Page 150 of Hometown Halftime

“He loves Cedar Falls,” she says. “He loves our family. But he’s spent most of his life sacrificing things for other people.”

My fingers tighten around the towel in my hand because I can hear the intent in her words.

Poppy finally looks back at me.

“And maybe that’s admirable,” she says carefully. “But sometimes I think the people who love him most need to make sure he stays free enough to chase the things he wants, too.”

There it is.

It’s not cruel or some overprotective sister telling me to stay away from her brother. It’s just honesty delivered gently. Because deep down, I know she’s right.

The silence stretches between us before the front door opens behind us. I look up instinctively, and Riley steps into the bar wearing a dark hoodie and a backwards baseball cap, his eyes finding mine across the restaurant like they always do now. Then his gaze shifts toward Poppy, sitting at the bar.

He stops short, and then a grin spreads across his face.

“Oh,” he says, walking toward us. “Kinsey, I see you’ve met my sister.”

I plaster on a smile. “I have, she’s sweet.”

He barks out a laugh. “I don’t know about that.”

Poppy slaps his arm with the back of her hand. “Don’t let him fool you, Kinsey, I’m his favorite sibling.”

I look at Riley. “Want a beer?”

He nods, and I pull a longneck from the chiller. Sliding it to him, his hand meets mine around the bottle, fingers slipping against mine. My brain shuts down for a moment while my eyes sting for some stupid reason.

Just then, a table opens up as a family stands to put on their coats. I give Riley a couple of menus.

“You two had better hurry if you want that table.”

Poppy squeaks as she jumps from the stool, leaving Riley and me at the bar.

“Hey, Kitten.”

I grin, because damn it, I love that nickname.

“Hey, yourself, Rookie.”

He leans over the bar. “Forewarning, you’re sleeping in my bed tonight.”

I laugh. “I’ve been sleeping in your bed every night, you maniac.”

He grabs his beer and stands to his full height.

“What can I say? I’m addicted to you, Kinsey.”

I shake my head. “You, sir, need to cool your jets.” I look away, tipping my chin toward the table where Poppy is seated. “Go hang out with your sister. I’ll be over in a minute to take your order.”

“Yes, Coach.”

He heads to the table, and I shamelessly watch his ass as he walks away. Then I feel the rising fear swell up in my chest that I only have a little more time with him before we both go back to our normal lives. Because the more I fall for him, the harder it is to imagine letting him go.

Chapter fifty-nine

Kinsey

It’s Thanksgiving evening and food covers every surface inside Knox and Brynn’s house, and the dining table nearly stretches into the living room to fit everyone. We’ve pulled mismatched chairs from every room in the house while football is on the television in the background. Brynn and Kate move between the kitchen and dining room carrying bowls of mashed potatoes and rolls while Cam tries unsuccessfully to keep Evie from stealing olives directly off the veggie tray.