Page 125 of Playing for Keeps
I’ve missed her so much this week. I knew it would be hard, but she’s been on my mind constantly. I hate that she can’t makeit this weekend, and with back-to-back training on Saturday and Sunday, there’s no way I can get to Hope Creek. I get that she has work, but knowing that doesn’t make missing her any easier.
As I pull out of the underground garage and head home, I think about calling her, just to hear her voice, but decide to wait. I want to see her face, not just hear her.
The drive is quick, and fifteen minutes later, I’m in the elevator, riding up to my floor.
When I reach my apartment, I unlock the door and walk in, dropping my bag on the floor in the entryway. Kicking the door closed behind me, I look up and freeze.
She’s here.
I blink, not trusting my eyes, but she’s here, standing in the living room wearing my jersey and the biggest smile on her face.
For a second, I can’t speak, and I swear my heart’s going to beat right out of my chest.
“Ivy.” Her name leaves my lips on a whisper.
She takes a step toward me. “Surprise.”
“Jesus,” I mutter, crossing the space between us in three strides. I grab her, lifting her clean off the floor as I crush her against me. Her laughter is muffled against my neck as I breathe her in. “I missed you,” I mumble. “So damn much.”
“I missed you too,” she whispers, winding her arms around my neck.
I slowly lower her to the ground but don’t loosen my grip. “I can’t believe you’re here.” I press a soft kiss to her lips. “I thought you had to work?”
She smiles. “My open house was this morning. I wanted to surprise you.”
I grin. “Best surprise ever.”
I kiss her again, slower this time, and when she melts into it, I brush my tongue against hers, drawing a quiet moan from her. The kiss deepens, and I hold her tighter, loving having her inmy arms again. When we finally break apart, I rest my forehead against hers as we catch our breath.
“Thank you for coming,” I say. “I wasn’t sure I’d make it through the weekend without seeing you.”
“Me either,” she says, her voice just as quiet.
I pull back enough to meet her eyes. “How long have you been here?”
“About ten minutes,” she says, then grins. “You looked really hot in your kit, by the way.”
I blink, confused for a second. “My kit…” The pieces fall into place. “Wait… were you at the training session?”
She nods, her eyes sparkling. “You were amazing, Wyatt. I can’t wait to see you in an actual game.”
“Where were you sitting? Were you close to the field? I can’t believe I didn’t see you.”
Laughing, she pulls her phone from her back pocket, taps the screen, and holds it out to me.
I read the seat details and let out a low whistle. “Wow. I must’ve walked right past you.”
“You did. Ronnie sorted me out with a great seat.”
I shake my head, smiling. “So, this was all part of the plan?”
“Yep. It nearly killed me not to tell you.”
I take her hand and lead her to the sofa. Once I sit, I pull her into my lap, holding her close.
“You can come and watch me in the family section tomorrow if you want.”
She grins. “Of course I want to.”
