Page 104 of If You Love Me

I know. I’m just impatient. And on nights like tonight, I’d rather be curled up on the couch with you in my arms than sitting alone in my living room.

I long for the comfort of his closeness, and our easy conversations.

Lexi

I would tell you to come over, but I worry that one of us will break.

Roman

I know I would.

My heart aches at his raw honesty. And truthfully, I doubt I have the strength to say no to him if he showed up at my door tonight.

Roman

When the season is over, I’m taking you away again, but this time it will be for more than a night.

Lexi

Somewhere private again.

Roman

Middle of nowhere. Just the two of us.

Pretending he’s just a player and I’m just a coach is breaking me down. If I have something to hold on to, even if it’s still weeks away, then maybe it will get easier.

Lexi

I miss you.

Roman

I miss you, too.

Stay strong for me, angel.

CHAPTER 31

ROMAN

“Do you think it looks good? Do you think she’ll like the cake?” Tristan’s hands are on his hips and he’s wearing his customary scowl. He’s standing in front of a table set up just inside the rink, surrounded by decorations. The whole room has been transformed.

“It’s a pretty kick-ass cake,” Nate assures him.

Tristan ignores his brother. “Roman, what do you think?”

I clap him on the shoulder. “It looks awesome. She’s going to love it.”

“Should we check with Coach Forrester?”

“Bro, chill out. It’s not like you’re going to have another one made between now and when everyone starts showing up. The cake is a masterpiece.” Nate doesn’t seem the least bit fazed by Tristan and his mild freak-out.

“It’s exceptionally cool,” I add. And it is. The cake is shaped like a hockey rink, and it boasts an entirely edible net and a miniature sculpture of Callie in her goalie gear that she can take home.

“Do you think the balloon arch is big enough?”

“Yeah, dude. The arch is big enough.” Nate rolls his eyes.

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