Page 51 of The Way We Collide

Wrinkling my nose, I don’t want to tell him she’s been makingba-baandga-ganoises for a few weeks now.

“Maybe?” I shrug.

It’s hard to know if she connectsba-bawith bath, but I’ll let him have it. We walk back to my bathroom, and I stand back, watching as he takes over like a pro.

He starts the water and tests it to be sure it’s not too warm. Then he puts her in her little foam chair and even manages to wash and rinse her hair while she happily chews on a yellow duckie and slaps the water.

I walk him through putting her diaper on, and she’s bundled and in her PJs when I meet him in the small movie theater with Chinese takeout and a bottle of formula.

Tonight, I’m introducing him to the world ofForrest Gump.

“You’ll like this one.” I pass him his Postmates dinner. “The main character’s from south Alabama.”

The show starts, and I take the first round, holding Haddy and giving her a bottle while he eats. She’s mesmerized watching the feather floating through the sky as gentle music plays. Her eyes blink slower, and I expect it won’t be long before she’s asleep.

“That’s not a bad accent he’s doing.”

“I listened to this whole interview where Tom Hanks talked about traveling to the area and learning the dialect.”

The movie continues, and when he finishes eating, Hendrix reaches over and takes his daughter from my arms. She snuggles into his side like it’s our new routine, and she falls asleep quickly.

Hendrix doesn’t, which I take as a win, considering how intense he says training camp is. We get to the part where Forrest meets Jenny, and he leans closer, speaking quietly.

“Set this in high school, and that’s Garrett and Liv.”

Chewing my lip, I nod, smiling. I study his handsome profile, his square jaw and full lips, and I think about my conversation with Ameila. I decide to meet this hurricane head-on, Jim-Cantore style.

Leaning closer, I speak just above a whisper. “My sister said something to me earlier, when we were talking…” He blinks those sexy blue eyes at me, and I swallow air. “We’re in this for three months. That’s a long time for no… you know.”

I shrug, waving my hand side to side.

His brows furrow, and an amused grin curls his lips. “Are you referring to sex, Raven?”

“I’m just saying, we agreed we wouldn’t blur the lines, but I don’t expect you to go that long without…doing it.” A pit is in my stomach, but I clear my throat, forcing it out. “If you need to date someone or you know… whatever, I’ll understand.”

“You will?” It’s less a question and more an impliedI don’t believe that for one second.

“I asked you for this enormous favor. I’m well aware how wrong it would be for me to expect you to live like a monk the entire time.”

His face turns serious, and he looks down at sleeping Haddy. “If I go out with someone, it’ll be all over the gossip sites. Then it could get back to your father, and then he’d be out here ready to kick my ass—and rightfully so. It might even jeopardize our plan.”

“I’m sure you could keep it quiet.”

“Photographers are everywhere.” Shaking his head, hesettles back in his seat. “If we’re doing this, I think it’s best not to take any chances.”

“Can you go that long?” My nose wrinkles, and I don’t even consider if I can go that long.

I can. I’m strong.

He shrugs. “I’m not interested in dating anyone. I’ll double-down and focus on the game.”

“Okay.” I don’t know why I hold out my hand to shake. “Don’t go falling in love with me now, Forrest.”

A laugh huffs through his lips, and he shakes my hand. “Don’t fall in love with me, Jen-nay.”

“I won’t.” My laugh is completely unconvincing as I sit back in my chair.

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