She bites down hard on her lip before saying, “Thank you, Cameron. Anyway, after the game, my father drove me home. He didn’t speak the entire drive, but as soon as we pulled into our driveway, he shouted at me to get out of the car. The minute I was out, he put the car in reverse and peeled out of the driveway. I went up to bed and cried myself to sleep. I figured he’d forgive me eventually and we’d move forward like we always did. Little did I know that would be the last time I’d see him.”
“He left for good that night?”
She nods. “Watts was traded right away, so I never had to see him again. But suddenly, my father ended up as the head coach of Watts’s new team. The Caves owner and he must have struck a deal—he’d give him Watts for less in exchange for the head coaching job. He’s been able to win a lot there, so it all worked out for him, I guess. But I’ve carried the guilt of the Cannons loss in my heart. The adult side of me realizes my father obviously used me as a scapegoat, but the kid in me hasn’t let go.”
I know what I’m about to say is trivial compared to what she’s gone through, but I don’t know how else to help other than to promise her, “We’re going to win the damn title this year. Just like I told you. Okay?”
She smiles at me. “Okay.”
* * *
Savannah
As soon as we pull into my driveway, Cam leans over and kisses me.
This time, I kiss him back. His tongue flicks out, asking for entrance, and I open up and let him in. Oh, God. My first real kiss.
Cam’s hot lips make me crazy with need, and I clutch at his back as his mouth moves to my neck. He reaches underneath my coat and keeps reaching until he’s unhooked my bra. My hands are all over him, and I don’t plan on stopping. I tug at his shirt until I find his molten skin underneath, and he groans into the crook of my neck. Within a minute, he’s got my coat unzipped and my shirt up, and his tongue’s making its way down my collarbone to my breasts. I catch my breath, feeling my entire body light up.
Then he abruptly pulls back.
“What’s wrong?” I swallow and try to catch my breath.
“Savannah. I think we need to have a proper date.” His voice is ragged.
I pull my shirt down. “We do?”
“Yes. Have you been on a date before?” He reaches out and helps me zip my coat back up.
“Once,” I say. “It was a blind date, and it was awful.”
“I haven’t gone on a lot of real dates either.”
“I thought you dated Amy for years.”
“We did, but we were kids. It felt like most of our nights out were always casual and not planned, you know?”
I nod even though I don’t know at all.
“Let’s do something after the game tomorrow. Are you coming?”
I fiddle with my coat zipper. I can feel myself losing control, and I’m not sure I even want to get my foot back on the brake.
“Yes, with my sisters. But I have no idea what to suggest for a date.”
Cam just winks at me. “I’ll figure it out.” He opens his door. “Come on. I’ll walk you up.”
When we reach the top step, Cam stops. “I’ve always known somebody must have hurt you,” he says. “You’re so beautiful, but so incredibly guarded. At first, it was like I couldn’t get too close or you’d hit me in the groin with a hockey stick.”
I smile at his joke.
He searches my face. “But I knew if I was going to get to know you, I’d have to be patient. And I will be, Savannah. I promise.”
“I had a twisted childhood, Cam.” I hold his gaze. “I didn’t mean to freak you out. But you’ve become my friend, and I’ve asked you for an enormous favor. I’ll understand if you’ve changed your mind about having sex with me. I just think you have a right to know why I’m the way I am.”
Cam cups my face with his hands. “I’m glad you shared with me. As painful as it is to hear, I was thinking how amazing you turned out and how strong you are.”
He kisses me again, and I relax into his warm mouth on mine and on the way he lightly nibbles my bottom lip. “I like you,” he murmurs.
