I’ve started imagining a future with him, not just nights and days but birthdays and anniversaries.
“What are you afraid of?”Brooke asks.
My gaze meets hers.“I’m falling for him.”
Her grin is slow and wide.“Obviously.”
Shock slams into me.“It’s obvious to you or to him?”
“To me because I’m smarter than your boy toy.”
I reach for the zipper and work it down.“So, if you’re not a romantic, why are you rooting for this?”
“Because you’re my friend and I want everyone to love you as much as I do.Plus, these guys are used to having control of everything and it’s fun to watch them spiral.”
I toss a shirt at her, and she catches it, laughing.
The more I think about it, the more I like it.
I’ll tell Clay I’m good with announcing us, that he doesn’t have to worry about pressuring me.I trust him.
“I’m not sure we’ll have time after we get back tomorrow.He’s heading away on another road trip.”
Brooke grins.“Then let’s go back early.”
“Have you seen Clay?”I ask Rookie outside the Kodiaks locker room.
He waves down the hallway toward the court.
Brooke and I got back in record time.Since our talk, all I can think about is seeing Clay.
My chest has been stretched so tight it feels as if my heart is going to beat out from within my ribs.
After landing, I showered and headed to the stadium, figuring I’d find Clay there.
I follow the winding hallway toward the court, replaying what I’d rehearsed in my mind.
When I get to the end of the tunnel, I hear Clay’s voice, hushed but urgent.
“…need to talk about our deal.”
“The deal where I agreed I’d get you to LA?”Harlan’s voice cuts in, every bit as tight but with an edge of frustration.
I pull up out of sight.This must be related to what they were fighting about at Christmas.
“You didn’t hold up your end of the bargain,” Harlan says.
“It wasn’t my fault she came back.”
The hairs on my neck lift.
“No, but you were supposed to stay away from her when she did.”
My heart stops.
I can’t believe what I’m hearing.
I want to run, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
