Page 156 of Redemption
“What are we doing here?”
The corner of Hayes’s mouth lifts. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist speaking first.”
“Sorry,” I say, pressing my lips together.
“You wouldn’t be you if you did what I asked.”
I shrug, remaining quiet.
His gaze becomes serious as he turns toward the stadium and studies it. “This is my future. It’s where I will be playing next year.”
My head snaps to him. “I thought you were going to New York. What happened?”
He takes his gaze off the stadium and turns toward me. There’s so much love in his eyes when he looks at me that I nearly cry. I thought I was losing him, but he’s looking at me like I’m the best part of his life, and I nearly crumble in relief.
“You. I love you, and I won’t leave you here to deal with things on your own. I asked my agent if it were possible for me to be traded, and he did some digging. I’ll be on the practice team for a while, but it was worth it. You’re my future, MJ, and I need you to know that. I’m not leaving you, and I’m not ashamed of you. I would marry you today if you let me.”
Tears stream down my face.
“Hayes, this is crazy. You can’t change your plans because of me.”
Leaning down, he places his lips on mine in a gentle kiss. “I can, and I have. You’re everything to me, and I’m sorry I’ve made you feel anything less than that. We’ll tell your brother because I want a future with you, MJ, and I won’t let anything stand in the way of that.”
His lips brush against mine again and again, and I could drown in the way he makes me feel loved. The tears stream down my face as we kiss in front of that stadium, and when he pulls back, I say, “I’ve missed you.”
He chuckles. “I’ve been right here.”
“I thought I was losing you.”
“Never, baby.”
I don’t know how long we stay like that, but the sky is dark by the time we get back in the truck to leave.
My heart is lighter as I sit next to him, and as he flips on the radio, I pick up my phone.
I have ten missed calls—all from my parents.
Sooner or later, I’ll have to talk to them, but I’m not ready yet. So, I switch off my phone, and relish this moment with my best friend.
Chapter 47
Hayes
22 years old
Rain starts to fall as we drive back home.
For weeks, I’ve felt unsettled, unable to change things for my best friend and the girl I love, but things are finally settling into place for MJ and me. As far as Langston—we’ll figure it out. Staying close means I can help him figure it out.
I made the decision to trade weeks ago, but I didn’t want to say anything to MJ until I knew. I got the call this morning, and I wanted to tell her right away. Then we fought, and she threatened to leave me.
I felt my whole life spiral out of control in that second.
It all means nothing without her, and even though I’m still not sure about telling Langston, I will if it’s the only way I can keep her.
By the time I pull into her apartment complex, the rain is so thick it’s hard to see the road. MJ is asleep, her head tucked against my shoulder, and I dread ending our night.
I want every night with her. I was serious about marrying her right now if she would let me, but we’ll start by telling her brother.
