Page 24 of False Start
“You have a game tomorrow. You’ll be in bed early.”
“Nothing fancy, beautiful. Just you, me, and a little grub.”
An idea pops into my mind. “Can you meet me at the cabin after practice?”
He touches my hair and presses the sweetest kiss to my forehead. “Whatever you want. I hate having to go to practice.”
“I’ll see you soon enough, QB. Go before you’re late and piss Tombs off.”
He briefly kisses me again. “I’ll see you. Don’t promise dates for anyone else while I’m gone.”
I salute him. “You got it, Captain.”
“Smartass.” He has to drag Ben away from my sister’s mouth, but they eventually make it out of the apartment intact and likely with a pair of blue balls.
I spend the day preparing a nice meal for Bryant, and wait for him at the cabin. I find it difficult to concentrate on anything other than him. I often think back to what he said at the treehouse about nothing being promised to us. I know I was scarred by losing my dad at a young age, and I know I let it dictate parts of my life. I’ve fought falling for an amazing guy because of what happened to my father. Maybe it’s time to stop battling my feelings, but I’m still scared. I’m still scared to lose someone I love again. The loss was brutal last time.
I lie on the couch after I light a fire, and then I curl up and wait. Sometime later, a gentle shake wakes me.
Light green eyes fill my vision. “Has anyone told you how beautiful you are today?”
God. This guy makes it impossible to stay away. “No, not a soul has impressed upon me the effect of my beauty today.”
He leans forward and softly presses his lips to mine. “I’m not worthy of your beauty, affection, or desire.”
“Did you turn into a poet while I wasn’t looking?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I’ve been quite creative today.”
I sit up and lean my head against my bent arm and hand. “Do tell.”
“I did something. I hope you’re not mad.”
“Uh oh.”
He tightly shuts his eyes. “Fuck. I hope you’re not mad. I sort of talked to the head physical therapist on the team and asked him if you could shadow at tomorrow’s game.”
I nearly knock him over as I sit all the way up. “Shut up. You did not.”
“I can’t tell if you’re happy right now.”
I throw my arms around his neck and squeeze tight. “I’m floored and overwhelmed you did this for me. Why?”
“Look at me.” I lean back a hair to look him in the eye. “I will always want you to be happy, Zhanna, even if it means you’re truly happy with someone else.”
I’m overcome with emotion that sticks like a lump in my throat.
“I wish you didn’t make me happy,” I confess.
He reaches up and tucks my hair behind my ear. “I know, baby, but we’re written in the stars. Can’t fuck with fate.”
“We’ve known each other for three weeks.” I point out.
He grabs my hand and places my palm over his heart. “Feel how fast it’s beating? You do this to me. And this.” He lowers my hand to his crotch. “And you’ve got me all fucked up here.” He moves my hand to the side of his head. “I may have known you three weeks, but when you know, you know.”
I hug him again and avoid saying anything further on the matter. I feel something for Bryant, but I don’t know what that is yet. I know I like him. I’m just not convinced I’m ready to live with the constant fear of being with a football player. “I was waiting for you to start dinner. What time is it?”
“Five. I have about 4 ½ hours before I have to make curfew in my hotel room.”
