I practically climb him to wrap my arms around him. Hansley sighs, tucking his face into my neck. Not kidding, since the day I called him in here to hug him in the chair, he’s been here two or three times a day for a hug. Sometimes he’s even shaking.
We don’t talk. We haven’t spoken about his wife or the situation between us since. There’s been no kissing, no sex, no blowies—nothing. I miss it. I’m horny as fuck when I get home. But honestly, Ireallylove this.
I love that he’s coming to me for this. It’s not just that he trusts me, but he wants a hug fromme.I try very hard not to feel giddy about it. Because the truth of the matter is, he’s upset. That’s why he needs all the hugs.
Hansley sighs and I tighten my arms and legs around him. “Do you need anything?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “No. Just needed this. I’m sorry if I interrupted something.”
“You didn’t. I wouldn’t have been pissy if I’d known it was you.”
His face tucks further into my neck and he leans against the door.
“Your first away game is in two days, right?” I ask.
I feel his smile and I already know what he’s going to say.
“You’re paying attention to my schedule, are you?”
Pressing my lips together, I try not to bristle because yes, I fucking am! It means he’s not going to be here for a couple days, and I hate that. Who’s he going to turn to for hugs then? The thought makes my stomach sour.
“You can just answer the question,” I mutter.
Hansley chuckles. “Yes, it’s Saturday evening in Colorado.”
“When do you leave?”
“Saturday, late morning.”
I nod. “And you’re coming back when?”
“Sunday afternoon.”
“Okay.”
“Are you going to miss me, Lemon?” he asks.
I dig my fingers into his back and don’t answer. Yes, I’m going to fucking miss him. Even if this is the most we’ve spoken in quite a few days. He comes here. He now initiates touch and comfort. From me! No one, and I do mean no one, does that.
Except one of my students, on occasion. But it’s not like this.
His watch vibrates against my back, and I feel him pull his hand away. He sighs. “Practice.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “Me too.”
Reluctantly, I unhook my ankles from behind his back and let my legs fall. Hansley sets me on my feet. Instead of lettingme go like he usually does, he rests his forehead against mine, his hands on either side of my neck. His thumbs brushing gently over my jaw. My heart races wildly.
“I enjoy this,” he admits quietly. “Thank you. It means a lot.”
I can feel the urge inside me to brush it off. To tell him it’s nothing and not to worry about it. I need to make sure he doesn’t think I like this as much as I do, so he doesn’t see the hurt I’ll feel when he stops coming around.
But I don’t say anything. I swallow it all down, forcing my mouth to remain closed.
“Is it a hardship?” he asks, his voice low.
“No,” I say quickly. “No, of course not.”
“I don’t have to?—”
