I keep the words to myself and they wrap around me like a soft blanket. A warm feeling spreads through my body and my lips twitch in a smile.You’re falling in love with her. You probably have been since freshman year.When my gaze finally meets hers, my vision is a little blurry.
Maggie studies me for a moment, her hand moving from my bicep to cup the side of my face. I lean into it, starving for her touch, her attention, her everything. I don’t think I’ve wanted anyone more.
“I miss you too,” she admits, a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. “So much so that I was thinking about moving to Florida.”
My grin is wide and that warm feeling in my body returns, bringing a wave of full-fledged butterflies with it.
CHAPTER 12
Maggie
Five Years Ago - Charleston
Rowan crushesme in a hug and I try not to let all my feelings spill out right here and now. We almost tip over in the hammock from the force of his hug and I wrap my arms around his shoulder as tight as I can.
I missed him so much. Even though we’ve seen each other over the last few years, whether that was at a tournament or visiting each other for the holidays, nothing beats this. The two of us together.
“Do you mean it? You’ll move to Florida?” he asks, hazel eyes sparkling brighter than the bonfire behind him.
I chuckle in his embrace and say, “If you let me out of this death grip, maybe I can explain.”
He pulls back the smallest amount and the hopeful expression on his face fills me with excitement. How could I think he wouldn’t want mearound?
“My dad has been driving me crazy and I snapped the other day. I’ve had enough—I told him I was going to do things my way from now on, practicing on my own terms and focusing all my energy getting ready for the qualifying rounds for the Australian Open,” I say, saying all the things that have weighed heavy on my mind the last few months.
Even though I’ve been working hard and winning plenty of tournaments in the Women’s Tennis Association, I think I’m ready for something bigger. My dad, however, is not of the same opinion and has been pushing me way past my limits, even though he’s not officially my coach. It’s time for me to fly the coop and find myself a new practice partner. Rowan was the first person that came to mind. If I can convince him.
“The Australian Open. That’s…”
“Soon? Yeah, I know. But this is what I want and I’m going for it,” I say, frowning. Does he not believe in me?
My worries dissipate as soon as Rowan smiles and smooths the divot in my eyebrows away with his thumb.
“Why Florida, though? You could train anywhere,” he says, biting his lip.
“Because—” I say, searching his face for any trace that he might not want me there. Maybe he’s dating someone. Maybe he likes his space. I keep my hands on his shoulders and say, “Because I miss you too. You’re my best friend and you were the best training partner I ever had in college. I want that back. If you’ll have me.”
“Are you sure you won’t regret moving to Palm Beach? I don’t want you to leave your whole family behind.”
“Ro, I promise I’ll be fine. As long as I have you there.”
“Then I’d be honored to be your practice partner,” he says, grinning. “I have so much to show you in Palm Beach.”
“I can’t wait to see it with you. And—” I say, moving myhands from his shoulders to his chest and slowly pressing my palms against the solid muscle. “Maybe we could revisit the agreement.”
Rowan’s chest rises on an inhale and his hazel eyes search my face. I try not to seem too eager, but deep down I’m dying for him to say yes. I missed him not just as my best friend butmorethan that. I missed his hands on my body and the way he held me in his arms after he made me feel worshiped.
“Are you sure?” he asks and I lean in just enough so I can reach into my back pocket. With shaky fingers I pull out the list we made in college. The one we’ve amended over the years and crumpled up so many times. My eyes snag over the crossed off items and I smile.
Rowan plucks it out of my fingers and stares at it in awe. “You kept it?”
“Yes,” I say, heart pounding as I wait for his reply.
He scans the list a few times, no doubt spotting the new items I added.
No falling in love.
No PDA.
