Chapter 19
Gavin
I tried not to let what I overheard about that Antonio guy interfere with the rest of our night together. I didn’t want to ruin our remaining time together with any unwanted jealousy over her meeting some other dude. Plus, we aren’t in a relationship, so getting in a fight over it would be pointless.
After a quick, up-against-the-wall fuck the minute we walked into my hotel room, we got ourselves back together and headed out to meet my teammates at the club. The minute we hit the bar, I noticed a change in my teammates behaviors. It was obvious something was going on – and it wasn’t because of Kady - but I know I wasn’t imagining things. I’d notice them glancing over in my direction and then talk quietly amongst themselves.
I tried to catch what they were saying, but it was hard to hear over the thumping of the music and laughter. And they were speaking Italian, which even on my best days is hard to decipher.
Their whispers and stares were freaking me out, because it became annoyingly obvious that they were talking about me. But I tried ignoring it so I could enjoy myself with Kady. We were already finishing off the first bottle of Prosecco when Kady grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the dance floor.
I shook my head. “Didn’t you learn your lesson the first time? I’m a horrible dancer.”
She tips her head back and laughs. The lights that shine across her hair remind me of rain drops scattering across a window pane, when the sun starts to drizzle through the gray clouds. She sparkles brighter than a million diamonds glimmering in the sunlight.
I give in and let her guide me to the dance floor as we wedge ourselves between bodies undulating in waves within the crowded sea of people. She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls my head down to meet hers. I feel the moisture on the lips where she just licked, and I smell the tangy aroma of sparkling wine and peach that lingers on her breath.
“I like it when we dance together,” she confirms, pressing her tight little body against me, my cock enjoying the friction and rhythm of movement. “I don’t care if you’re bad. I just want to be near you.”
And then, under the intensity of the strobe light, and over the chaotic sounds of the techno beats, I hear her whisper,
“I just want you to love me a little longer.”
My arm tucks snugly around her waist, my hand finding purchase on the curve of her ass, as I stroke my thumb over the material of her skirt. She feels so right in my arms. The only place I want her to be. The only one I want.
“I’m going to miss you, Kady,” I murmur softly against her cheek.
“Me, too.”
“Do you know how I feel about you?”
I take her hand and guide it between us, closing it over my heart.
Her face lifts so our eyes meet, the strobe effect casting light and shadows over her porcelain skin. She’s simultaneously innocent and sexy.
I’ve never expressed how I felt about a girl before. In fact, I’d never felt this level of emotion. A branding so hot on my heart that I know it’ll leave a mark.Getting to know Kady has changed me. Changed what I’ve wanted. It has me believing there’s something more I want than just basketball.
Kady’s quiet reticence in her response breaks me. Everything I need to know is translated through her silence.
“Gavin…”
I had hoped she felt the same about me. I thought she did. But I was wrong.
Looking to move past my embarrassment, I cut her off with my mouth pressed against hers. Based on her furrowed brow, she was going to say something I didn’t want to hear.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to say anything…you were clear from the beginning. I respect that. I just want you to know how I feel about you. I know you don’t want to get involved and you were just looking for some fun. But is that really why you were here?”
She bites her lip and tries to wiggle free, but my fingers don’t let go. I need to hold on to her a little while longer. To force her to tell me what she’s been hiding. My question has hit the mark, I think. A bruise or a wound that hasn’t quite healed yet is now reopened with my prying question.
She turns her head away and I barely make out what she says. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me.”
She pulls away with more force and I finally loosen my grasp so she can take a small step away. To allow her space from the heavy despair that seems to have emerged.
“I think you’re running away from something. I can see it behind your smile. You’re upset. Did something happen before you came here?”
Her blue eyes blaze, anger and sadness brewing behind her gaze. A wall erects over her features, the shutters closing to block out my inquisition. It’s become so obvious to me now. She’s been running from something. Maybe something painful happened that she’s kept secret.
