“An athlete’s career is a short one. It’s up to you how you want to be remembered,” he reminds us before leaving.
A legend. Have always strived to become one.
“So where are we going?” Roman asks me after we shower and change.
My phone vibrates in my hand and when I see the text from her, I toss aside all other plans.
“Have something else to do.”
“Come on. We get a pass tonight. What could be more important?” Roman whines, and Levi says, “A special someone.”
Did I say he’s my best friend? Because he’s one smirk away from being dethroned. I pin him with a glare, and he says, “I’m calling Amelie.”
Roman sighs dramatically. “Phone sex.”
I groan, Levi chuckles, and Banks says, “It could have been worse, Cap. You’re basically family.”
A headache pulses behind my temples at having to deal with this unruly pack. “Shut up, already.” Then I tell Levi, “Say hi to Amelie for me.”
“I will.”
In front of the car, we share a sideways hug.
Levi gets in the car and rolls down his window. “Enjoy your free time. Alone, when what you crave is so near, yet unreachable.”
I flip him the bird and climb into my car, driving home.
In front of the elevator, it takes this thing forever to arrive, and I’m losing my patience by the second.
At her door, I am about to knock, but she opens it before I can, as if she sensed me, causing a ruckus in my chest.
Lilly jumps straight into my arms. “Wow, you were fantastic. My nerves reached a new high. I thought I would faint. How you threw the last pass. That was a new record. Do you know that?” she asks, out of breath.
While I love to hear her talk, her soft body pressed against mine feels divine. All I want is to prolong holding her.
She tilts her head, looking unsure. “You could have said no. I’m sure you thought about going out to celebrate.”
“I’m right where I want to be. With whom I want to be,” I assure her.
A big smile brightens her face, and I dip my face, following my instinct to claim her.
Her eyes round, mouth parting a bit.
No, keep it together. Don’t ruin it.
The moment passes and she clears her throat, sliding down my body.
I look sideways, raking my hand through my hair, utterly frustrated with myself.
“So, what do you usually do to celebrate?”
Her capacity to snatch me back from the claws of despair never ceases to amaze me.
“When I was younger, we’d go to clubs or private parties. But it got boring quick. Nowadays, it’s a sports bar, just with the few people I like.”
She drags her lower lip through her teeth. “We could go out, but…”
Yes, I know. We could be recognized.
