Page 41 of (La)Crosse My Heart

He'd been so cute with the kids today. And while I should guard my heart, it’s pretty hard to keep anything intact after seeing how cute he was, especially when explaining the littlethings. He's so dynamic and excited about the sport that the kids absolutely loved it.

"I just wanted to check in and see how things were with you. Thank you for those posters. I can't imagine all you had to do to make them look like that. And the kids thought it was the greatest."

"I was talking to Coach Martin last night and came up with the idea. I'm glad it worked out."

"Do you need anything?" Clark asks, and I glance around.

"I don't think so. What about you? Is there anything you need from me?"

He grins and shakes his head. "No. I don't think so."

"You did amazing on that one question interview I gave you today." I reach out and pat his bicep but realize too late that that was a bad idea. A terrible idea. The guy is strong, and I don't need any help to sway my feelings to him right now.

He laughs, lifting his hand to rub his neck. When he looks at me, his face is flushed. "Well, I had to follow the example of that one little boy you interviewed."

"He was pretty great, huh?"

Clark nods and turns to look at the TV screen. I'd paused it when he knocked on the door.

"Are you watching the detective show?"

"Yes, I love it. Well, I already told you about it." Why is the panic rising inside me?

"Do you mind if I cash in that rain check?" he asks.

I’m stunned that he’s actually wanting to learn more about something I like. Is this just another trauma I have from Dan’s lack of interest in anything I cared about?

"Absolutely. I make no promises that I'll be awake by the end of it though."

He laughs and nods. "I get that. I might fall asleep, too. It was a long day."

We take a seat on the couch, and I throw him a small blanket from the basket next to it. It's nice having my stuff here, even if the place isn't completely decorated yet. I might as well secure my position for SMG before I get too settled.

The couch is a lot smaller than I thought it was before, but that's what happens when it's holding more than just me.

We're basically right next to each other, and my skin is burning. In a good way, I guess? I'm not sure right now. My brain is all muddled.

"Are you good?" Clark asks, sitting so close I'm constantly glancing down at his lips. They look very kissable right now.

"Yep," I say, my voice squeaking. What is my problem? I’m closer to thirty than twenty. I shouldn’t be freaking out like this. "Do you need, uh, a drink or something?"

He has a somber look on his face, like he's trying to decide something, and then he says, "No, I think I'm good for now."

Why does it feel like my nervous system has rioted and now I'm not sure how to react? This has never happened before, even with Dan.

Am I spending too much time with Clark?

I focus on the TV, trying to mentally recite all the lines, but I’m highly aware of Clark next to me. How in the blazes do I get myself into these situations?

Okay, this isn't a common occurrence, so I can't even complain.

"What you did for the kids today, it was something special," Clark says, his words silky like milk chocolate.

"Thanks. You did most of the work."

“Who figured out when we were supposed to be there? That we’d have to come up with a game plan? That was all you.”

I nod, still feeling unsettled about something. As much as I love working with Clark, do I love the stress of the unknown on a daily basis?

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