Page 40 of Worth the Risk
“You’ll all I see. You’re all I’ve been able to think about since I got back to town. I’m in this, Winnie.” Hearing that is simultaneously what I want to hear and also scares the shit out of me. I want to tell him I’m in this, too. I’m just scared that I’ll lose so many people if he outgrows me. I go with complete honesty instead.
“I…I’m not sure I can be everything you want, Rhett. I have issues. I’m going to mess things up at some point.” He cocks his head and studies me, then bends to the floor in front of me. I fight my flush but it’s useless. He takes my hands in his and starts playing with my fingers as he speaks.
“You are exactly what I want and everything I’ve been missing in these years I’ve spent without you.” I guess blushing is just top priority tonight.
“I’ve really missed you, Rhett. I want to give this a real try.” He smirks.
“Did you think I was going to give you choice in the matter?” Laughter shakes loose from my chest.
“I didn’t have a choice either way.” His smirk softens to a shy smile. I love this look on him. He leans up and catches my mouth with his, ending our kiss too briefly for me. After he sits back at his chair, we eat the very thoughtful meal he brought over. I laugh and feel myself get even more wrapped up in him and that dimple.
I go to bed thinking about him. About how much I want to be with him. He asked me to go on a hike with him this week. I don’t really have the time…or the coordination, but I said yes. There’s not much I can do when he says please and flashes the grin that makes his dimple pop. Yes, I want Rhett. Badly. I’m just left with the question that it always seems to come back to. Will this be worth the risk in the end?
I’m getting my gym bag ready for practice and smiling about seeing Winnie later today. Two weeks ago I kissed her and told her I wanted to be together. We’ve spent almost every night together since. I’m looking around my bathroom at various hair scrunchies and clips, smiling. I love having little things of hers here, in my space. I know it’s only been two weeks but she still hasn’t told her brother and I’m starting to feel guilty about hiding it from him. I had to make up an excuse last week when he asked to go rafting because I had already made plans with Winnie. I would bring it up to her later and see where her head was at. I want this out in the open. I want to kiss her in the middle of town and hold her hand walking into my parents house.
Getting onto the ice is feeling better since my first skate a few weeks ago. My knee is still bothering me, but it’s much more manageable. I’m here a little early to warm up. We have our firstgame in a month and we’re looking good. I’m really proud of this team.
“Hey, Coach!” I look up from our schedule to see my goalie walking in.
“Bruner. How’s it going?” His answering smile is so cocky it makes me start shaking my head already.
“I’m me, coach.” Both his hands point at his chest. “It’s always good when you’re me.” I should probably put him in his place but he needs this attitude in the long run. A goalies ego needs to be huge if they’re going to keep that puck out of the net.
“Let’s get you out on the ice then and see if your answer changes.”
“You got it, coach!” My other players start making their way into the arena then. I’m excited to get them all out here and see how our progress is coming along. There’s been a little pressure put on me, coming off a professional hockey career. There’s been plenty of support, too. This town is just itching for a win and I want to make sure they get it.
We have about 10 minutes left of a decently grueling drill I’m having them work through when one of my wingers lets out a low whistle. I give him a look, follow his line of sight and then blow my whistle.
“You all can hit the showers! I’ll see you next week, we have five more practices until our first game, let’s make sure we’re giving them all we’ve got.”
“Yes, coach!” They say as a group. When I turn back around she’s leaning against the half wall smiling at me.
“Hey, coach,” she calls in a voice that can only be described as seductive. I grin. I think she knows how much I like that. I skate over to her full tilt, sending ice flying when I stop.
“Ms.Parker, it’s always a pleasant surprise to see you, but what are you doing here?”
“I was dropping off some pastries and coffee for the teachers and thought I would come see your coaching abilities in action. It did not disappoint, Coach Holloway. You’re pretty good at this.” My chest warms at her compliment.
“Thank you. High praise coming from you.” She tilts her head and looks innocent.
“Is that something you’re into?” This woman is gonna give me a heart attack.
“I’m into pretty much anything if it involves you, darlin’.” She smiles widely and leans further over the wall.
“I can’t wait to hear more.”
“I’m all too willing to spill the details.” I say as I wrap my arms around her waist and lift her up. She lets out a surprised laugh and then settles her legs around my waist.
“Do not drop me, Rhett.”
“Never, darlin’.” She kisses my cheek and I skate us to the other end of the rink and sit her on the edge of the bench so I can take my skates off.
“Let me change really quick and we can get out of here.”
“Sounds good, coach.” I shoot her a look that hopefully conveys the depth of my feeling.
“Knock it off or we’re only going to make it to my office.” She blushes but then her sweet honey eyes take on a very flirty glint then sighs.
