Some local gossip blog claiming that Drew and I are still together, and Wade is nothing but a distraction from the real story. All the details remind me of that rude reporter who approached me after the game.

Wade suddenly rests his hand on my jean-clad knee. “You’re quiet,” he murmurs. “What’s going on?”

I glance up to meet his gaze. “I think I found the article written by that jerk reporter.”

Wade’s expression hardens. “What did that asshole say?”

“Nothing much that hasn’t already been said.” I glance down at my phone screen once more. “It’s a local blog.”

“With a huge reach?”

“Not really. Not that I can tell.”

“Then it’s no big deal.” He says it so easily I can almost believe him.

“You really think so?”

“If we don’t let it bother us, it can’t bother us.” He smiles. “After all, we know the truth, right?”

His easygoing attitude is the complete opposite of his anger from just a few days ago. And I prefer it. He’s right. We shouldn’t let it bother us. Who cares?

Besides, we know the truth.

He’s still smiling at me. “You had fun tonight?”

I nod. “Definitely.”

“Mind if I stick around the house for a while and talk with Owen?”

“Of course, I don’t mind. Though I’ll probably just go to bed. I’m exhausted.” I yawn right after I say that, covering my mouth with my hand.

“Right. I’m pretty tired too.” The secret smiles we share have everything to do with the reason why we’re so tired. We kept each other up most of last night. And while I’m all for a repeat performance, I really do need to get some sleep. It’s back to work with the kids tomorrow and they run me ragged even after a full night’s rest.

“Maybe I’ll sneak into your room later,” Wade says when I don’t respond.

“You want to sneak into my bed?”

“Only if you don’t mind.”

With him, I’d never mind.

It’s past one in the morning before I’m finally headed upstairs to Sydney’s room. All the women and children immediately went to bed. Drew joined Owen and me at first, the three of us shooting the shit and talking about football. But after a while, the old man got tired and left us alone so Owen and I could talk. And it was good. I told him everything that had been going on these last couple of months, and he filled me in on his life too. Not just the general, happy-type stuff, but all the bullshit too. All the hard stuff.

The real stuff.

When I could barely keep my eyes open I realized I needed to get some sleep. Fable had offered me to stay in one of the other guest rooms when we first got back, though she winked at me when she said it. I think she knew I planned on sleeping with Sydney tonight, and that was her way of giving me permission.

Not that anything’s going to happen tonight. I’m too damn tired. All I really want to do is sleep.

I sneak into her room just like I told her I would, closing the door softly behind me. I shed my clothes and shoes until I’m in just my underwear, setting my phone on the bedside table just before I pull the covers back and slip into bed with Sydney.

She stirs in her sleep, but otherwise, no response.

Pulling the covers over me, I scoot closer to her, drawn in by her warmth. She’s downright hot and so soft. Plus, I don’t think she’s wearing much, which is a bonus. I slip my arm around her waist and snuggle her close, spooning her from behind. She has on a tank top and a pair of panties. That’s it.

All thoughts of sleep fly right out the window, my exhaustion gone. Maybe we can mess around for a little while. I let my hands roam, one cupping her right breast when I feel her shift, her perfect ass brushing against my front, making me hard. She’s awake.

“Are you serious right now?” she asks sleepily as she stretches against me.

I slowly circle her nipple with my thumb, feeling it bead tight beneath the fabric of her tank. “Are you too tired?”

“Hmm.” Her noncommittal answer gives me hope. I also like the way she’s squirming in my arms. She’s rousing all my essential parts with every shift of her sexy body. “Are you staying the night with me?” she asks.

“If you’re okay with it.”

“I’m more than okay with it.” A sigh escapes her when I push her hair away from her neck and kiss her nape. “This is a nice way to be woken up.”

“I can do more.” I slip my hand beneath her shirt so I can caress her, my mouth never leaving her neck. “I can do lots more if you want me to,” I murmur against her skin.

“I like it when you touch me.”

Without hesitation I slide my other hand down her stomach, teasing the waistband of her underwear before I slip in the front of her panties, seeking her out. She’s wet and hot and I sink my fingers in between her legs, pleased when she spreads her thighs wider to give me easier access. “So wet,” I whisper.

“Oh, God,” she chokes out when I start to stroke her silky flesh. A shuddery breath escapes her and she reaches up, winding her arms around the back of my neck, one hand sinking into my hair. The position thrusts her chest out and I tug on her tank top, lifting it up so it curls just above her breasts, exposing her completely. I pluck her nipple and stroke her pussy, my erect cock nudging her ass as I try my best to get her off as fast as possible.