Page 37 of The Comeback

My stomach churns at the lie. Well, it’s not actually a lie. I’ll understand if he doesn’t like the hassle. We just met. But I’m going to be heartbroken.

My eyes widen. Shit. That can’t be possible. I can’t be in love with him already. No. It’s not possible. It can’t be.

“Yes. I still want to date you.” He grabs my hand without taking his eyes off the traffic and laces his fingers through mine. “I talked to my agent this afternoon to see how contract negotiations are going. There hasn’t been a lot of movement.”

“I see.” My heart flutters in my chest. He’s not going to ask me to go if he leaves, and I want to go. I lick my lips as the realization smacks me in the face. No matter how ridiculous it is for me to already be tied up in strings over the man–I am.

The female voice comes out of the radio speakers, telling him to turn at the next right before I can alert him to the turnoff.

“I’m not giving up hope.” He squeezes my fingers and puts his hand back on the steering wheel. The sun beams down on the hood of the black sedan. “I’m back to pre-injury speed. Knox was the first one to tell me.”

“Oh, my God, Weston. That’s awesome.” I clutch his bicep as happiness radiates out of me. This is more evidence that dance can help players in the rehab portion of their recovery process, and it gets him that much closer to his big payday.

“Yes, it is.” He flicks on the blinker. “You should use dance as part of your sport’s therapy.”

“That’s the plan,” I groan.

“What?” His eyes dart to mine.

“I feel like an idiot. That’s what my research project and thesis are on for my master’s program–how the use of dance can improve athletes in their recovery process. I can’t believe I didn’t tell you.”

“Well, we’ve had a few other things on our agenda. You don’t have to feel bad that I don’t know everything about you. Although, I feel like I know all the important parts.” At the direction of the navigation system, he pulls in front of my parent’s house.

He moves the gearshift into park and shuts off the engine. The tension in the vehicle shifts from unease to sexual as he eyes me up and down.

“Maybe we should call and cancel.” He shifts in his seat and throws his arm over the back of my seat.

“You have a good point. There are a lot of things I’d like to tell you.” I shift closer to him and wrap my arms around his neck.

When his lips cover mine, my eyelids flutter shut. This was the kiss I was looking for when he picked me up. His tongue presses between the seam of my lips, and there’s no question that I’ll open for him. He’s swift in his movements but not overpowering and tastes vaguely like mint and soda.

I’ll never get used to the combination of teasing and demanding. It makes my knees weak. There’s no question he’s in charge and wants me.

His hand lodges in my hair, and he leans back. “I missed you today. I’m sorry I was distracted earlier. I have a lot on my mind right now, but I don’t want you to think it has anything to do with you.”

“It’s okay.” I nod and stroke my thumb along his jawline, feeling the light stubble from his 5 o’clock shadow. “I knew that from the beginning. I’m not selfish and demanding that you only prioritize me. We’re adults, and I appreciate your dedication to your career. It’s one of the things I admire about you.”

“Damn you.” His eyes glow as he shakes his head, giving me a look. “You make me want to take you back to my place and make love to you.”

“Oh, goodies.” I wink. “Then I can meet your mom.”

He laughs, shifts back in his seat, and pulls on the door handle. “You’re a sassy thing. Let’s get out of the car, so I can charm your mom and convince your dad to put in a good word for me with the owner.”

“Oh….” I lick my lips. “I see. That’s why you’re dating me. To get in good with my dad.”

“Please.” He rolls his eyes. “I’m seeing you because I want to get inside of that tight, hot pussy of yours, and that isn’t going to win me any favors with your dad or your brothers.”

Bang. Bang. Bang. The car shakes as Knox, Ace, and Hayden pound on the hood of Weston’s car. The vehicle shifts back and forth under their weight.

“Assholes.” I glare at them from the safety of the car’s interior. Not that I wouldn’t call them assholes to their face.

“You’re a virgin.” He jerks open the door and steps out to confront my brothers.

“About fucking time you got out.” Knox punches Weston in the pec and shoves the door shut.

I jump out of the car, ready to defend him if needed. “Knox, let it go.” I’ve gone toe to toe with these chuckleheads more than once. Okay, the last time I won, we were still kids, but I’ll find some way to keep them off Weston’s case.

“I thought we were going to need a bucket of ice water and a cattle prod to get you two out,” Knox says. “Mom made fajitas, and we’re starving.”

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