Page 34 of Comeback
She listens with rapt attention as I explain the story, including my favorite parts.
“Brogan and I must have watched it a hundred times.”
“I’ll have to check it out.”
“Tomorrow night after the game,” I say, then add, “If you want.”
“Yeah. That sounds fun.”
I realize then how much it sounds like a date. “I’ll ask Brogan. He’ll want to see your reaction the first time you see it.”
She keeps smiling and nodding, then covers her mouth as she yawns.
“Finally tired?” I ask.
“Yeah, and I should probably let you sleep since you have a game tomorrow.”
“I don’t have to be to the field until late morning, so I can sleep in.” And if I’m honest, I still don’t want her to go, and now it has nothing to do with being worried about her asthma.
She moves off my bed, stands and walks to the door. I follow after her, stopping when she steps into the hallway.
“Thanks for tonight,” she says, smiling. “It almost felt like we were friends for a couple hours.”
I open my mouth with the intent of explaining, or trying to, why I’ve been such an asshole, but she holds up a hand. “It’s okay. I get it. You don’t need to say anything. I’m grateful for tonight, even if it was a temporary truce.”
“I’ve been a jerk,” I say. “Nothing excuses that.”
She doesn’t correct me.
“I’m sorry. I would like a chance to get to know you,” I say, then add, “If you still want that.”
Her chin tips down and back up in a nod.
“Truce?” I extend a hand.
Her gaze flicks down to my outstretched palm and she hesitates a beat. All things considered, I don’t blame her.
When her slender fingers glide against mine, I do my best to ignore the heat climbing up my arm. She gives my hand one quick squeeze and then backs away.
Before she gets out the door, I call for her, “Hey, wait.”
She pauses, hand on the door jamb as she glances back. “Yeah?”
“Congratulations on the studio.”
One side of her mouth lifts first, then she aims one of those real smiles I’ve only seen her give other people at me. “Thanks, Archer.”
11
SABRINA
The next morning, I feel like death warmed over, but for some reason I can’t stop smiling. No, that’s a lie. I know exactly why.
Archer Holland.
Before the asthma attack, I had planned to go to the studio today. But after everything my body went through last night, I decided to let myself sleep in instead.
When I walk out into the living area, London is seated at the dining room table.
