Page 39 of Hard To Leave

He hooked his arm around the back of his seat. “So how does this whole relationship work? I mean, you guys can only see other once or twice a month, right?”

That’s the part I hated. Sometimes talking to her on the phone made it worse. And, don’t even get me started on our Skype sessions. My dick got hard as soon as her beautiful face popped up on the screen and there was little she could do to help me out. If anything, this long-distance shit made me crave her even more. It was like a drug; one hit and you’re ready to sell your soul for just one more taste.

A loud cheer exploded from the table of Caden’s teammates as their rival team lost a semi-playoff game in a shootout, disrupting my thoughts. “The long-distance sucks, but it’s still new. So, who knows how this will all turn out?”

I hated the thought of things not working out. The fact that I was sitting here uninterested with women practically throwing their tits in my face should’ve told me something.

“Cayjay, are you going to get your ugly ass over here or what?” My cousin’s teammates called out to him from the other table as they lined up the shot glasses filled with tequila.

“You go ahead, I’m going to call it a night. I’ve got an early morning ahead of me.”

He looked unsure at first, but then his gaze landed on the redhead who had been eye fucking him from across the room all night long. Standing, he smirked. “All right, don’t wait up.” And then he was off.

Once back at my apartment, I settled into my bed and held the phone to my chest. Looking at the time, I debated whether or not I should call her. It was after midnight, and she was probably sound asleep. I turned on my side and rested my head on the pillow. There was no way I was going to relax until I heard her voice—even if it was only for a minute. I picked up my phone, scrolled through my contacts, and hit send. Chloe picked up on the second ring. “Jack?”

I smiled at the sound of her sleepy voice. “Hey, sorry to wake you. I just wanted to hear your voice.”

I could hear her rustling around in bed, and I really wished she were here beside me. This place was too quiet, too empty. I wanted nothing more than to see her, to touch her, to just be next to her. God, what the hell was she doing to me? Never has a woman consumed my thoughts like this.

“I’m glad you called. What time is it?”

I leaned back and rested my head against the headboard. “A little after midnight.”

“How was the game?”

“They won, then we went out for a few drinks after. I actually just got home.”

“It’s an early night for you New Yorkers, isn’t it?”

I laughed into the phone. “It is for this New Yorker. I left Caden at the bar. I must be getting old.”

I could almost see her smile. “That’s okay. I like my men a little seasoned with more experience. Being a young jock is so overrated.”

I fluffed my pillow behind my head. I was missing this girl something fierce. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it until next weekend. “I think you’ve ruined me.”

“How so?” she asked gently, almost like she finally understood the effect she had on me.

“I don’t enjoy going out like I used to. The thrill is gone for me.”

It was true. I had no idea what I was doing half the time. Lately, though, the things that I used to enjoy no longer interested me. The only place I wanted to be was with her. I’ve only known her for such a short time, but she seemed to be the only thing in my life that felt right.

“I’m sorry you didn’t have fun tonight. Was it just you and Caden or did you guys have company like the last time I saw the two of you out?”

She was referring to that night I went out with my cousin and got forced into a double date. Seeing her that night fucked with my head because the whole time I was at the table with my date, I wanted to be at the bar with her. Later, when I wheeled the girl home to my bed, it was Chloe’s face I saw. Even then, I knew I had to have her, and now that I did, I knew enough to appreciate what I had. When you’ve already got the real thing, it didn’t make sense to settle for a cheap imitation.

“It was just us and a few of his teammates. And, don’t worry, I made sure to let all the women know that I wasn’t available.”

“All the women, huh?”

I smiled. She was toying with me, but I could tell she liked my answer. “Yup, hundreds. That’s why I’m home early. It was exhausting having to beat them off me with a stick all night.”

She was quiet, and my smile faltered, wondering if I said the wrong thing. “Hey, you still there?”

“I’m here.” I pinched my eyebrows together. She didn’t sound too happy. “I just wish you were here with me.”

“Me too, baby. If I could be there with you right now, I would. There is no other place on this planet I’d rather be.” I’ve never been so miserable and so damned happy at the same time. This long-distance shit was killing me. Every day that passed where I didn’t see her just got harder and harder.

“I want you to meet Tanner,” she said, completely catching me off guard.

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