Page 23 of Stick With Me
It’s still early, just past ten, but the last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions. Between seeing Jace and reconnecting with Ryan, and now these weird feelings, I’m exhausted. Sleep is the only thing that’ll help clear my head. Tomorrow, I’ll be able to process everything more rationally. I shut down my phone and burrow under the covers, hoping for a little peace.
ELEVEN
“Dude, incoming smoke show, three o’clock.”Beck nudges my side.
Before I can respond, I spot her out of the corner of my eye. “Ryan, I didn’t know you’d be here.” She wraps her arms around me and leans in to kiss my cheek.
“Rebecca, I didn’t expect to see you here either,” I say, keeping my tone polite but hoping this will be quick. I have nothing against her—we ended things on good terms—but with all the photographers around, the last thing I need is a tabloid spinning a story about our non-existent reunion.
She presses herself to my side, turning her attention to Beck. “Who’s your friend?”
“This is Dylan Beck. We went to college together. He’s in the league too, plays for New Jersey.”
“Dylan, this is Rebecca Solera.” I take the opportunity to untangle her from my side. She shoots me a hurt look but quickly shifts gears, diving into an animated conversation with Beck.
“I’m gonna grab a drink,” I say, using their distraction to make my escape. I push through the crowded, dimly lit room, which hums with chatter and laughter. The mingling scents of alcohol and cologne linger in the air as I make my way toward the bar.
By the time I reach the sleek glass bar along the far wall, the urge for a drink has faded, so I order a bottle of water instead. Glancing at my watch, I calculate how much longer I need to stick around before I can bail. Thirty-five minutes, and I’ll be slipping out with an Irish goodbye.
Fuck, I hate these industry events.Every part of me wishes I was back in the room with Hannah or that she was here with me, but I get why she wanted to skip it. I’d avoid it, too, if I could, but unfortunately, I’m contractually obligated to show up.
I spot the reason Hannah didn’t want to come tonight: Jace. He’s surrounded by a group of players who all look mildly annoyed by his presence. I know the feeling.
I claim a spot on one of the couches lining the space, my foot tapping a steady rhythm. I can’t stop myself from checking the time again. Twenty-six minutes. When Beck plops down next to me, minus Rebecca, it’s a welcome relief. Time passes faster when you’re actually doing something or talking to someone. Well, in most cases.
“Way to run off on me.” He slings an arm over the back of the sofa.
“I was giving you guys a chance to chat without a third wheel.”
His brows furrow. “Isn’t she your ex?”
“Ex might be an exaggeration. We dated casually.”
My version of “dating” consisted of occasional one-night stands, but this past summer, I gave actual dating a try. I couldn’t continue being hung up on Hannah. She wasn’t available, and I lost hope she ever would be when she got engaged to Knolls.
“Oh, yeah? Why’d you let her go? She seems great. Gorgeous, too.”
“It just wasn’t right.”
We met at an industry event and hit it off. She was beautiful and sweet, and I thought maybe we could build something real. But there was something missing. I gave it time, hoping my feelings would change, but when hers grew stronger than mine, I knew I had to end it. She wanted to make it official, and despite my best efforts, I still wanted the one woman I couldn’t have.
“Ah, I gotcha. Nothing to do with the little blonde best friend.” He nudges my side and clears his throat before continuing, “So, you wouldn’t mind if I asked her out?”
“Nah, go for it, man.”
“Sweet.” A grin spreads across his face as he straightens up, clearly pleased with my response. He doesn’t waste any time abandoning me, hopping up from the couch, and heading back the way he came.
I shake out my hands before giving in to the urge to check the time once more. Thirteen minutes.Screw it, it’s close enough.I push off the couch and make a beeline for the exit.
Relief washes over me as I step out of the lounge and into the muggy night air. I spot a taxi waiting to take players back to their hotels and climb in, grateful to be out of there. Firing off a quick text to Hannah, I let her know I’m on my way.
By the time I reach the suite, she still hasn’t responded. With only tonight and tomorrow left together, it bugs me that I wasted so much of the night at that event.
Disappointment settles over me as I enter the suite. It’s too quiet for her to be awake. As I pass her room, I notice the door isn’t fully closed. I hesitate before pushing it open just enough to peek inside. Just to check on her.
The light from the hall casts a soft glow over her face. Her wavy blonde hair sprawls across the pillow she’s curled around. Little puffs of air escape her mouth as she breathes slowly and evenly. My gaze lingers on her parted lips, drawn to the freckle just above her cupid’s bow.
I stand there longer than I probably should, unable to pull myself away. The urge to slip into bed beside her is almost overwhelming. Last night, with her sleeping by my side, was one of the best nights of my life. One night of just sleeping next to her has outshone all my past one-night stands combined. Pathetic, but true.
