The Player by S.J. Ransom

Julie Bright has been in love with Aaron Johanssen since they were teenagers, but he has never felt the same. At least that is how Julie sees it. She thought she had moved on, until fate brings him back home and they are forced to live under the same roof. The mere presence of Aaron reignites a spark in Julie’s heart, a spark she thought had long been extinguished.
Aaron, a star N.F.L. player, returns home due to an injury, feeling out of place and uncertain about his future. Despite his success, he harbors deep insecurities about his worthiness for Julie, his best friend and true love. Determined to win her over, Aaron is willing to risk it all to show Julie that they are meant to be together.
As they navigate their complicated feelings for each other, Julie and Aaron must confront their pasts and insecurities to find a way to be together. Will their love be enough to overcome the obstacles standing in their way, or will they be forced to accept that some loves are not meant to be?

Please note this book was previously in an anthology and has been fully reworked and added to. It has gone from 17K words to a full length novel.