I stab a piece of strawberry and cut my eyes at her. “Who waited for who to fall asleep before moving them to the bed?”
She scoffs. “You should’ve left me on the sofa. This is your suite.”
“Oursuite,” I correct. “It will be a cold day in Hell before I put you on a sofa when there’s a bed in the room.” My father would slap me from DC and ask who raised me.
“Do you ever let people take care of you the way you take care of them?”
My fork hovers inches from my lips. When was the last time I let someone do something for me? Other than give me head, I’ve got nothing.
“I’ve always been this way,” I admit, unable to meet Miriam’s eyes. “Done things to be useful.”
As an only child, it was easier to make friends if I was more outgoing, more giving. Kids flocked to my house to play the latest video games or attend one of the infamous house parties I hosted whenever my parents were out of town. After a while, the expectations stuck, and I fell into them because I like being liked.
Miriam’s hand on top of mine pulls me back to reality. Hairs prickle when her thumb rubs circles into my skin.
“Want to know something?”
“You’ll tell me anyway. What’s up?”
She leans forward, granting me the brilliance of her deep brown eyes and intoxicating smile. “You don’t need to prove your worth for someone to like you. You’re a good man, Knight.”
“That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said.” She thinks I’m joking, but I’m not. Outside of Julian treating me like a brother, and the rugby team who appreciates my Papa Smurf tendencies, no one has shown much interest in me beyond what I can do for them.
Miriam reminding me that my worth isn’t attached to my acts of service means more than she knows.
“How about this,” she says. “You let me express my gratitude the way I want, and I’ll work on coming out of my shell.”
“Don’t change for anybody, Doe. I’ll be part of whatever adventure you want, but you’re perfect the way you are.”
A blush creeps up her cheeks. “Okay. I still want to try new things.” She stretches out her hand. “Do we have a deal?”
“Deal.”
Our conversation wanes into silent chews and reloading our plates. Spending time with Miriam has quickly become my favorite pastime. Aside from enjoying everything about her, she’s making it easier to open up—even when I don’t want to burden people with my shit.
“The league is struggling this year,” I say, my voice drifting above a whisper. “A few teams are folding, and Coach Washington told me there’s talks that the owner wants to offload us.”
“Antonio.”
I rub the space above my brow and sigh. “Forget I said anything. I don’t want to ruin breakfast.”
“Hey. We tell each other when something is wrong, remember? You don’t need to keep anything in. I’m here to listen if you need me.”
I’ll always need you.
“I’m the only one on the team who knows. Nothing is set in stone, so there’s a good chance nothing will happen.” My gaze sweeps across her face. “It feels good to get it out. You’re the first person I’ve told.”
Miriam’s dimples frame a smile that brightens the room. “Well, consider me honored. I’ll always be here for you if you let me. I am your emergency contact, after all.” I crack up at her wink. “Is there anything you can do for now?”
“I don’t think so. The Steel is getting good press. That will likely mean more interviews and a busier media schedule. Allgood stuff for the team.” I pat her leg. “I don’t want what I said to mess up our weekend. In Vegas, we turn up.”
She raises her coffee mug. “Here for it. How do you quantify turning up?”
Chapter 25
Miriam
“Absolutely not!”
