Page 80 of Hung Up
“Me neither,” I agree, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “But I think I’d do it again. We should probably give this place a five-star rating on Google now or something.”
This time, his laugh echoes throughout the alleyway. “Five stars: would fuck here again.”
“I think that’d be the quickest way to lose your review privileges.”
“Worth it.”
30JESSE
NAMPA
Doctor Hayes, reporting for duty
Sweetheart
Unfortunately I’ve come down with a cold so I won’t be there today.
Good luck, Pretty Boy. I’ll be watching.
I swungby her room before I left for the arena, but she didn’t answer. I’m hoping that means she was taking a nap and not that she’s lying to me. I truthfully couldn’t tell you why that thought even crossed my mind. Maybe it’s my worry manifesting into fear, who knows? But it takes a lot of effort for me to hone in and focus on my ride.
It’s a fairly simple ride, not one of much note, but it helps me clinch third and put me right back to where I was before I ended up almost flushing my season down the drain. That knowledge brings a flood of relief rushing through me, knowing there’s only tomorrow’s ride and next weekend before the finals.
But while that knowledge brings me a sense of calm, realizing just how little time I have left with Faith sends me spiraling. Andthe worst part is, I know I sound like a broken record—I just can’t help it. She’s burrowed herself under my skin and wrapped herself around my heart, and it’s going to feel like barbed wire tearing through my skin when I have to say goodbye.
Inviting her to the ranch might have been a mistake, because I saw her everywhere I went when I was at home. I saw her sitting at the kitchen island laughing as I danced around the kitchen and made her dinner. I saw her curled up on the couch with her head in my lap as we watched a movie. I saw her in my bathroom brushing her teeth next to me at the sink, making funny faces at me in the mirror. I heard her giggle echoing through the house and soft whispers in the early morning. I felt her hands in my hair and rubbing my shoulders. Her smell clung to my sheets and lingered on my clothes.
She was everywhere. And I fear there’s no getting rid of her.
My mother had asked me if I’d made any headway, and I was honest when I told her that I had no idea. The only thing I know is I have twelve days remaining to make her see what I see, to believe what I believe.
We’re meant to be together.
I’m stepping out of the locker room just as Rylie walks by. I call her name and jog after her, stopping in front of her to block her path. She raises a brow, resting a hand on her hips.
“Don’t you know it’s rude to stand in a lady’s way?”
“What kind of food does Faith like to eat when she’s sick?”
Rylie’s eyes widen slightly before the corners of her lips tip upward. “She’s a noodle soup and crackers kind of girl, pretty basic. Still trying to win her over, huh?”
“Unfortunately,” I grumble, rubbing my beard before I sigh. “Any words of advice? I’m kind of running out of time.”
“Even though she couldn’t tell me how she feels, it’s blatantly obvious.” I perk up a little at that.So I was right. “All I can tell you is this is something she needs to acknowledge on her own.I know doing nothing is probably the hardest thing you can do, but if you push her too hard, every step forward you’ve taken will vanish. I’m sorry I don’t have better advice, but for what it’s worth, I’m rooting for you.”
My eyebrows lift. “Really?”
“Of course.” She nods, a sad look seeping into her expression. “You’ve brought out a side of her I haven’t seen in a very long time. I think you’re exactly the kind of man that she needs and the one she deserves. And I think you need her, too.”
“Thank you.” It comes out strained against my attempts not to sound choked up. Rylie takes a step forward and pushes herself up on the balls of her feet, throwing her arms around my shoulders.
“Hang in there,” she whispers into my ear, giving me a gentle pat on the back. “I promise she’s worth it.”
When we part, she winks before she walks off, heading toward the stands. I pull out my phone and search for the nearest shop or restaurant that has soup, heading out of the arena and toward my rental car. It’s time to surprise her with something I know she’s never had before.
I’m knocking on her door an hour later, a picnic basket hanging off one arm, a blanket off the other, and a bouquet of sunflowers in my hand. I can hear movement on the other side of the door, and a smile instantly plants itself on my face as she opens the door, her eyes wide in surprise as she takes in what I’ve brought with me.
“Doctor Hayes, reporting for duty,” I say, winking as I tip my chin slightly. “I hope a hotel picnic isn’t too cheesy.”
