Going into the kitchen, I come back with two Gatorades and place them on the table. I offer him the second controller, and as he takes it, he fixes me with a hard look.
“I’m planning to ask Amelie to marry me when we win the Super Bowl again, but it might be even sooner.”
I elbow his side. “I didn’t hear a question.”
“Fuck you,” he grins. “And I asked your parents. They both gave me their blessing.”
I groan, “You have mine as well, asshole.”
He taps his foot up and down, sighing.
“Are you nervous? She’ll say yes.”
He cranes his head, staring at the ceiling for long moments. “I want more of her, man.”
I get that. It’s written all over his face.
“I love Amelie more than I love the game, but then I feel fucking guilty because this sport made me who I am.” He looks down at his hands. “I wouldn’t even know who I was without a ball in my hand.”
I squeeze his shoulder. “Staying focused on what you have is what counts. You have the girl you’ve always wanted and are at the top of your career. Who knows what the future holds, so be happy.”
“I am.” He nudges my side. “I wish you were too.”
I purse my lips, telling him with my eyes not to go there. He doesn’t listen because best friends are the most annoying people possible. You can’t live without them either.
“So, Lilly?”
Her name unleashes a wave of agony, tearing at my composure, and I snap. “I have a Super Bowl to win. A best friend who thinks more about my sister than the game. Teammates whom I have to keep in check constantly. And you ask me about my personal life?”
He remains unfazed by my outburst, looking me firmly in the eyes. “You don’t have one. You had one relationshipthat was more toxic than good in high school, and some dates with women, who we both know didn’t mean much. When did you ever pursue a girl?”
“What has that to do with anything?” I grit out.
“Lilly. That’s who you wanted, and you went for it. Grab your chance. Don’t lose time like I did.”
“You’re making up for it,” I grit out.
It’s my fun moment reminding him about breaking the bro code, but knowing how much he loves Amelie, I will always be grateful for.
He shakes his head at me. “Stubborn ass.”
As there’s no chance to get him engaged in the video game, I shut it off and switch on the TV.
We watch a replay of a game from last year and Levi cocks his head. “These fuckers always tackle too hard. And we’re going to play against them for the season opener.”
“We have that game locked,” I say unperturbed. “The entire team is hungry to win.”
He stays for a while longer, and when he leaves, restlessness takes over.
Silence has never bothered me before. It was the few moments when I wouldn’t hear the coach drilling into me—a break from the constant pressure of not disappointing my teammates and fans if we lost. But now, Lilly infiltrates those rare peaceful moments. What is with this woman having such a chokehold on me? My eyes wander to the door.
Torn between the need to see her and the necessity to stay away, I listen to my gut instinct just like then. She’s someone I can’t stay away from with sheer will. I have none when it comes to her.Don’t do this,but I fail. Something beyond my power pushes me.
My feet carry me toward her door. Breath caught in my throat, I knock and brace my hands against her door frame. Nervesskyrocket my pulse, deafening me. I count each second until she relieves me from this hellish limbo.
When she opens the door, my eyes travel down her shorts and tank top, her hair pulled up in two buns—all cute and feminine, igniting this urge in me to keep her safe and worship every inch of her from the outside in. This woman unravels me by doing nothing but being too damn adorable. I’m screwed.
“Why?” My tone is low as if not to conjure the ghost of my past.
