“Come on. You’re no princess, despite what your parents believe.”
“But you’re still making me wait?”
“I’m not fucking you in a parking lot.”
“You’re not fucking me anywhere.” She holds my stare confidently, but her voice wavers ever so slightly, and if I wasn’t paying close attention, I wouldn’t have noticed.
“God, B.” I swallow a lump in my throat and squirm uncomfortably. “What changed? I thoughtyouwanted to wait? I’m just doing what you asked.”
“I missed you and now that you’re here, I can’t remember why I was stalling.” She sucks in a quivering breath and puts on a smile, twisting her hips until a guttural growl releases from within me, my cock begging for action.
What I wouldn’t give to sink inside her, to be the first andonlyone to make her mine. But we agreed we’d wait, and despite what she’s saying, I’m not convinced she wants more. Not like this.
She deserves better than a quick fuck in a parking lot, or while we’re hiding in her yard, sneaking around behind everyone’s backs.
No amount of teasing is going to change my mind, even if she claims to have changed hers. I know her better than that.
I agree with Cade when he says no one is good enough for her. But she has free will. And if she’s choosing me, you better believe, I’m going to be deserving of that choice.
That’smypromise.
That’s what I’m doing now. Waiting until I’m sure that she’s ready.
Even if it kills me.
CHAPTER ONE
Blair
PRESENT DAY – AGE 24
I’m lost in thought when my phone rings, snapping me out of my stupor. Four more days and I’m leaving the only home I’ve ever known. Ninety-six hours until I’m following my man halfway across the country. Just over five thousand minutes until I’m alone.
I’m kind of freaking out.
Even my usual pros and cons lists haven’t eased my mind.
Taking a deep breath, I put on a smile and answer my phone with as much warmth as I can muster. “Hello.”
“Hey Babe,” my boyfriend, Nathan, answers, his voice light. “How are you feeling? Two shifts to go.”
“I’m feeling good,” I lie. “Excited even. How’s the new apartment?”
“Lonely without you in it.” He laughs to himself while I frown. “How long until you’re here?”
“Four days.”
“Four days? Nooo. I miss you, baby.”Baby?
“Are you out with the boys?” I ask, confusion set in my features. It’s midafternoon and he’s usually incredibly strict with his schedule.
“I am.” He laughs again and the sound of it makes my chest tight. “They’re all being quiet for me. How did you know?”
“Lucky guess.”That and the fact that he usually only says “baby” when he’s out drinking with friends.
“We’re looking after him for you,” one of the guys calls out and I genuinely smile. I’m happy for Nathan. I am. I’m just having trouble being happy for myself. It’s the nerves. I’ve finally found a job that I love, and now I’m moving. It’s terrifying to think about starting over again.
“Please tell your teammates that I’m grateful, and that I’m looking forward to meeting them soon.” Nathan’s been in California since preseason training began months ago, and I’ve been hearing all about the guys on his new team.
