Page 53 of Scoring Zone
“You don’t need me,” he scoffs, and his breath washes over the crook of my neck.
Arguing would be useless, so I hug him until his body relaxes into mine.
“Did someone say something to you?” I untuck his shirt to touch the bare skin on his back. He seemed fine before we left, and nervous when we got there, but nothing extreme enough to change our relationship.
“No. The timing isn’t right for us.”
“That’s bullshit.” I step back and grip his shoulders so I can see his face. “Tell me the truth.”
He won’t get away with lying to my face. Gray’s been adamant I confront my issues, so he needs to tell me what’s really going on.
Gray sits on the couch with his head in his hands and explains all the ways he isn’t the right partner for me and compares himself to the team’s significant others.
“Could you picture me in a relationship with Trevor? Or Leo? Or any of the wives like Jayce’s Madyson?” Amusement seeps into my voice. “I’d need my alone time, and Trevor would follow me around in fix-it mode. I’d never be able to look Griff in the eye if I slept with his dad. And Madyson makes everyone sing karaoke. I wouldn’t survive any of them. I don’t want you to belike them, G. You’re my Sunshine and know me better than I know myself.”
He drops his hands into his lap, but his eyes are haunted. “What about your family?”
It’s a gut punch and further proof of how well he knows me. I sink down next to him, and he curls into me.
“I won’t let my family come between us. They aren’t a big part of my life.” My stomach twists as I say it.
Gray laces our fingers together.
“Their disapproval will eat away at you.” His quiet voice cuts to the heart of the issue.
They think I should’ve pursued a more noble career and haven’t seen me play in years.
“If it’s a choice between you and them, I choose you,” I say, and he lifts his head in surprise. “You support me with no strings or conditions. I can’t keep chasing their approval. There’s a huge chance I’ll never get it and lose you. That isn’t acceptable.”
His brown eyes take me in. “So where does that leave us?”
“Exactly here. Right now. If you’re okay with figuring it out as we go. I only know I need you in my life.” The truth of my words rings in the air.
“I said I wouldn’t pressure you, and I hope you don’t think I am. Being on the carpet tonight made me think ahead. And face it, you could do better.”
“You are the best person for me. This is my fault.” I get up and start pacing. His words are so far from the truth. “All I wanted to do was kiss you, so I stayed away. I wasn’t ignoring you.”
“It’s a good thing you did. What will you do if there are rumors about us tomorrow?”
“I don’t care if a few fame mongers think we’re together. We’ll ignore them, like we always do. They didn’t know the truth then, and they don’t know it now.”
Gray steps into my path. “Promise to tell me if I’m holding you back. If being with me hurts you personally or professionally. I can’t”—he cups my face—“bear to hurt you or for you to stay with me out of obligation.” He shushes me with a peck on the lips when I try to argue. “You are the most loyal man who takes his responsibilities seriously. Don’t make me an obligation instead of a partner.”
“Never.” I smash our mouths together, pouring all of my love and desire for him into our kiss. Conveying with my lips and tongue that I can’t function without him. He’s the one person in the world who makes my life easier.
His tense muscles loosen under my touch, and he kisses me back with enthusiasm.
“Did you check your pockets tonight?” I ask, hoping he hasn’t.
Gray reaches into his suit pockets, digs out a large, lined sticky note, and reads it. “It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, meant we were supposed to be together.” He holds the note to his heart.
“Will you let me decide who I want in my life, as my boyfriend and partner?” I ask, and he slumps against me. “Not only do you accept me for who I am, you bring out the best in me. You challenge me to be better.” I kiss the tip of his nose. “Come to bed and tell me all the things you like about me.” I wrap my arm around him.
“Smartass,” Gray mutters.
But he lets me lead him past his door and into my room to sit on my bed. Kneeling between his legs, I slowly unbutton his shirt, giving him time to stop me if he would rather sleep.
“Was that your way of making us official? Telling me you want me to be your boyfriend, enticing me with a sappy movie quote, and luring me to bed with sex?” His knees squeeze my sides. “Thank you.” His bottomless eyes convey his sincerity.
