Page 86 of Wildcat
“I’ll survive. Totally worth it.” He burrows in between my legs and nips at my inner thigh.
“I brought food. It’s in the back seat. How long until you have to be back?” The guys have an away game tomorrow, but they’re leaving tonight for Dallas.
He sits up with another groan. “An hour. Factor in an extra fifteen because I can’t feel my arms or legs.”
“What exactly did he do to you?”
“Pushups. Squats. More pushups.”
“Because you’re dating me?”
“Because I made a scene in his media room.”
“Oh.” I pull away from the arena and drive toward my house.
He’s quiet in my passenger seat until he realizes where we’re going. He sits up and shoots me a panicked look. “Are you trying to get me killed?”
“Relax. Dad never comes home during the day, and Mom is at school for another two hours.”
We walk into the house, and I lead Leo straight down to the basement.
“This is me.” I drop my purse on the dresser.
“This is nice.” He looks around with a smile.
“It’s a little cramped.” I point to my mom’s crafting supplies on one side. “But it’s temporary. I have enough saved up to move out, but I want to nail down a job before I commit to a lease.”
“Makes sense,” he says, walking around taking in every detail. He finally sits on the couch with his food.
He hands over his fries with a smirk, like he knows I really got them for myself.
“My mom took the news much better than Dad,” I say, sitting beside him and folding my legs underneath me. “She’s already setting a place for you at Thanksgiving.”
“Sounds nice.” His mouth quirks up into a smile.
“Do you see your family around the holidays?”
He nods. “I go home for a day or two at Christmas when I can.”
“They never come here?”
“Nah. My aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents are all in Boston, so it just makes more sense that I go to them.”
“Well, you’re welcome here.” I realize I might be putting a lot of pressure on something so new, especially considering my dad is his coach, and they’re on shaky ground. “You know, assuming I’m not sick of you by then.”
“Too late. Your mom’s set a place for me. I’m coming.”
It’s all so easy and natural. Even here in my parents’ basement.
“I can’t wait. Let’s just make sure to sit youallthe way at the other end of the table from my dad.”
He grimaces. “I really thought he liked me.”
“He does.” I scoot closer, and he steals one of my fries. “He just likes me more.”
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