“Can we talk?”
“Of course,” he says as he drains his wine glass, then refills it.
Now I have his full attention, I freeze. I stare at this wonderful man, taking in one of the most romantic things a man has ever done for me. He is putting everything on the line, has been for months now. He’s never shied away from his feelings for me, he’s respected the back and forth I’ve put him through. He’s been constant, whereas I’ve been the one pulling him along on strings, making him almost beg to give into him. Shit. But then I look at this gorgeous man who is so willing to try for more. How can I have been such a fool and kept denying him?
He starts talking before I get a chance to get out what is going on in my mind.
“I can't stop thinking about you. I've tried. After London. After Vegas. After that night in the pool. After the fucking elevator. I've tried to respect your boundaries. Keep my distance. Do the right thing." He looks at me. "But I can't. Because being near you and not being with you is killing me.” My chest tightens. "And I know it's complicated," he continues. "Your brothers play on my team. You work for my team. There are a hundred reasons this is a terrible idea." His hand reaches across the table and covers mine. "But I also know I've never felt like this about anyone. And I think … I hope … you feel it too."
I take my hand away from his, and his brows pull together ever so slightly, the disappointment evident on his face, especially after opening himself up like he just did. I get up from my seat and walk over to where he is seated, motioning for him to move his chair out. I am being bold in this moment,something I should have done months ago. He follows my lead silently and pushing his chair back, and the next thing I do is straddle him, which surprises him. I place my hand on his chest, and I can feel his heart beating a million miles an hour.
“I’m sorry.” He looks at me in confusion, but I wrap my arms around his neck. “I’m so sorry I’ve been pushing you away, even though I have wanted you. I can’t stop thinking about you, either.”
His hands find my hips, gripping tight. "Jo ..."
"I'm terrified," I whisper. "What if we get caught? What if it ruins everything? What if I lose my job? What if the team turns on you? But … I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone before.”
“You do?” I see the hope and happiness that radiate from him.
I nod. “I do. I also think we should keep whatever is happening between us a secret.”
His brows rise high. “Secret?”
I run my hand over his cheek, feeling the stubble against my fingers. “I know that might be a lot to ask, and I guess it’s no different to what we have been doing but … I think we should see what this is before … we … um … tell the world, don’t you?”
“You mean before we tell your brothers?”
I nod as I take him all in. “And before your team.”
He captures my hand and kisses the inside of my wrist, which sends sparks all over my body.
“Sully suggested the same thing.”
“He did?”
Emmett nods. “Thought it was best to wait till after the season is over before telling everyone we’re dating.”
“So, we’re dating?” I ask, smiling down at him.
“Yes. I’m not after a fuck buddy.” Oh. “If I just wanted sex, Jo, there are plenty of bunnies that would be willing.” Not sure if I should be offended or not, but I see what he means. “I want tobe able to wake up with you and cuddle you. I want to cook for and feed you. I want you in my life.”
“You do?”
He nods. “Never been surer. And if the only way we can do this or even try this is by keeping it to ourselves, I’m okay. I’m not ashamed of you, I just want that to be known.”
“I’m not either.”
“Our worry is what us being together would do for the team and your brothers, if that is the only reason we can’t be together, then …”
“We don’t tell them … until it’s time.”
“Yeah.”
“Collette suggested the same thing.” This surprises him. “I hate that we have to do this, but it’s best of everyone.”
“Once we are holding that cup, no one is going to care that we are together.” He smiles.
“Agreed.” I’m unable to hide my smile.
