Page 163 of Force Play
I want it all, and as I see my friends getting ready for it, it just makes me want it that much more.
I used to think it was far out of reach.
Now? I get the feeling that it’s a lot closer than I thought.
Ari and I aren’t actually dating, and we might not ever, but we still have more intimacy between us than typical friends do. Everything can’t be one hundred percent platonic when you literally talk about the children you want to have together.
He’s always been so against settling down, so determined that he doesn’t see the point in love.
I know now that a lot of that stems from his dad’s constant infidelity. Love must look like a pipe dream when that’s the best reference you have.
I’ve seen a change in him recently, though.
He’s kissing me just because he can. He holds me while we sleep. He’s planning a future that involves me.
Maybe Ari is more open now to finding love and settling down.
And if he is, I can’t deny that I hope he finds it with me.
forty-seven
Ari
“There’snowaythisgame is starting on time,” I sigh, leaning against the railing of the dugout next to Cole.
“Definitely gonna be a rain delay. Hopefully, it clears up soon.”
I readjust my hat on my head and stare out at the downpour, making a complete mess of the field. If this doesn’t let up, we’ll be lucky if the game doesn’t end up postponed.
The rest of the team is hiding out in the clubhouse while the fans are seeking shelter within the stadium, trying to stay dry.
Cole and I are the only two still out here watching Mother Nature decimate our playing field.
“Do anything fun recently?” he asks, eyes still staring straight ahead.
“Yeah,” I reply. “I spent the day with Lucia in Koreatown last week.”
Cole turns to face me now. “You spent the day together outside of your penthouse?”
I shrug. “Yes. I thought it would be fun to introduce her to a little bit of Korean culture.”
He smiles and shakes his head, and I know exactly what he’s thinking right now, but he doesn’t go there, thankfully.
“Sounds like a good day. Did Luc have fun?”
“She did,” I grin, remembering the amazing time we had together. “She really liked me showing her around.”
She also liked it when I put the jade necklace on her.
And I liked it when I kissed her.
But I keep those to myself.
“It’s been nice to see you two become friends,” Cole says.
“Nice for us, too,” I chuckle. “I spent so long disliking her only to find out how incredible she actually is.”
Cole eyes me curiously, and I swallow past the lump in my throat. I know how that sounds.
