Especially since I’m gone so much with the team.
But it’s almost April, and the regular season will be over in two weeks. Once the playoffs start I’m going to have even less time with her, so I’d like us to be on solid ground before we get to that point.
I must have dozed off because the next time I open my eyes it’s starting to get light out.
Shit!
I grab my phone in alarm.
6:01.
And Victoria is still asleep in my arms.
“Babe. Honey, time to get up.”
Her eyes flutter, and then she must realize that it’s morning because she sits up in alarm.
“Oh, shit. What time is it?”
“A couple minutes after six. I’m sorry. I fell asleep.”
“Dammit, Jordan.” She adjusts her bra, grabs her shirt and then yanks it over her head.
“I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t think I was that tired. The light is still on…” It sounds lame and I feel like I let her down but she’s already up and putting on her shoes.
“I have to go,” she whispers. “I’ll see you later.”
“Hey.” I get up and reach for her. “I’m sorry. Really.”
“I know. It’s okay. But I need to help with Charlie. I have to go.” She quickly presses her lips to mine and before I can say or do anything else, she’s gone.
This is one of many things I dislike about the current state of our relationship.
She’s an adult. There’s no reason why she can’t sleep over but I guess her parents don’t see it that way. Or she’s still too afraid of them to push back. What can they do? Kick her out? She could live here with me and?—
I’ve never told her that.
She’s been so adamant about taking things slowly I’ve been reluctant to say things that might make it feel like I’m pushing her. Now I’m not sure what to do. If I tell her that I’m as in love with her now as I ever was, and want her to move in with me, will that scare her off?
Is she as ready as I am?
I guess I should ask her.
Make my feelings clear.
And let her know that I’m in this for the long haul, even if she needs more time to get comfortable with the idea. My gut tells me the first step is winning over her parents, so the goal is to do whatever it takes.
Failure simply isn’t an option.
Chapter 23
Victoria
Ivy’s in the kitchen when I get home. She looks like she’s been up all night and she’s got Charlie resting on one shoulder as she tries to make a cup of coffee without waking him.
“Here, let me have him.” I reach for Charlie and Ivy hands him to me before turning to the counter.
“Where were you all night?”
