Page 75 of Love in Pieces

My heart begs for him to find me in the bleachers. To share a moment of peace even this far away from each other. I want him to look at me so I can give him some reassurance, so he knows I won’t stay mad at him forever. But he never does.

Not until after the final play.

All of Oxly goes crazy, running onto the field in hoards to congratulate the team on their win. A small smile rests on his face as he looks around. Rose and I slowly wander down, avoiding the large crowd. We stand by the open gate. I lean on the chain link fence as Dallas hugs Logan and a few other players. When he turns, he finds me. Our eyes meet and a swift calm wave washes over me. This. That look. That’s what I need. His features fall flat enough that most people would think there’s no emotion there, but I can see it. Relief. Pleading eagerness. Pain. And ... remorse.

Rose doesn’t move as I take a few steps forward. Dallas jogs to me, wrapping his arms around my waist, and picking me up to swing me in circles. This is the relief. His touch. The whole world is melting around us. After nothing for two days, I can’t get enough of him. His breath on my neck sends a shiver down my spine, settling at its base.

I almost want to whimper when he sets me down, but both hands tangle in my hair as he presses his lips to mine. They’re hard, yet tender. Greedy, yet generous. This is the eagerness. He wants more. I want more.

After a few hard kisses, he pulls back, looking between my eyes. I could get lost in those eyes. I’m sure I have before, and it won't be the last time. He places a long delicate kiss on my forehead. Remorse. And pain.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispers, pulling me into a tight hug.

“I know. I’m sorry, too,” I whisper back. He squeezes a little tighter in acknowledgment.

We pull away as the large crowd moves past us, pulling us out of our own little world.

Rose walks toward us. “Congrats, Dal,” she says, pulling him into a hug. “I’m glad to see you two made up.” A cheeky smile fills her face.

I take his hand in mine. “Oh, we’ve still got a lot to talk about. He’s not getting off that easily.”

Dallas smirks, then winks. “Try me.”

“Okay, ew. I’m right here.” Rose throws both hands up before quickly turning away.

We both laugh. “I’ll see you at home?” Dallas asks, pausing in front of the locker room door. I nod and give him a peck on the lips. He smiles before disappearing through the door.

***

“So,” Rose starts, asshe’s packing her overnight bag, “you two good now?”

I sigh, but I’m smiling. I look down at my hands, my voice quiet, “Like I said, we need to talk about ... everything before I’m ready to commit fully.” I sit crisscross on the couch, watching her fold a pink tank top into her bag.

“But?” She looks up from her clothes for a moment. I twist my brows together. “Oh, don’t give me that. I could hear the but coming from a mile away.”

“But,” I try to continue, debating on how honest to be. What do I have to lose? “I think this is the sappiest thing I’ll ever say, but I don’t know how to live without him.”

Rose raises both brows, completely halting all movement. A smile creeps up her face, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Ooooh, you like him,” she teases, poking my leg. She gasps, “Dare I say,lovehim?”

I flinch away but can’t help my laughter. Because it’s true. I do like him. Maybe I love him. I don’t know yet. It’s still early. But time will tell. And so will this pending conversation.

The boys burst through the door, their voices carrying loudly through the apartment.

“And did you see the way that guy smashed it into right field? I don’t think I’ve ever seen Connor run that fast before.” Logan laughs, closing the door a little too hard.

“No kidding. I can’t believe he caught it, though.”

Dallas drops his keys and phone on the counter before swiftly moving to his room to drop his bag. When he comes back out, he plants himself next to me on the couch. He rests his arm on the back of the couch, so I shift my weight to lean into him.

Rose smiles from where she sits on the floor, placing the last few items into her bag. “I’m not going to ask what last night was about, at least not yet,” she says, looking to Dallas with a provisional look in her eye, “but I am glad to see you two happy again. So now, I take my leave.” She stands, giving a mock bow before heaving her bag over her shoulder. “Love you,” she says to Dallas, bending to hug him from the couch.

“Love you, too. Thanks for coming over on such short notice ... and for not questioning it too much. I promise I’ll explain everything at some point.”

“Oh, you absolutely will. And give Mom a call. She misses you.” She smiles before heading out the door.

Dallas takes a long deep breath, tipping his head against the back of the couch. I adjust my head to rest in the soft spot of his shoulder. Silence fills the room for a few minutes.

I’m not ready for the quiet to end when Dallas pipes up. “So, I need to apologize.” He sits up, resting his elbows on his knees.

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