Page 47 of Reckless Love

Exactly.

Henley

Whether she moves in with you or not, it’s time to woo.

Penn

Yes. WOO THE FUCK OUT OF THIS GIRL. Fuck me, I’m all torn up about losing my favorite wingman, but I can’t stand to see you suffering. You and Elle belong together.

Thanks, guys. I’m fucking terrified, and I don’t know exactly what to do, but I’m going to try to put all my cards on the table. If she just wants to be my friend after it’s all said and done, I’ll know I’ve tried.

I’m tempted to go knock on her door and start trying tonight, but decide I need a better approach than startling her when she’s getting ready for bed.

When I get home and am in bed myself, I send her a text.

You looked absolutely beautiful tonight.

It’s quiet for a few minutes and I worry that I’ve already blown it.

Elle

Are you already practicing fake dating me?

It’s never been fake when I tell you how beautiful you are.

Elle

Well, thank you. You can stay.

I smile at my phone.

Let Project Woo begin.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

NO ONE COMPARES

ELLE

Now

“Because I’ve been livingwith how I feel about you since the night we met.”

I’ve thought about Rhodes saying this nonstop. Throughout practices. Throughout the charity events all weekend. While I watch the recording of theMustangs’ game in Indianapolis on Sunday in the comfort of my bed and rewind every time there’s a close-up of Rhodes.

The way his eyes heated as he said it, the way his eyes roamed over me before he left—all of it has been excellent inspiration for writing. Lisa has worked us so hard this week at practice and I’m dragging by the time I get home, but when I open my laptop, the words pour out of me. I’ve sent a few chapters to my agent Rosie and she said, “I wish you would quit everything else you’re doing and finish this book!”

I know I can’t do that, not without everyone in my life wondering how in the world I’m surviving financially…unless I did move in with Rhodes.

I feel guilty even contemplating it.

Hiding my identity while I’m living under Rhodes’ roof and using him for inspiration for every book boyfriend I write?

My parents are right—I have slipped down that slippery slope.

But the more I think about it, the more it feels right. I don’t want to quit cheering, I love it too much. The season is almost over, but if I’m lucky enough to get in next season, I have to do it. The thought of seeing Rhodes and Levi at home while I’m keeping my distance in public the rest of the time…it feels like the only way I can survive another year of this.

My phone buzzes and it’s Calista in the group thread.