Page 90 of Wildflowers and Wide Receivers

“I’m sorry,” he says.

“For what?”

“I don’t even know anymore. I just feel bad. I don’t like seeing you cry.”

“You have nothing to feel bad about,” I tell him, taking a step closer, tilting my head to see him. Without asking and without a warning, I rise on my toes and brush my lips over his. He holds us together with my lips pressed to his until he tips his face so his forehead can rest against mine. His hand drops to my waist, and he pulls me closer.

And then even closer as he wraps both arms around me and hugs me.

No one ever talks about hugs. It’s always kisses or unexpected touches, but hugs, they’re probably more important than both of those two combined. It’s a moment between two people when the need to be as close as possible to that person takes over, and two hearts are pressed together to become one. A hug is an exchange of affection meant to show support, whether it’s due to a celebration or through grief, and a hug is the thing that everyone needs when most of the time they don’t realize it. A hug is small, simple, yet it can be everything.

And this is.

“Will you come over for dinner on Friday?” I ask him. We still need to talk.

He pulls back and looks at me.

“You’re going to cook for me?” he asks, raising his brows, the mood lifting just a bit.

“Yes.” I give him a small smile even though he knows I’m not the best. Can I cook? A little, but for him, I would try anything.

Jonah gives himself to everyone and everything he cares about. Whether it’s football, his friends, Vivi, even me. I haven’t left yet, and I definitely want to do something just for him.

“Okay,” he agrees. “Text me what time.”

Chapter 36

Team Chat

Reid: If anyone wants to stop by, I’ll be on the grill

Miles: Sweet. Ryder and I are in

Darius: Ah, look who’s bonding

Reid: Grab steaks or burgers on your way

Miles: Fuck off, D

Rico: Count me in. I’ll bring the fireworks

Sully: No fireworks

Rico: What do you mean? It’s the 4th of July

Ryder: It’s against the code

Reid: Camille says no fireworks

Sully: Holla! Look who finally did their job

Darius: I guess we know who wears the pants in your family

Rico: What do you mean against code?

Sully: Bro, it’s one of the no-gos in your contract, like hoverboards and snowboarding

Dylan: Always thought that was a stupid rule