Page 35 of Breakaway

“The only problem is, she’s the niece of one of my teammates here in Pittsburgh, so that makes things a little tough.”

“Hon, you are a well-mannered gentleman. What could this teammate possibly dislike about you?”

He wanted to laugh after what had just happened. But that was one thing his Grams would not be privy to. “Well, I’m dating his niece. I think that’s all the excuse he needs.”

Grams sighed. “Well, as long as you prove to him the kind of man you are, I don’t see how he can continue to dislike your dating his niece.”

If she only knew. “I hope you’re right.”

“I know I’m right. You just need to show him what a gentleman you are. So when can I meet this young lady?”

“Grams, I knew you’d ask that. Our relationship is still pretty new.”

“Okay, well, I’m ready whenever you are. I can tell you’re happy, and that’s all I ever want for you. And I know I don’t have to remind you, but I will anyway, treat her with respect and open your heart to her.”

“Yes Ma’am.” The respect part he had down. Opening his heart if he was in the same city as her was easy. But what would happen when he went back to Wilkes Barre?

“Okay, hon, I hate to cut you short, but I have a town hall meeting I need to get to. But let’s talk soon, alright?”

“Sounds good, Gram. Love you.”

“Love you too, Travis.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Morgan

Morgan shut the front door quietly behind her. With any luck, she could get to her room before running into her uncle. She’d been successful at avoiding him and the lecture she knew was coming. Turning around, she came face to face with Sam. Uh oh.

“Hello Morgan,” Uncle Sam said, his voice low and steady.

Crap. She braced for the lecture of a lifetime. “I was just heading to my room.”

“You’ve been avoiding me.”

“No.” She shook her head. “Just busy.”

“We need to talk.”

The house was silent. There were no kids running around or playing, and that was unusual. And it was kind of unnerving. “Where is everyone?”

“Trina took the kids to the park.” Sam stared at her with stern eyes.

“Oh.” This was unavoidable, even though highly unnecessary. And by the look on his face, this wasn’t going to be a fun talk.

“Morgan, sit down.” He walked towards the couch in the living room. “What happened the other night, that can’t happen again in my house.”

She had barely sat down when he had hit her with the “my house.”

“Your house,” she said. “Right. Funny how now it’s your house. All you and Aunt Trina ever say is that this is my house, too.”

“It is,” he answered calmly.

“It can’t be both. It can’t be my house when you want me to feel like I still have a home, and your house when I want to have sex.”

He cringed at her words. “That’s not it. But Morgan, you can’t be bringing guys back here.”

“I am twenty-one years old. I’m an adult. This is my life!” her words came out more like a bratty-teenager than she had hoped.