We know that’s not what really happened.
What the pictures show is me holding hands with the man who is not afraid of stepping into a future with me while I feel unashamed, unbroken, unafraid.
And willing to wait for me to chance falling in love.
38
GAME-CHANGER: KEY PLAY THAT SHIFTS MOMENTUM.
We’re finally back in our room, sealed away from the drizzle, the shouts, and the cameras that followed us back from Wembley. Instead of feeling exhausted, exhilaration causes blood to pump through my heart faster.
I want nothing more than to spend this energy in our bed, but I need to know where Maya’s at—especially with all her revelations during and after the game. Even as I stare down atthe crown of her head, she lets out a sound that’s half laugh, half snort. Sitting next to her, I ask, “What’s that for?”
“Well, I laid awake all night with a speech planned.”
“About?”
“Letting you know how ready I was for there to be an us. But I think I let my actions speak louder than words today. What about you?” She twists her head, and her blue eyes are sparkling.
I reach over and lace my fingers through hers. She doesn’t hesitate. I grin. She returns it. We both start laughing at the same time as recollections of things that happened flash through our heads.
Maya groans, “We’re trending on social media.”
“Under several hashtags, according to you,uvetta mia,” I remind her.
She giggles. Looping her arms around my neck, she admits, “I can’t believe I said half of that.”
“You mean the part where you verbally destroyed Bryce?”
Her lips twitch. “Yes.”
“You were perfect.” I fall back on the bed, pulling her on top of me before rolling her over to capture her body beneath mine.
“I’m mortified. I don’t want you to think he means anything to me becausehedoesn’t,” she emphasizes.
“That wasn’t you showinghimemotion; that was you finally speaking your truth and walking away with your head held high.”
“It’s odd. At the moment, I didn’t even think it was essentially the same situation that caused this major milestone in my life. Noise, people, cameras—essentially the same setup as his house.”
I sway my head from side to side. “To a degree.”
“But instead of feeling humiliated, I feel like I just unloaded this burden I wasn’t supposed to be carrying.”
Her gorgeous blue eyes drill into mine. There’s a quiet vulnerability there. “Now, for the hard part.”
“What’s that?”
“Talking about us.”
“I meant what I said in that room. It’s about what you and I are starting. Together.”
My heart races against hers. “I know you did.”
“But moving forward with you…I want to take the time to build this the right way.”
My heart is going to beat out of my chest. “You want to build something?”
She’s exasperated. “No, I thought I’d just be your international booty call. For the love, Troy. What did you think I was saying earlier?”
