Page 28 of North

I pull back, panic creeping in. “I can’t do that.”

“Why?” he pushes, not harshly but with the conviction that he’s right, and I’m wrong.

“Because I can’t,” I snap defensively.

“You can if you want to,” he counters, his voice calm but insistent.

“I don’t want to,” I say, enunciating my words slowly.

“But why?” he repeats, unwilling to let me off easy. His head is tilted in genuine curiosity. “Tell me what’s holding you back.”

I shake my head, eyes resolutely holding his so he understands how firm I am in my convictions. “It’s something that happened a long time ago.”

North doesn’t reply. Just waits.

“It doesn’t matter what happened,” I say before he can try to push me for details. “What matters is that the woman I am today doesn’t trust in commitment and that’s not going to change.”

“But what is your definition of commitment? I’m just asking we openly date. I’m not asking you to move in, get married or have my kids. I’m just asking for something more normal than hiding in the shadows.”

“I get that,” I say, blowing out a frustrated breath. “But taking this to the next level will eventually lead to higher levels. And you’re going to want more than I can give, and when you push for it, I’ll run.”

His brow furrows. “You’ll run?”

I look around, searching for the right words to make him understand. My thoughts are disjointed and it makes me feel stupid. That, in turn, makes me feel desperate for understanding.

“Every time someone gets close, I bail. My parents and brother say I’m free-spirited because I do things on a whim, but the truth is, I’m running from commitment. And that’s more than I’ve ever admitted to anyone so you should be grateful for that level of explanation.”

North reaches for me, his hand touching my arm, his thumb stroking lightly. “You don’t have to run from me. We’ll take it slow. If you get scared, you can pull back. I’ll wait.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I hate howmuch I want to believe him. “What if I hurt you?”

He smiles faintly, his hand finding mine. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

I stare at him, my heart warring with my head. I feel like I’m standing on a precipice, ready to topple at any moment. “Is this a deal breaker?”

“No,” he says firmly, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “But I’m not going to stop trying to change your mind.”

I manage a smile. “That’s fair. As long as you’re okay with me continuing to deny you.”

North offers a sly smile, his hand going behind my neck. He drags me toward him slowly. “I know one thing you won’t deny me.”

My blood instantly heats at the innuendo and promise in his voice. “What’s that?” I whisper. He pulls me closer, his mouth inches away.

“Your body,” he says simply, then feathers his lips over mine. “Isn’t that right?”

“Yes,” I manage to rasp just before he consumes me with a blistering kiss.

He’s right. I’ll never deny him this.

CHAPTER 11

North

We’re at Mario’s,once again. The place is packed tonight with the regular mix of Titans fans celebrating our win and regulars who couldn’t care less about hockey. I’m crammed at a high-top table with King and Willa and Foster and Mazzy, their easy banter keeping the energy light. A handful of the single guys are here but most of the couples didn’t come, presumably because we just came off a road trip and they want to spend some time alone.

We’re waiting on Rafferty and Tempe. I find myself glancing toward the door, not really looking for them but wondering if Farren will show up. She was at the game, sitting with the other wives and girlfriends, but she hadn’t said a word about coming here afterward. Our communication outside of the bedroom is hit or miss.

Sometimes we have a long-winded banter going back and forth while other times, we have deeper conversations. All via text and not talking on the phone but both of us are comfortable with that.

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