Play Along (Windy City, #4)

by Liz Tomforde

My teammates have also encouraged me to let go of that pipe dream because in their minds, it’s never going to happen. They believe that the one and only woman on our team staff would never try something with one of us, least of all me. Sure, I’ve given Kennedy Kay more shit than anyone else on the team, but that’s only because I made a promise to her that I would. And I always keep my promises.

This is what others don’t see. This is why I haven’t given up on my little crush. Kennedy is comfortable around me. Sure, she might act like she fucking hates me. I might purposefully drive her mad, but there are moments like this one where I’m the person she goes to. Ever since that run-in in the bathroom, there’s been a quiet understanding between us. Maybe it’s because I know a secret of hers and I’ve kept it to myself, I’m not sure. But deep down, Kennedy trusts me.

Travis I cannot believe our Kennedy is here. Me MY Kennedy is here. And we’re leaving.

Isaiah motherfucking Rhodes. What happened to the guys’ night you were so adamant about? Me Fate happened.

“Fine. Please stop talking. You’re annoying.” A grin tilts. “Stop flirting with me, Kenny.”

I’m completely out of my mind because with the way she’s looking at me, little smirk on those lips, brown eyes shining with mischief the way mine usually do, I know in this moment, I’d do just about anything she asked me to.

“Isaiah Rhodes.” “Kennedy Rhodes,” I mimic.

“Does this mean the honeymoon phase is over already?” “I hate you!” “See you at home, wifey!”

“Don’t worry. You’ll like what I get you.” I raise a brow. “How very cocky of you.” “That’s not me being cocky. That’s me telling you how it’s going to be. I’ll let you be a brat about a lot of things, but you’re not allowed to be a brat about this.”

I may not be the responsible brother, but I know how to use my strengths to my advantage. People like me. I know how to make others smile. So yeah, sometimes I joke around, but I keep a positive attitude towards life, and things have always found their way of working out.

“I met Kennedy on that same date three years ago. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you that.” “You didn’t.” “I just so happened to marry her on the exact same date.” His smile is small but understanding. In the same way Max was sent for us, I’ve had the same belief about my new wife. “Fine,” he relents. “I’ll get you Mom’s ring.”

“Yeah, well we’ve got history too, Kennedy. You just haven’t been paying attention.”

Reaching across the table, I steal a handful of his fries. “Excuse me.” “What?” I ask. “We’re married. What’s yours is mine.” He playfully scoffs. “I want to share my life with you, Kenny, not my food.” With that, he reaches over and steals a forkful of my mashed potatoes.

That timely smirk makes its appearance. “Put me out of my misery, Kenny, and tell me you’re coming for me.”

“I’m not laughing at you, baby.”

“Oh baby, I told you already. I’m a good boy, especially when I want something.”

“That’s it, baby.”

“We’ve got to clean you up, baby. You can’t be walking around like this. God, this must fucking ache.”

“Don’t fucking do that for me, Kenny.” My voice breaks on her name. “I wanted to.” She shakes her head. “I don’t know why. I don’t know when it changed. But you always tell me to do what feels good, and I’ve never felt better than when I’m with you.”

“You let me inside of you and I’ll be such a good boy for you, baby.”

“Hey, Isaiah?” “Yeah?” “I live, laugh, love you too.”

“Answer the phone, baby.”

“So fucking smart. So fucking sweet when you want to be. So fucking mine.”

“Watch the show, baby. That’s what you wanted to do.”

“God,” he exhales, palm sliding over my head. “The best girl.” “Your only girl,” I correct him. “Damn straight you are.”

“You can’t stay here, baby.” “And why not?” “Because you’re worth more than how you’ve been treated the last three years, and I love you enough to make sure you know that. I love you enough to make sure you start living up to your potential.”

“I never had to beg for your attention, and I’m not sure you’ll ever fully understand how safe that became for me, knowing you were giving it to me willingly. I never had to ask you to see me, to understand me, and I’m sorry that I haven’t allowed you to be able to say the same. But I promise you, Isaiah, now that my eyes have been opened, I can’t keep them off you.”

“Thanks for marrying me, baby.” “It was the best mistake I ever made.”

“C’mon, baby. Play along.”

Okay, maybe throw out a spoiler alert next time.” She chuckles. “There won’t be a next time. This one is forever.”