Hey, Brother, is it safe for us to come back yet?
I pull back and stare down at my mate. Her lips are swollen, her hair disheveled, and she looks absolutely perfect.No.
He chuckles through our bond.You probably need to head back.
Go away.
I’m going to take it that it worked.
Yes.
I'm happy for you, Brother.
I want to tell him to stay away and continue kissing my mate all day, but I know I have to get back. I force myself to take a stepback. Her eyes are filled with so much emotion and heat when she looks up at me, I almost cave and take her back in my arms. It takes every ounce of control I have to keep a foot from her. “I have to get back.”
“Oh, yeah.” She looks perfectly dazed, and it’s doing great things for my confidence.
I take her hand, unable to keep from touching her, and pull her towards me. “Just a few more days.”
“Until what?” she whispers.
“Until soccer is done, and then you and I will have the time we need.”
“To do this?” she breathes.
“This and so much more.” I hear my phone buzz again. I’ve already ignored it the first time, but I can’t any longer. It's probably Ben telling me my time is up.
“You need to go.” There’s disappointment in her gaze and in her voice but also determination.
“I do.” Neither of us move. She finally steps back. “Come on. I’ll walk you out.”
I want to tug her back into my arms and keep kissing her until we both forget what our names are, but I need to get back. I reach out to Zane.Can you give me a ride back?
He answers right away.Of course. We’re out front.
I follow Tessa to the front door. She pulls it open, but I push it shut and pull her into my arms. I have to; I just have to have her in my arms one more time. This time, she groans; and I feel it deep in my chest. I pull back, knowing I need to be strong for both of us. I lower my forehead until it’s touching hers. “I love you, Shorty.”
She breathes out a sigh. “I love you too, Hotshot.”
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to get away again before the game.”
She shakes her head. “Don’t. Focus on the game. It’s only a few more days.” I take a breath and take a step back, putting space between us. “I’ll be there Monday, cheering for number seven.”
“I’m counting on it.” And then, because I know if I stay any longer I won’t be able to leave, I open the door. “See you Monday.” I don’t turn back. I force myself to walk down the steps. When I approach the truck, Evie opens her door and climbs out.
She leaves the door open for me. “I’m glad it worked, Slate,” she says quietly before walking over to the house. I’m glad she’ll be staying with Tessa.
Quint climbs out next. “I’ll stay with the girls.” He’s completely serious for a change.
“Thank you.”
He nods and walks over to the house. “Yo, Slate.” I turn towards him. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.” I climb into the truck, and Zane pulls out. “Thank you.” Without his power combining with mine, I know it wouldn’t have worked.
“Of course, Man.” It’s quiet a minute. “Is Tessa okay?”
I take a deep breath into my lungs. “Yeah. She’s finally free.”
