Chapter 10

The morning after felt heavier than Jay expected. He woke up later than usual, the city light filtering through his floor-to-ceiling windows as he sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through his phone absentmindedly.

And then he saw it.

His thumb froze mid-scroll, the headline glaring back at him:

NFL Quarterback Jay Halstead and Bestselling Author Erin Lindsay: Late-Night Stroll or Something More?

Accompanied by the headline was a grainy photo of them walking together, Erin bundled in his suit jacket, her hair falling over her shoulders as Jay's hand lightly rested on her back.

"Shit," Jay muttered, leaning back against the headboard.

His phone buzzed, Mouse's name flashing across the screen. He answered reluctantly.

"You're on TMZ!" Mouse exclaimed, barely letting Jay get a word in. "Dude.I knew it at the restaurant! You're dating her?Aren't you?"

"I'm not," Jay snapped, running a hand through his hair.

"Well, the internet thinks otherwise," Mouse quipped. "And let me tell you, they're eating it up. You might want to check Twitter—hashtag #Linstead is trending."

Jay groaned, tossing the phone onto the bed. This was exactly why he hated the spotlight.

Erin wasn't even out of bed when her phone started buzzing incessantly. She reached for it groggily, squinting at the screen.

Kim's name flashed across the screen, followed by an alarming number of missed calls.

"What?" Erin answered, her voice still laced with sleep.

"Oh, you know what," Kim fired back. "Get online right now."

"What are you talking about?" Erin sat up, her heart skipping slightly at the urgency in Kim's tone.

"I'm talking about the fact that half the internet thinks you and Jay Halstead are the next power couple!"

Erin frowned, pulling up her browser. It didn't take long for her to find it—photo after photo of her and Jay, walking side by side. One particularly telling shot showed her wrapped in his jacket, a soft smile on her face as they headed toward his car.

"Oh my god," Erin whispered, scrolling through the comments.

"I ship it!"

"Erin Lindsay and Jay Halstead? Chicago royalty right there."

"Can't wait to see more!"

Her stomach twisted. She hated the scrutiny, the assumptions. But what made it worse was the way the photos seemed to capture every unspoken moment between them—the closeness, the quiet understanding.

Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Jay.

"Hey," he said when she picked up, his voice careful. "I'm guessing you've seen it."

"Yeah," Erin replied, tucking her knees to her chest. "I guess we're trending."

Jay sighed on the other end of the line. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't think—"

"Don't," Erin interrupted gently. "It's not your fault. We didn't do anything wrong."

There was a pause, the weight of the situation settling between them.

"Are you okay?" Jay asked finally.

"I don't know," Erin admitted. "I never liked this kinda of things."

"I know the feeling," Jay said. "Do you… want me to say something? Set the record straight?"

Erin hesitated. A part of her wanted to shut it all down, but another part—the part she didn't fully understand yet—wasn't ready to let go of whatever this was.

"Maybe it's best to let it die down on its own," she said finally. "People will move on to the next big thing soon enough."

"Alright," Jay agreed, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely convinced.

Despite their agreement to stay under the radar, the buzz around the photos didn't die down. If anything, it escalated, with news outlets dissecting every detail of their interaction. Erin tried to lose herself in writing, but the constant buzz of notifications made it impossible to focus.

Meanwhile, Jay found himself in a similar situation, his teammates teasing him relentlessly during practice.

"Lover boy's distracted," Adam called out, tossing the ball toward Jay.

"Shut up, Ruzek," Jay muttered, though there was no bite in his tone.

Adam jogged over, clapping a hand on Jay's shoulder. "Seriously, though. You've to thank me for the whool book thing,I mean she is-"

Jay shot him a look. "We're just friends."

Adam smirked. "Yeah, and I'm the Pope. Come on, man. If you like her, go for it. She's a catch."

Jay didn't respond, but the words stuck with him.

Erin sat on her balcony, a glass of wine in hand as she scrolled through her phone. Despite everything, she couldn't resist checking for updates about the story. To her surprise, most of the comments were supportive, even sweet.People seemed to like the idea of them.Together.

Her phone buzzed with a text, and her heart skipped when she saw Jay's name.

You doing okay?

She smiled faintly, typing back.

Hanging in there. You?

She put her phone down,trying to clean up the mess that was her bedroom. Hee mind was waiting for Jay's response,even though she felt like ti would not arrive.

When there was a knock at her door.

She blinked, her mind racing. It was late, and she hadn't been expecting anyone. She glanced at the clock, a little confused by the timing, but stood up and made her way to the door.

When she opened it, her eyes widened slightly.

Standing there, with his back to the hallway to hide his face as much as possible, was Jay.

"Hey," he greeted quietly, looking slightly awkward. His hair was messy, his face mostly obscured by the cap he wore, but his oversized blue jacket with the giant delivery mark on it made her smile even more at the sight.

Erin stood frozen for a moment, taking in the sight of Jay Halstead—the NFL quarterback, headlines' favorite target—standing at her door wearing an oversized blue delivery jacket, complete with the bold logo of a local pizza chain emblazoned across the back.

"Jay," she said slowly, a mix of surprise and amusement in her tone. "What are you doing here? And… what are you wearing?"

He shifted on his feet, looking sheepish as he glanced down at the jacket. "What? It's called being discreet," he said, as if it were the most logical explanation in the world.

Erin bit back a laugh. "Discreet? You look like you stole a delivery guy's uniform."

Jay smirked, stepping closer to the door. "Actually, I borrowed it. I didn't want anyone following me here. Figured this would throw them off."

She crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe. "And the giant logo on the back? Super subtle."

"Okay, maybe I didn't think it through entirely," he admitted, holding up a bag of takeout. "But I brought food. Chinese and pizza—because I wasn't sure what you'd want."

Erin's expression softened, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "You really didn't have to do this."

Jay shrugged, his easy grin fading slightly. "I wanted to. And… I figured we could talk. If you're up for it."

She hesitated for a moment, the weight of the past few days pressing on her. But then she stepped aside, gesturing for him to come in. "Alright. But lose the jacket before someone calls security."

Jay chuckled as he slipped off the oversized jacket, tossing it over a chair near the door. Underneath, he wore a plain black hoodie and jeans, his usual laid-back style that somehow still suited him perfectly.

Erin led him to the living room, where the glow of the city lights filtered through the balcony doors. She grabbed plates from the kitchen while Jay set the food on the coffee table, the tension between them easing slightly as they settled onto the couch.

"So," she began, unfolding a pizza box, "what's with the grand gesture? Couldn't this have been a text?"

Jay looked at her, his expression serious now. "I didn't think a text would cut it. Not after everything."

Erin met his gaze, her teasing tone fading. "You mean the photos?"

"Yeah," he admitted. "I didn't want you to feel like you're dealing with it alone. It's my fault they're even talking about us."

She shook her head, taking a sip of her wine before answering. "It's not your fault, Jay. I mean, sure, the media's blowing it out of proportion cause you're,well..you, but… I'm not exactly new to this."

Jay leaned back, his fingers tapping lightly against his thigh. "Still. I know what it's like to have people twist things, make assumptions. I hate that you're caught in the middle of it because of me,you told me yesterday,you love what you do but your privacy-"

Erin interrupted him,studying him for a moment, her eyes softening. "It's okay,this isn't my first rodeo."

Jay smirked. "Oh yeah? Who else have you been linked to?"

She rolled her eyes smiling subtly, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks. "Well,now it's not important. The point is, I can handle it."

He nodded, but the tension in his jaw didn't ease. "I know you can. But that doesn't mean I'm okay with it. I don't want you to feel like you have to handle it alone."

For a moment, Erin didn't know what to say. She wasn't used to people showing up for her like this, especially when they didn't have to.

"So," she said after a pause, "you're not just here to apologize, are you?"

Jay hesitated, his gaze flicking to hers. "I guess I'm also here to figure out what we're doing."

"What do you mean?" Erin asked, her voice quieter now.

"I mean that," He breathed in before telling her, "Last night,if your phone didn't ring,I would've kissed you,like-one hundred percent."

Erin's breath caught in her throat. The honesty in Jay's voice, the way his words hung in the air, made her heart race. For a moment, she wasn't sure what to say. She could feel the walls she'd built around herself waver, cracking under the weight of his admission.

"You would've?" she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jay nodded, his gaze steady on hers. "Yeah. And I'm not saying it was the right time or the right place, but… it's the truth. I would've kissed you." He let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "And honestly? I've been kicking myself ever since for not doing it anyway."

Erin swallowed, her eyes searching his face. "I-"

Erin hesitated, the words catching in her throat. Her usual confidence seemed to evaporate under the intensity of Jay's gaze. She could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks, her heart pounding in her chest. "I don't know what to say," she admitted softly.

Jay leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his voice gentle. "You don't have to say anything. I just… I wanted you to know. I don't want there to be any games or confusion about where I stand."

She looked down, biting her lip as a shy smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. The vulnerability in his voice, the way he was baring his feelings, was almost too much for her to handle. She wasn't used to this—someone being so upfront, so honest with her.

"Jay…" Erin started, her voice barely above a whisper.

He tilted his head, watching her carefully. "Yeah?"

She looked up at him through her lashes, her blush deepening. "I don't think I've ever had someone be so straightforward with me before. It's… kind of terrifying."

Jay's lips curved into a soft smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Terrifying, huh? That's not exactly what I was going for."

Erin laughed nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I mean, in a good way. It's just… different."

"Well," he said, leaning back slightly, his grin turning playful, "I guess I like keeping you on your toes."

Erin shook her head, the smile on her face betraying the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Jay smirked. "So I've been told."

The room grew quiet again, the weight of his earlier confession still lingering in the air. Erin shifted slightly, her fingers playing with the hem of her sleeve as she tried to gather her thoughts.

"Jay," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "last night… I don't think I would've stopped you."

His smile faltered, his eyes widening slightly as her words sank in. "You wouldn't have?"

She shook her head, her cheeks burning as she looked away. "No. And that's kind of terrifying too."

"Well,I don't hear any phone ringing now…"He says smiling,eyes mischievously looking around her living room.

She couldn't look away from him, her pulse quickening under his steady gaze. There was something in the way he was looking at her, as if she were the only thing that mattered, the only thing he could see. It made her feel exposed, like he could see through all the walls she'd so carefully constructed.

She felt her chest tighten, her throat dry as his words settled over her.

The air between them felt electric, charged with something unspoken but undeniable. Her mind raced, torn between the instinct to protect herself and the overwhelming pull she felt toward him.

Her gaze flicked to his lips for the briefest moment before darting back up to meet his eyes. She could see the flicker of hope there, the restrained desire he wasn't trying very hard to hide. She felt the corners of her mouth twitch into the smallest of smiles, her cheeks flushing despite herself.

"I don't hear anything either," she whispered, the words barely audible, but they were enough.

Jay didn't move right away, his eyes searching hers as if to make sure, one last time, that she truly meant it. The tension between them was almost unbearable, the anticipation thick in the air. His hand lifted slowly, hesitantly, as though he were afraid to break the spell. When his fingers finally brushed against her cheek, her breath caught, the warmth of his touch sending a jolt through her.

His thumb traced along her cheekbone, the gesture impossibly gentle, like he was memorizing the feel of her skin. Erin felt her pulse quicken under his touch, her chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. He leaned in, achingly slow, his movements deliberate, giving her every opportunity to stop him.

But she didn't. She couldn't.

Her hands moved almost instinctively, finding their way to his shoulders, her fingers curling into the soft fabric of his hoodie as if to anchor herself. Her heart pounded in her chest, her mind swimming with the weight of the moment.

When his forehead finally came to rest against hers, his eyes fluttered closed, the closeness between them almost unbearable. His breath mingled with hers, warm and unsteady, as if he were just as affected as she was.

And then, finally, he closed the distance.

The first brush of his lips against hers was soft, tentative, as if he were holding himself back. Erin felt her breath hitch, her entire body leaning into him as her hands slid up to the back of his neck. The kiss was slow, unhurried, like they had all the time in the world to explore the feelings that had been simmering between them for so long.

Jay's hand shifted, his fingers sliding into her hair as he tilted his head, deepening the kiss. There was a sense of reverence in the way he held her, like she was something precious, something he wasn't sure he deserved but couldn't bring himself to let go of.

Time seemed to blur, the outside world fading until there was nothing but the feel of him, the warmth of his touch, the way his lips moved against hers with a mix of restraint and longing that made her head spin.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads still resting together as they tried to steady themselves. Erin's cheeks were flushed, her lips tingling, and she couldn't bring herself to look away from him.

Jay's eyes opened slowly, his gaze meeting hers with a softness that made her chest ache. His lips curved into a small, almost shy smile, the confidence she'd seen earlier now replaced with something more vulnerable,which she found extremly handsome.

"So," he murmured, his voice low and slightly hoarse, "still terrifying?"

Erin laughed softly, the sound breaking through the tension as she shook her head. "A little. But…" She paused, her fingers still brushing against the back of his neck. "I think I can handle it."

Jay grinned at that, the familiar crinkle of his eyes returning as his confidence slowly crept back. "Good," he said, his thumb brushing against her cheek one last time.

Erin smiles, her head leaning into his shoulder now,as she felt a strange feeling in her chest.She hasn't felt that way in a long time,maybe she never did,she realised as his lips pressed a soft kiss onto her forehead.

Erin's breath caught in her throat as the softness of his kiss lingered against her skin. It was a gentle gesture, but it felt profound—like he was offering something unspoken, something deeper than just the moment they were sharing.

She closed her eyes, letting herself melt against him, her head resting on his shoulder. The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, created a sense of calm she hadn't known she needed.

For the first time in a long while, Erin didn't feel the weight of expectations or the pressure of her own carefully constructed walls.

She felt… safe. It was a strange thought, but one that was impossible to ignore. She hadn't known how badly she craved that sense of ease until it was right there, in this moment with him.

Jay's hand shifted slightly, his fingers brushing through her hair with a tenderness that was almost too much to bear. She could feel the slight tremor in his touch, the way he was trying so hard to hold back, to be careful with her—as if he was aware, more than anyone, of how fragile these moments were.

"I've got to be honest here," Jay explain,now looking at her in the eyes. "I've..I got no idea how to do this.You know what they say about me,I don't usually do-whatever this is but..I spent the last three weeks, since I saw you the first time thinking about you."

"I don't know what this is either," Erin whispered, her voice barely audible, as though saying the words aloud made them somehow more real. "But I think I'm okay with it."

Jay's fingers paused for a heartbeat before he spoke again, his voice low and steady. "I think I'm okay with it too."

There was a long pause, the kind where everything that needed to be said was already understood between them, even if it hadn't been fully articulated yet. Erin felt his breath against her forehead, warm and steady, and it comforted her in a way she hadn't expected.

She looked up at him, her gaze steady now, but still soft. "So, what do we do now?" she asked, her voice teasing just a little, though the sincerity was there too.

Jay gave a small, knowing grin, one that made his eyes light up in that way that she was beginning to love. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I guess we can figure it out."

And as Erin's gaze held his, she felt a rush of warmth spread through her. She didn't have all the answers, and neither did he, but for the first time, that didn't scare her. It felt like they were both finally in a place where they didn't have to be perfect, where they didn't have to have it all figured out. They just had to try.

And for once, trying felt like enough.

"I guess that like-right now-we could eat." She joked,the perfume of the takeout making her even more hungry, since the tabloid made her lose all her appetite at lunch.

Jay chuckled at her comment, the sound rich with a mix of amusement and warmth. His smile widened as he shifted slightly, turning toward the takeout boxes still sitting on the coffee table, the delicious smell now drifting through the air in full force.

"Yeah," he agreed, picking up the box closest to him. "I mean, we've been talking about everything but food for what feels like hours. Pretty sure it's time to change that."

Erin laughed softly, feeling the tension of the past few days—weeks, even—start to melt away. It felt easy, comfortable, and she didn't want to overthink it. So, she grabbed the box and tore it open, the tempting aroma hitting her all at once, making her stomach growl in appreciation.

"God, I'm starving," Erin said, a playful edge in her voice as she dug into the meal, finally giving in to the hunger that had been lurking ever since the gala.

Jay raised an eyebrow, eyeing her with a smirk. "You've been too busy to eat, huh?"

"Yeah, well," Erin shrugged, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "Turns out dealing with a tabloid scandal and worrying about whatever this is made food a little less appealing. But now that I've got food in front of me…" She gestured toward the takeout with a dramatic flourish. "I'm ready to make up for lost time."

Jay's grin widened as he dug into his own meal, nodding in mock agreement. "I get it. The whole world on your shoulders thing? Definitely makes it hard to focus on a good meal."

"Exactly," Erin said with a wink, the playful back-and-forth between them lightening the air. It was the kind of easy banter she hadn't realized she missed until now.

As they ate, their conversation shifted to something lighter, more mundane—what happened with his teammates, a funny story from one of her book tours, the endless chaos of their busy lives. But as they laughed together, there was an undeniable undercurrent to it all—a quiet acknowledgment that this wasn't just another casual night. It was something more, something neither of them had expected, but neither of them were ready to let go of.

When the last of the takeout was gone, Jay leaned back against the couch, letting out a contented sigh.

And as they sat there together, surrounded by empty containers and the lingering warmth of their shared meal, Erin realized that for the first time in a long time, she wasn't thinking about what came next. She wasn't planning, wasn't worrying. For once, she was just here, with him. And that was enough.

"I want the story of how you got the idea of using a delivery place jacket to throw the paps off."

Jay grinned, his eyes lighting up with a mix of mischief and embarrassment. He leaned back on the couch, stretching his legs out in front of him as if he were settling in for the tale of a lifetime.

"Well," he started, running a hand through his hair, "I'll admit, I had no plan at first. I just needed to get here without a mob of reporters following me, you know?"

Erin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Uh-huh."

"Yeah, so I figured out pretty quickly.I order the takeout to arrive at my apartment and when the delivery guy saw me,it took an autograph and then his jacket was mine," Jay continued, his hands animated as he spoke. "I've been told I am a genius."

Erin laughed,"That's a creative way,I could put that in one of my books."

Jay nodded dramatically. "I mean, how else was I going to throw them off? Who would expect a famous NFL player to be walking around in one of those neon jackets, carrying pizzas?"

"And that's how you came up with the disguise? I thought you were supposed to be a strategic genius out there on the field," Erin teased, poking his shoulder.

Jay chuckled, shrugging in mock defense. "Hey, I didn't say I was the best at thinking on my feet. But I knew the jacket would confuse them. It was either that or try to walk past the paparazzi in my game jersey, and we both know that would have been a disaster."

Erin let out a snort, covering her mouth with her hand. "Oh my god, Jay. That would've been priceless. So, you really thought no one would recognize you in that get-up?"

Jay leaned in closer, his grin spreading. "Oh, for the small ride I had to do,turns out that a baseball hat and a delivery uniform can be enough." He shrugged nonchalantly.

"And you didn't even think about just… texting me first?" Erin asked, her lips curving upward in amusement.

"Where's the fun in that?" Jay shot back, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. "I figured I'd make an entrance, even if it was a ridiculous one."

Erin couldn't hold back anymore. She burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as the sound filled the room. Jay joined her, his own laughter echoing hers, and for a moment, they both just let the joy of the moment wash over them.

It felt… easy. Like they could just be themselves, laughing over something so absurd without worrying about anything else.

Jay wiped his eyes, still chuckling. "I swear, next time I'm just sending a text."

Erin, still catching her breath, shook her head. "I don't know, Jay. I think the pizza jacket is kind of a look for you."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far," he said, leaning back against the couch again. "But hey, it worked. I got here. And that's all that matters."

For a moment, the laughter faded, and the comfortable silence between them settled in again, but it was different now. It wasn't just about the joke. It was about something more—the shared understanding, the connection that was growing between them.

Erin took a deep breath, her smile still lingering. "I think it's safe to say you've officially broken my expectations."

"Good," Jay said with a wink, a hint of mischief returning to his eyes. "Breaking expectations is kind of my thing."

And as they sat there together, the evening winding down, it was impossible not to feel like this was just the beginning of something new—something real.

Jay turned to Erin, tossing the dish towel aside. "Alright, movie time. What are we watching?"

Erin stretched, leaning back against the couch with a contented sigh. "I'm thinking something easy. You know, nothing too intense."

Jay grinned, leaning over the back of the couch. "That's funny, 'cause I'm thinking something with a lot of explosions and maybe a car chase or two."

She rolled her eyes, though the hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "I dont know why but I felt like I already knew that.."

"What can I say?I'm an open book," he replied with a wink. "But hey, I'll compromise. How about a new action flick? There's this one I've been wanting to watch—decent plot, good stunts."

Erin glanced at the screen, considering it for a moment. "Fine, I'll let you have this one. But if there's too much gunfire, I'm out."

Jay held up his hands in mock surrender. "Deal. No excessive shooting. Promise."

They settled in, the TV lighting up the dark room as the movie began. For a while, they were both caught up in the opening action scenes—fast-paced, full of suspense—but slowly, as the tension in the film started to ebb, the space between them began to shrink. Jay shifted a little closer, his knee brushing hers, and she didn't pull away. Instead, she allowed the closeness, letting herself sink deeper into the comfort of the couch and the warmth of his presence.

It wasn't long before Jay, without really thinking about it, moved his arm over the back of the couch, resting it lightly behind her. Erin, sensing the shift, leaned slightly into him. Her head found its place against his shoulder, her body naturally finding a spot where they fit together.

The movie was still playing, but neither of them was paying much attention anymore. Erin's eyes were heavy, her fingers tracing small patterns against the armrest. Jay's attention had long since moved from the screen to the soft, steady rhythm of Erin's breathing beside him.

Gradually, they both settled deeper into the moment. Erin, feeling the warmth of his side, let her eyelids flutter closed. Jay, feeling her relax against him, let his own exhaustion catch up with him. His hand, which had been resting casually behind her, moved to gently cradle her shoulders, pulling her just a little closer.

Neither of them noticed the transition—how the movie faded into the background, how the gentle rhythm of their breathing became the only sound. Slowly, the world outside them slipped away as they both drifted into a peaceful sleep, unnoticed by the other.

Jay woke with a start, blinking against the dim light of Erin's living room. It took him a moment to gather his bearings, the faint glow of a streetlamp filtering through the curtains casting soft shadows across the room. He tilted his head slightly and caught sight of the clock on the wall—3:13 a.m.

He let out a quiet groan, rubbing a hand over his face. Training was at six, and he still had to get home. But as he shifted, he became acutely aware of the warmth pressed against his side.

Erin.

She was still curled up against him, her head tucked against his chest, her legs tangled with his. One of her hands rested lightly on his stomach, and her breathing was soft and steady. The blanket they'd shared had slipped down to her waist, and Jay carefully adjusted it, his movements slow and deliberate, not wanting to wake her.

He froze for a moment, torn between the need to leave and the undeniable comfort of this—of her. But he knew he couldn't linger, not if he wanted to avoid his coach's wrath for showing up late or looking like he'd just rolled out of bed.

With a quiet sigh, Jay leaned closer to her, his voice soft. "Erin," he murmured, brushing his hand lightly against her arm. "Hey, it's past three in the morning."

She stirred slightly, letting out a small, sleepy hum as her brow furrowed. "Hmm?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

"I've gotta go," he said quietly, his tone apologetic. "I've got training at six."

Erin's eyes blinked open slowly, her gaze hazy and unfocused for a moment. "What?" she asked, her voice still heavy with sleep. "That's… criminal."

Jay chuckled softly, his hand lingering on her arm. "Tell that to my coach," he teased.

She shifted, sitting up slightly and looking at him through half-lidded eyes. "Jay, you're exhausted," she murmured, her voice soft but firm. "You shouldn't drive right now. You'll fall asleep at the wheel."

"I'm fine," he assured her, though even he wasn't convinced by his own words.

Erin shook her head, her hand reaching out to rest lightly on his forearm. "Stay," she said simply, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've got your things in your locker, right? You can go straight to training from here." She quietly laughed,"Maybe without the delivery jacket on."

Jay hesitated, his gaze flicking to hers. "Are you sure? I don't want to—"

"Of course I'm sure," she interrupted, her lips curving into a small smile. "It's late, and you're tired. Just stay."

He stared at her for a moment, the sincerity in her voice cutting through his hesitation. She was right—it wasn't safe to drive like this. And, if he was honest with himself, he didn't want to leave.

"Okay," he said finally, his voice soft. "You win."

Erin gave him a satisfied smile, her head already resting back against the couch. "Good," she murmured, her eyes drifting closed again. "Now get some sleep, quarterback."

Jay chuckled quietly, leaning back into the cushions and pulling the blanket over both of them again. "Alright, alright," he said, his tone warm and teasing. "You're the boss."

Erin's sleepy hum was the only response, her head naturally finding its way back to his chest. Jay wrapped an arm around her, letting his hand rest lightly on her back as he settled in.

For a moment, he closed his eyes, the steady rhythm of her breathing soothing him more than he cared to admit. He'd have to drag himself out of here in a couple of hours, but for now, he let himself enjoy this—the quiet, the closeness, the undeniable warmth of her.

Jay stirred as the faint light of dawn began to filter through the curtains, warming the living room with a soft, golden hue. He blinked groggily, his body heavy with sleep and a lingering sense of contentment. For a moment, he forgot where he was—until he felt a not so familiar weight against him.

He glanced down to find Erin still curled against his side, her head resting on his chest and her hand loosely gripping the fabric of his shirt. Her steady breathing tickled his skin, and the faint scent of her shampoo lingered in the air.

For a moment, he didn't move, letting himself bask in the quiet comfort of the morning. The rest of the world—the training, the team, the pressure—felt miles away.

But the clock on the wall was merciless, and his gaze snapped to it. 5:11 a.m.

He had to be at the training center by six.

Jay shifted slightly, his hand brushing over Erin's back as he whispered her name. "Erin," he said softly, reluctant to disturb her but knowing he had no choice. "Hey, it's almost morning. I've gotta head out."

Erin stirred, her nose scrunching adorably as she mumbled something incoherent against his chest. It took another gentle nudge before her eyes fluttered open, squinting against the faint light.

"What time is it?" she asked groggily, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Just after five," Jay replied, his tone apologetic. "I've got training in less than an hour."

Erin blinked a few times, her gaze finally meeting his. "You stayed," she said, a small, sleepy smile tugging at her lips.

"You told me not to drive," he reminded her with a soft chuckle. "And, well… I wasn't about to argue with you."

Her smile widened slightly as she pushed herself upright, running a hand through her messy hair. "Smart man," she teased, her voice still hushed from sleep. Then her brow furrowed. "Are you sure you'll make it in time? Shouldn't you eat something before you go?"

Jay waved her concern away with a lazy grin. "I'll grab something at the center. I've got clothes in my locker, so I'm good."

Erin stood up, stretching as she shook off the last remnants of sleep. "Alright, but you're cutting it close," she said, glancing at the clock. "You need coffee?"

Jay followed her lead, standing and ruffling his already messy hair. "Nah, I'll be fine," he said, though his grin softened as he added, "Thanks, though."

She walked him to the door, her arms crossed against the morning chill as he grabbed his jacket. "Text me when you get there," she said, her tone casual but laced with quiet concern.

Jay leaned down slightly, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. "I will," he promised, his voice warm. "Thanks for letting me crash here. You were right—I needed it."

Jay hesitated at the door, his hand still on the handle as he turned to look at Erin. The quiet in the apartment was comfortable, but there was something more now—something unspoken between them.

"Even if it's five in the morning," he started, his voice low and sincere, "whatever this is… I want to figure it out." He met her gaze, his expression soft but determined. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll text you."

Erin's eyes softened, a small smile pulling at her lips. "You better."

For a moment, neither of them moved, the silence stretching just long enough for Jay to feel the pull between them.

He stepped closer, his hand gently cupping her cheek. Without thinking, he leaned in, his lips finding hers in a soft, slow kiss.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, both of them still close, both reluctant to break the moment. "Goodnight, Erin. Go back to sleep," he murmured, his voice soft and warm.

Erin's lips curved into a sleepy smile as she whispered back, "Well, good morning to you, Jay." Her hand rested lightly on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

He chuckled, a low, quiet sound that felt like it belonged just to her. "Touché," he said, the corners of his mouth lifting as he reluctantly stepped back.

Jay lingered in the doorway for a beat longer, his eyes meeting hers once more, the warmth of the moment still surrounding them. Then, with a small nod and a faint smile, he turned and stepped out into the early morning air.

As he got into his car, the echo of her smile and the softness of her kiss lingered with him, a quiet reassurance that he'd made the right decision to stay—and to lean into whatever this was between them.

The training facility was already buzzing with activity when Jay arrived at 5:55 a.m., duffel bag slung over his shoulder and a coffee in hand that he'd grabbed on the way.

The fluorescent lights were a sharp contrast to the dim early-morning sky, and the familiar hum of voices, laughter, and equipment filled the air.

"Cutting it close, Halstead," Adam called from across the room, grinning as he tossed a football lazily between his hands. "What, you sleep in or something?"

Jay smirked, rolling his shoulders as he dropped his bag by his usual spot in the locker room. "Something like that," he replied, shaking his head. He didn't offer more, and Adam raised a brow, clearly intrigued, but didn't press—yet.

After a quick change into his training gear, Jay joined the rest of the team on the field. The crisp morning air hit him as he stepped outside, refreshing and sharp against his skin. He tugged his gloves tighter and jogged over to the group already stretching.

"Alright, let's move!" Coach barked, clapping his hands loudly to gather everyone's attention. "We've got a busy day ahead. Warm up first—two laps, dynamic stretches, then into the drills."

Jay fell into step beside Atwater, who gave him a knowing side-eye. "You look… I don't know, different today," Kevin said, his tone teasing but curious.

Jay shot him a sidelong glance, lips twitching into a grin. "I'm fine," he said simply, picking up his pace slightly to avoid further questioning.

The team jogged around the field, their breaths visible in the cool morning air. By the time they finished the laps and moved into stretches, Jay's muscles were starting to loosen, and the lingering sleepiness from his early morning wake-up was gone.

As they lined up for the next drill—a series of quick sprints and footwork exercises—Adam sidled up to him again. "So," he started, his grin sly, "you going to tell me why you were almost late, or should I just assume it was a 'late-night meeting'?"

Jay snorted, shaking his head as he positioned himself for the sprint. "You've got an overactive imagination, Ruzek."

Adam didn't press further, but his smirk said he wasn't buying Jay's deflection.

The whistle blew, and Jay launched into the sprint, his focus narrowing. Each stride felt steady and strong, his mind and body in sync. The drills were repetitive but necessary, sharpening their reflexes and conditioning their endurance.

Despite the intensity, Jay found himself in a surprisingly good mood. Thoughts of Erin lingered at the edges of his mind, the memory of her sleepy smile and the warmth of her touch giving him an extra boost as the morning wore on.

By the time they moved into team formations and play strategies, Jay was fully in the zone, his focus sharp and his movements fluid.

Whatever the day threw at him, he was ready for it—because somehow, he knew he'd end it with a text to Erin, just like he'd promised.