Playing for Keeps (Hot Jocks, #1)

by Kendall Ryan

“I hate that I hurt you before. I swear I was only trying to protect you.”

“You have me. My whole heart. I think you always did.”

can’t keep my emotions in check when she’s near,

“Are you kidding? I have no idea how I got you to agree to date me in the first place. I feel like I won the fucking lottery.”

So instead I do what I do best, and focus on loving my girl. Which as it turns out, comes pretty naturally for me.

When I’d called my mom and told her I was dating Elise Parrish, she’d only laughed and said, ‘about damn time.’ I still chuckle that everyone had placed bets on us getting together when, all along, we were scared to take the plunge.

I know what I want, and she’s sitting right beside me.

“Thank you for raising a good man with a good heart. Underneath all that slutty behavior, he really is a keeper,”

Elise is part of my future, and it feels amazing to have her by my side—yes, even when she and my mom are ganging up on me.

“Can we just clear the air a bit here? I’m dating Elise now. I know that might be weird for you guys, or that it might have come out of left field, or whatever, but I love her. I love your daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Parrish.”

That’s what he’s worried about? For a second, I’m speechless. His little bro-mance with Justin?

Part of me feels sad for Owen, but the rest of me is thinking boo-fucking-hoo, dude.

He does that a lot lately—laughs.

I make him happy. And I love that.

“I love you, Elise.”

If it’s any consolation, though, I love you.”

“I’ve got everything I need right here.”