I push out a breath. “Really? What are you thinking?”
When he doesn’t answer, I’m forced to look at him. His eyes move over my face, and my cheeks burn a little, unable to read him.
“I love you.”
I bite the corner of my lip, still finding it a little difficult to hear those words, only because it’s so damn hard to believe they’re true. But I do believe them.
He rests his hand on my thigh, palm up, and I slide my hand into his. “Also, I was thinking we both have giant-ass families, and it would be interesting to see them all together.”
I laugh, letting my head rest on his shoulder.
We watch as the teams take their places on the field, and Cole jumps up and yells as Hank’s name is announced.
I sit, taking it all in. I’m in Europe with The Assignment, who’s now my boyfriend for real, and we’re talking about our families. I’m not hiding behind a pissy mood or on the verge of an anxiety attack, and I don’t feel like I need or want to kill anyone at the moment.
I’m exploring. What the hell has happened to my life?
Cole’s hand squeezes my thigh as he stands and hollers again.
Him. Just him. He’s completely wrecked me and everything I thought I knew.
He sits, and I lean into him, stealing his hand. I’ve never felt so damn good.
______
Calloused fingers brush across my cheek, and I feel the gentle rise and fall of his chest underneath the other. His largehand spreads across the middle of my back, and it’s warm and soothing.
I keep my eyes closed, not wanting a single thing to disturb this.
“Hey.” He presses his lips to the top of my head. I groan, not moving. “We have to get up soon.”
“Why?” I whine, liking it right where I am.
His smile spreads across my forehead. “It’s time to go home.”
Home. I’m not sure where that will be when we leave here.
These past two weeks with Cole in a faraway land have created a sustained peace within me I’ve not known before. We’ve been lazy, sleeping in and eating in our room, but also staying up late and visiting all the sights.
But now, it’s time to go back.
I bury my face in the side of his chest. “I don’t want to go.”
“Me either.” He shifts, and I force my eyes open, surrendering to reality. He rests on one elbow, peering down at me. “I have to see what kind of trade the Stingrays might be interested in and decide if I want to go the free agent route.”
Two days ago, Cole’s agent called and told him rumors were circulating, and he needed to make a decision.
His hand slides over my stomach, holding my side. “But I was thinking that after I get this ironed out, maybe we could go to Colorado for a while.”
I rub his shirt between my fingers, trying to sort through what I’m supposed to do about this possible new assignment with Rodriguez and wanting to be wherever Cole is.
I run a hand over my face. “I have to talk to Track and find out when he might actually let me work again. Eventually, though, you’ll be in one place, and I’ll be in Miami.”
His fingers grip my side, pulling me a little closer. “Maybe I’ll stay with the Stingrays.”
“No. They’re letting you out, and you’re taking it.” I saw how unhappy he was, even if he didn’t realize it.
“I already know I don’t want to leave you. I won’t be able to stand it, not knowing if you’re home and safe.”
