Page 132 of Nodus Tollens
“I’ll leave with every moment of us etched onto my soul.”
I couldn’t handle this girl. This beautiful, amazing, brave girl had come into my life and changed everything for the better. I needed her closer. I needed to show her how much she meant to me.
* * *
We spent the next few hours tangled up in each other, whispering sweet nothings and talking about her favorite book. It had only felt like ten minutes had passed, but when the time came to say goodbye, I struggled to find the words.
“I’ll be cheering you on in my room tonight with Kate.” She grinned as she rose onto her toes and teased me with a kiss.
“Will you be wearin’ my jersey, too?”
Her smile widened.
“Whose else would I wear?”
Laughing, I brought her in close and spanked her softly in warning.
“No one else’s because you’re my girl, and you’re only allowed to wear my number on your back.” I peered down into her eyes with possession laced in my gaze. The thought made me crazy with jealousy, but I knew she wouldn’t do anything like that.
“Just yours.” She confirmed as she lifted onto her toes and pressed a small kiss on my mouth. “Will you text me or call sometime after your game?”
“I’ll call you, Blue. And I’ll tell you how much I fucking miss you.”
I tightened my arm around her, not wanting to let her go.
“Good.” Her smile was blinding, and I found myself completely lost in it.
In her raw, natural beauty. I couldn’t look away.
“I love you, Blue. So much.” I said while needing her lips back on mine once more, and the second they connected, I melted. Her mouth was made for mine, all soft and silky with the perfect taste.
“I love you too.” She sighed when we finally pulled away with our foreheads now touching. “Have a good game.”
And then, with one final kiss and one final hug, I looked at my beautiful girl one last time. I soaked her in like it could be my last. Running my stare along every part of her, I found myself captured in those ocean-blue eyes.
It was too easy to drown myself in the blue of her eyes. I knew I needed to go before I found myself even more lost.
“I’ll call you.”
I promised. Then, reaching for the hair that had fallen too close to her eye, I brushed back the strands behind her ear. Her adorable ears that I wanted to look at all day.
“And I’ll always answer.”
Then, with a smile, I left.
29
HAYES
Shouts of celebration filled the locker room as the whole team stumbled inside. Since losing our last game, this was a much-needed lift for the guys. Even Mal had a grin on his face as he came up beside me and slapped me on the shoulder. It was nice to see him happy and enjoying the win. Even I found the satisfaction in finally winning and joined in on the cheering.
Just watching them all with huge smiles across their faces was something I would greatly miss after this season. The energy and family dynamic of this team was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I hadn’t felt this fulfilled in a long time, where everything just seemed to have fallen into place for me, and I was finally seeing my purpose. A meaning for the life I was given.
“Now that right there is how you fuckin’ win a game, boys!” Hendricks yelled as he stood on a bench with his arms raised above his head. Striping the jersey from his body, he lifted it into the air and began swinging it around like a flag. Hoots and hollers exploded all around us, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Now we just need to play like that every game.” Someone added, but my attention had already shifted to where my bag was. I was desperate to get to my phone to text Blue and tell her we had won, so brushing the celebrations still going on around me aside, I opened my bag and pulled out my phone.
Blue: Good luck! I wish I could be there cheering you on!
