“No, I’m okay. We’re supposed to be talking.”
“I don’t think now’s the best time.”
“Trying to get out of it?”
“No, I—”
“I know. You’re just doing that thing where you get all protective again.”
I scoff but gently lift her into my arms, repositioning her on the bed, her head on the pillow, her chaotic curls billowing out beside her face. My chest aches but I ignore it.
“It’s strange, you know,” she whispers, stretching her arms out wide as she twists her body into various positions. She pauses for a beat, and I don’t ask what’s strange because I’m not sure I want the answer. But she gives it anyway. “I probably should have known, but I never let myself think about it.”
“Known what?”Dammit. I wasn’t going to ask.
“About you. After all this time, you still care.”
“Of course I do,” I tell her honestly, the pain in my chest spreading. “I never stopped.” I whisper the last part, and when she doesn’t acknowledge it, I assume she didn’t hear me. Chuckling to myself, I get up to leave the room, but I’ve barely made it to the foot of the bed when she stops me.
“Are you still attracted to me?” she asks out of nowhere, her voice lifting at the end. “You’ve always made me feel wanted, but do youreallystill want me? All of me. After all this time?”
I should ignore her and keep moving, but the vulnerability in her voice gets me and instead, I peek around the lace hanging from the bed frame, losing my breath, my body answering for her.
Our eyes meet and her lips open in a gasp, her breath frantic. As she stares at me, her emotions on full display, I can’t fathom a time or place where I would ever not be attracted to her.
When I don’t immediately respond, she lifts to her elbows, blinking a few times before turning away, her pink cheeks darkening. “I know I’m not as slim as I once was…”
Is she kidding me?“Blair, my cock is at half-mast when I’m just talking to you. I’mmorethan attracted to you. In my eyes,you’ve always been the most beautiful girl…woman to ever exist, and time hasn’t changed that.” I’m more honest than I’d usually be because it seems like she needs this win right now. And when she smiles, I relax.
“Okay, good to know.”
“Good.” I chuckle under my breath. “I hope that helps you sleep a little better.”
I turn to leave but she stops me again. “Who needs sleep? I think we should fuck.”
“You… what?” I half choke, half stumble as I spin back around, trying to see her face. Our eyes lock again, and she licks her lips while my cock throbs uncomfortably.
“Blair,” I warn and she laughs softly.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself. I needed to lighten the mood, and you know I’ve always loved teasing you.”
“It’s true. You always were a gorgeous pain in my ass.”
Blair’s expression turns serious and she takes a deep breath. “Jokes aside, thank you. It’s been a while since I’ve felt as desired as I do with you.”
I open my mouth to argue but slam my eyes shut. Now is not the time to bring up her dumbass of an ex. They only just broke up. How the fuck did he not make her feel desired every single day?
“Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you’re not the most beautiful woman on this planet. Ever. Okay?”
“Okay,” she whispers, her voice shaking as she nods, the emotion clear in her expression.
My chest tightens, thinking about all that we’ve been through together and apart.
“Your ring,” she says suddenly, drawing my attention to the way I’m subconsciously spinning the ring on my pinky. I should have taken it off years ago, but I couldn’t. The only time it leavesmy finger is when I’m on the field. And while I don’t plan on admitting it right now, I only wear it for her.
“This old thing,” I joke, dropping my hand. “Another piece of jewelry to add to my collection.”
Blair’s eyes widen when I gesture to the bulge in my pants. “I still can’t tell if you’re messing with me or not,” she muses, her eyes lowering to my groin. “Can I see it?” She sits forward, clearly more brazen with some alcohol in her system.
