“It’s not about me. It’s about your future.” Pushing around him, I reached for my sweatshirt now lying onthe floor and pulled it over my head. “Thanksgiving break is coming.”
Fin nodded.
“I’m going to Lexington.” I wanted to invite him to come along, yet inviting someone with football dreams to visit the owner of the Lexington Coopers was scarier than it sounded. There was the little voice in my head that said, ‘he’s not interested in you, only in your family.’ As it was, Fin had never mentioned knowing the connection, and I’d never told him that my family owned an NFL team. I’d only said my last name was Hubbard, and I was from Lexington.
“I’m going to Bowling Green.”
Swallowing back the emotions, I straightened my shoulders. “It’s going to be boring. My dad and Daphne will be out of town.”
“Come to Bowling Green.”
I shook my head. “I can’t do that.”
His handsome features softened. “It’s only a long weekend.” He spun around, lifting his arms over his head. The muscles in his biceps bulged beneath the band of his t-shirt. “Is there someone else waiting for you at home? Someone you want to see other than your parents. Is that why you won’t let us go further than we’ve gone?”
How far we’d gone.
I’d gone further with Fin than I had with anyone else.
To his credit, Fin was remarkably patient. We were three months into our relationship before I let him touch me below the waist. As it was, I’d come on his hand. Maybe it was the football, but Fin had an ability to create a rhythm that ignited fireworks while leaving me breathless and wanting more. It was during the fourth month that I ventured below his waist. He’d been campaigning for oral, but that hadn’t happened yet.
“No,” I answered truthfully, not someone as in a boyfriend.
“Then come with me to Bowling Green. I’ve told my mom all about you.”
My anger at his last question subsided. I hadn’t told anyone about Fin except my cousins Leigh and Lip. My response came slow, the words separated by space. “You told your mom?”
He lowered his arms. “I did.” A lopsided smile formed. “She wants to meet you.”
I tipped my chin toward my chest and inhaled. Looking back up, I felt the need to explain. “I’m not a tease, Fin. I think I’m scared.”
“Of what?”
“Of you. Of us. That you might like me for another reason.”
He took a step closer and lifted his touch to my hair. “Is there a wrong reason to like you?” Before I could answer, he went on, “I like you for your brain.You’re not just book smart. You’re fun to talk to. I don’t have to explain football. Hell, you know the game better than half the team. You don’t sugarcoat things for me. When I fuck up, you don’t just tell me, you talk to me about ways to improve. And as for book smart, I was hoping you’d help me prepare for my econ final.” His touch lowered, over my shoulders and down my arms. “And if that wasn’t enough, you’re also beautiful. No, stunning. I especially like you when you’re like you are now, hair down, cheeks pink, and lips swollen” —his smile grew— “or how you were a few minutes ago, without that sweatshirt. But damn, when you dressed up like you did for the banquet, you blew me away. You’re like model gorgeous.” He ran his hand over his hair. “I’ve never met anyone like you. Other girls are…” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “They aren’t you, Abby.”
A tear threatened to escape my eyes.
Abby was Fin’s code word, one no one else would understand. If he was uncomfortable with a situation, such as during practice, he’d call me Abby with a wink. It meant that he was watching. The other players knew to keep back because I was Fin’s.
“Hello.” Emma’s voice came through my closed bedroom door. “I wanted you to know I was home. No sex in the living room.”
I looked up at Fin. “Living room is off-limits.”
“Oral is off-limits?”
I nodded. “Not forever. Maybe we should studymanagerial economics. We need to get your grade up” —I took a breath— “for the transfer portal.”
“Vee…”
I lifted my finger to his strong full lips. “Fin, I’m not selfish. I want you to pursue your dreams. I’ll support you even if it means we’re across the country from one another. I also want oral with you. I want more with you.”
“Living room sex?”
My grin returned. “Maybe one day. Right now, all I ask is that you’re honest.”
“I can do that.”
