted when it was time for me to leave. It had taken almost two hours to calm him, and then I’d wanted to stick around and make sure he was okay, which meant I’d missed practice.

It was late, past ten.

The lingering smell of lasagna wafted down the hall. But it wasn’t until I entered the kitchen and saw the barely touched meal, I knew I’d fucked up twice today.

Our small table was set for two, complete with candles and wine glasses, and a glass of freshly cut flowers. Trudging to the refrigerator, I was hardly surprised to find a bottle of wine chilling and a container of our favorite dessert from the restaurant across the street. Hailee had gone to a lot of trouble, yet, she’d never said a word.

Because she wanted to surprise you, asshole.

I let out a frustrated groan. I hadn’t texted. After sending the initial text to say I was leaving, I’d been so caught up with Xander and then my own thoughts, I’d completely forgotten to text her.

Pulling my lifeless cell phone out of my pocket, I plugged it into a power outlet and waited for it to come to life.

I had text after text from Hailee.

* * *

Hailee: It’s me. You said you’d be home by now but you’re not here and your cell is ringing out. Let me know you’re okay.

* * *