Page 18 of Hot Shot

Heat flushes my cheeks and the tops of my ears. “I’m in an extended hotel near the arena while I look for something more permanent. I’d been living in the athletics dorm until I graduated.”

“I can’t live in a hotel,” she says.

I nod. Of course she can’t. It was a stupid idea.

“Go home tonight; think about all of this. Get used to the idea of fatherhood and your new career and all of that. We can talk again tomorrow.”

“I’ll go, but I need you to know I meant every word I said tonight. I’m not giving up on us. We belong together.”

chapter

nine

Max

ME: Y’all busy?

LUNA: What’s up?

SHELBY: I’m here.

ME: I’ve got news.

ME: I found my girl.

LUNA: What?

SHELBY: Where?

ME: You’re not even going to believe this. She’s my team captain’s sister.

LUNA: Does she live in Austin too?

SHELBY: That’s a sign right there.

ME: There’s more.

LUNA: Oh no, is she married?

ME: Nothing like that.

ME: She’s pregnant. I’m going to be a daddy.

My phone rings a moment later with an incoming video call, I press to answer and both of my sisters’ faces come into view.

“Y’all are together?”

“Obviously,” Luna says.

“Pregnant? Spill it baby boy,” Shelby says.

“I’m just gonna hit the highlights. Yes, it’s mine. Yes, we used protection. Every time.”

They exchange a quick glance. “Will you do a paternity test? Just to be certain?” Luna asks.

“Only if she asks me to do one.” I hold up a hand when I can see them both gearing up to say more. “Listen, I found her again. That legit means she’s my soulmate which I knew that night. The baby is further proof that we belong together. I’m going to propose.”

Shelby’s eyes round. “What? This soon?”