“I think that’s enough to makeseveral pies.” I add the ones I was holding in my sweatshirt to her pile and take a seat next to her. The grass is hard and cold, but she doesn’t seem to mind, and I guess I’d rather freeze my ass off than sit on the four-wheeler away from her.
When she finally glances my way, her smile makes me forget all about the cold seeping through my jeans.
“Thank you for this,” she says. She holds one apple in her hands, cradling it like it’s the most precious thing.
“It’s the least I could do after how much time you spent helping me.”
“It wasn’t that much time. And the protein bar was more than enough payment.” The sassy look she gives meis playful and teasing, but I don’t feel anything but warmth spreading through my chest at the jab.
Lacey tosses the apple in her hand to me. I barely catch it before it hits my lap.
“Should we try them out?” she asks and grabs another for herself.
“Are you sure we have enough?” I can’t help but tease her back.
I keep my gaze trained on her and wait until she brings the apple to her mouth, then take a bite of mine. We keep staring at each other as we chew and swallow. The fruit is sweet, just a little tart.
Lacey’s lips curve up as she swallows the bite. “It’s good.”
We eat in silence, sharing smiles and sitting in the quiet dark together. When I finish mine, I toss the core as far as I can throw it.
“That was evidence,” she claims, lifting one dark brow. “Your DNA and dental records will give us away.”
“I’d never snitch.”
Her shoulders shake lightly as she laughs. She finishes her apple and then hesitates before tossing it in the same direction as mine.
“Looks like we’re both going down for trespassing and theft.” I lean back, resting my weight on both hands.
She nods, then pulls a beer out of her coat pocket and pops the top. After she takes a drink, she hands the can to me.
I’m not a big drinker, but sitting out here like this with her feels special in a way that I don’t want to end yet. I take a drink and pass it back. Lacey shivers as she pulls her sleeves down over her hand to hold the cold can.
Her coat is still buried under two dozen apples, so I shrug out of my coat and hand it to her.
“I’m okay,” she insists, but I keep holding it out until she gives in.
She quickly slides her arms in and then pulls it closed around her front, huddling into it. “Won’t you be cold now?”
She tries to zip it closed, but she struggles with one hand still holding the beer.
“Nah.” I scoot closer and take the two ends of the coat in my hands. I line up the zipper and pull it to the top. I let my hand linger there. Our faces are so close the cold puffs of air she breathes out mix with mine.
My gaze drops to her lips. The need to kiss her hits me so hard I almost do it without thinking. But this is Lacey. She doesn’t want me to kiss her. Does she?
Before I’ve answered myself, she looks down and brings the can up to take another sip. I lean back slightly but don’t scoot over to where I was sitting before.
The wind blows her hair into her face, and she tucks it behind one ear. “You were really something at the game today. How’d it feel to be back?”
Compliments from Lacey continue to settle differently. A dozen or more people must have commented already on my performance today, but none felt as good as this.
“A lot better than standing on the sidelines, that’s for sure.” I nod, remembering that frustration of not being able to help or do anything.
“The team is better with you. You’re a good captain.”
“Wow, so many nice things in a row. Are you really Lacey?” I squint and pretend to scrutinize her for evidence she hasn’t been body snatched. I reach out one hand with the intent to pat her cheek but when my palm lands on her smooth skin, my fingers just sort of linger there.
She laughs softly and I let my hand drop. The truth is, she is good at making others feel valued. And I guess, despite all the success I’ve had, I’m not used to getting that from people. Respect and admiration? Sure. But people don’t usually just toss out such nice words.
