As we head back home, she smiles at me with her whole face. “I will need a new vase if you keep having lilies delivered to me.”
I know what my next order will include.
“No one’s brought me flowers before. Actually, no one has given me as much as you have.”
I don’t know who the fuck those two guys were. If I come across one, I’ll have to resist the urge to punch them and instead thank them for moving the fuck along so I can take over. I haven’t even started yet. She is my woman to take care of and spoil, even if she isn’t ready to admit that yet. And I treat my woman right.
“I’ve been single for a while now.”
“Do you want to date?” My heart sputters like an old engine on its last roll.
She cuddles up to my side, easing my nerves. “No, I’m quite content like this.”
When we reach the apartment building, she lifts on her toes, whispering, “Can I tell you something?”
Every second with her is sweet torture. “You can tell me anything.”
“Number three will be the right one.”
Strong emotions hit me square in the chest, only thinking that there might be someone else in her life.
“And how will you know he’s the right one?” The word scrapes at my dry throat, coming out gruffly.
“Because I will feel it. A love and passion so big it’s overwhelming yet familiar.”
Eyes locked, mine tells herthat’s me, Lilly, while hers say,I know and it’s scary.
“Stop looking at me like that,” she sighs and pushes the door open.
I slide my hands in my pants not to touch her and show her we’re unstoppable. A tinge of frustration laces my words. “Like what?”
“You know exactly like what… and we established… we…,” she stammers.
We were fucking made for each other.Resolution blasts through my insides while we get in the elevator, wishing she would accept that irrefutable fact as well.
Her shoulders droop. Eyes downcast, she whispers, “Don’t be like this. Some things are just not meant to be.”
Oh, I’ll make us meant to be.
I accompany her to her door, and when she enters, she says over her shoulder, “I was thinking I could ease my father into our friendship. We’re going to remain friends, right?” Her fear is so clear in her voice, it knocks me off my feet.
“Of course, Lilly,” I assure her.
She needs stability, and I am not going anywhere.
Turning to close the door, she seeks my eyes. “I need you in my life, but I don’t know… At some point, you’re going to leave, be signed by another team… and I don’t want to cause you problems.” And then she says stuff like this, resurrecting my drowning hope.
Incapable of continuing to see her distressed, I cup her face.
Eye to eye, I say, “You, this friendship is important to me. I will deal with whatever consequences. It’s your decision, Lilly, and I will support you.”
I take a step back, afraid I will forget all my good intentions.
She says through the small crack, “My father always said to make more friends. Well, at least who I make friends with is my choice. Let’s see how it goes first.”
She has no trust, and that must be the foundation in every relationship. I am going to show her, I am here to stay. For good. Forever.
NINE
