“Then I think we both need to accept that there’s going to be times when our past is going to need to be discussed.”
I nod, accepting his words as truth. “It’s not like you weren’t around for my engagement to Bryce.”
“Just as I imagine, there are things you’re likely going to face about mine as well. We’ve both had high-profile pasts, Maya. Things are going to come up.”
I try not to let my lip curl when I recall the last woman Troy dated—a Victoria's Secret runway model. I obviously do a shit job because he bursts into laughter. “What’s that look for?”
“I can’t compete with a woman who struts down a catwalk in a diamond bra and panties wearing wings.”
He tugs me forward so I flop down hard on his chest. “First, you don’t have to compete with anyone. You…” His voice trails off.
“I, what?”
“Captivate me.” He tucks his fingers beneath my chin so he can lift my lips up to his. His lips brush against mine before murmuring against them. “I will also admit to feeling more than a little nauseous when I hear about your history with Bryce.”
“Why? You—and the whole world—saw how that ended?”
His lips twist wryly. “Let’s just say women flock to quarterbacks.”
My lips thin. “I found that out.”
He clears his throat. “Right. So, for a woman to switch her allegiance to a former special teams guy—someone who was only important for a few seconds every game—will be a little shocking. I mean, I used to be the guy who spent half the game stretching his hamstring.”
Settling back against his chest, I let out a deep breath, realizing he needs some reassurance as well. “Well, then this will make you feel better.”
His fingers dive back into my curls, resuming their effortless motion. “What’s that?”
Twisting around to face him, I tug his head down to mine. “Your body can move in ways his never could. I know he could never get his leg quite at that angle…”
Later under the blanket, after Troy pulled off the sofa and rewarded me for my performance evaluation, he resumed our conversation from earlier. His questions centered mostly on my parents. “So, you’re close with your girls and your parents?”
“That’s the sum of my people.”
He lifts my hand to his, nibbling on the tips of my fingers. “You’re expanding it.”
I roll onto my back and smile up at him. As the flames of the fire sink lower, the dimming light turns his skin to a burnished gold. “To be honest, I’m kind of an introvert.”
“How often do you get a chance to see them?”
“As often as I can between assignments.”
His eyes darken. “Speaking of assignments, remind me to spank your ass later.”
Indignant, I struggle to sit up. “What for?”
“Jumping out of a plane with a million pounds of camera equipment?”
Haughtily, I inform him, “I’ll have you know, I’m actually certified to jump with a camera.”
He presses his forehead against mine. “I shouldn’t have assumed you’d have been reckless, but I wish there was some way for me to explain what went through my mind.”
I settle back against his chest where there’s nothing between us. Savoring the feel of his thundering heart, I relish the way my hand feels as it skates over his skin. Even now, it races through him. Fear. Instead of making him weak, his sharing this side of him makes me feel cherished.
Moving us past that, Troy presses a kiss to the crown of my head. “How did you get started with photography?”
“My grandmother gave me my first camera—an old Kodak Brownie Hawkeye.”
“Do you still have it?”
