Page 92 of Unrivaled Love
“Hamilton.”
“Yes?”
“I don’t give a fuck who you’re dating as long as it doesn’t impact your game in a negative way.”
“Got it.”
“See you August first.”
“Bye, Coach.”
That was…not helpful. But I guess it’s good to know Coach McEmbry doesn’t care about my personal life.
“Jo?” Bryson calls as he rounds the corner. “Why’d you run away?”
“I wanted to call Coach and tell him about,” I gesture vaguely between and around us, “whatever, so he didn’t learn about it on the news.”
“Your coach cares about who you date?”
There’s that word again. Why is this surprising me? I can’t be casual with Bryson so dating is the next logical step. But also, am I ready for a relationship? Can I fit one into my life?
“Well, no, he told me he absolutely doesn’t but with the suspension I didn’t want him thinking I wasn’t taking it seriously or something.”
“You’re one of the most dedicated people I know Josie, there’s no way he’d think you weren’t taking your suspension seriously.”
“Yeah.”
“And,” he brushes his knuckles along my cheek. “Wasn’t the point to get away and relax for a bit?”
“Yeah, it was.”
“All I want to do is go back to Telluride and read with you or splash around in the lake.” He says quietly. We take a breath together and he brings his forehead to mine. “I hate the crowd waiting out there. They only want to see me because I’ve won.”
“Bryson, you know that’s not true.”
“Maybe, but you hate me a little bit for being a winner and that makes me want you more.”
“Are you into light degradation, Bryson Svoboda?” I ask as I sink my fingernails into the skin on the back of his arm.
He hisses. “Maybe I am.”
“That’s good to know.” I press a quick kiss to his lips. “But, I have a question.”
“Fire away, Killer.”
“Are we dating?”
“Fuck yes.”
I laugh. “Really?” How can he be so sure of this? Of us?
Bryson leans back to look me in the eyes. “You thought we weren’t?”
“Well, no, I just, I didn’t know.”
“Jo, I want to be your boyfriend. I want to be more but we’re going to start there. I don’t want you to give up your career for me just like you don't want me to give up mine for you. This is going to be tough, dating long distance, but I’m all in. You’re it for me.”
“Okay.” I agree and bite back my smile. This shouldn't be so easy. It shouldn’t feel so right. It’s brand new, like days old. But, I can’t deny I’m dying to study our schedules to find times to get together.
