Love on the Block

By: Emily Rex

One season. One house. Two people trying not to admit they’ve already crossed the line.

Nash

For the first time in five years, I’m back in the States–home to play in the first professional women’s volleyball league the U.S. has seen in decades.

This season isn’t a dream. It’s a verdict.

If the league fails, I retire. No do-overs.

Living with my best friend was part of the plan. We’ve known each other forever. But we don’t talk about the goodbye kiss we shared the night before I left for Rome. And now I’m back, sleeping down the hall from the man I’ve been in love with for years.

But there’s no room for romance when my career is on the line. I can’t afford distractions—no matter how much I want him.

Wyatt

The woman I love is finally moving back home and offering her a room is easy. Pretending I don’t want more is not.

When she needs my help and proposes fake dating, saying yes feels inevitable. Acting isn’t hard when the feelings are real. When they always have been.

My contract is uncertain. My future isn’t guaranteed.

And the one thing I’ve always been sure about is suddenly standing right in front of me.