Page 56 of Colliding with Ten

The kid in the Stallions cap swore over his heart. “Your secrets’ safe with us, Mr. Monroe.”

“Appreciate you, guys. Travel safe,” Lennox said, giving each of them a high five.

They floated away down the concourse, whispering among themselves and sneaking thrilled glances back over their shoulders until they disappeared amongst the other travelers.

Lennox sat back down and brought my leg back to rest on top of his.

“So, are you gonna use his advice?”

“Obviously. It’s free advice.”

I laughed, and the sound mingled with the loudspeaker during an announcement: All remaining flights are canceled for the evening. Please proceed to ticketing for rebooking and hotel vouchers.

The gate erupted. People stood and rushed for the counter. I looked at him, expecting a solution. I’m not even sure why, except that he was always so self-assured and usually knew what to do.

“Stay put.” He lowered my leg off his. “You’re not fighting that crowd with a bad knee.”

He disappeared into the chaos as I watched the crowded floor, feeling calm.

Then the thought came uninvited. I don’t want this night to end. But that was crazy, right?

When he came back, the crowd had thinned.

“Well?” I asked.

He smiled. “I got us into the VIP lounge.”

“How on earth?”

He shrugged. “Being a franchise QB has its perks.”

I shook my head, smiling.

“Come on. Let’s get you somewhere comfortable.”

Against every ounce of guardedness I had about the rivalry and how AJ would feel about this, I took his offer.

In the lounge, the chairs were comfortable. I stretched out with my legs resting on one of the ottomans. The ache in my knee dulled.

“You still okay?” he murmured into my ear.

I turned my head toward him. “Yeah. Why?”

He shrugged. “Just checking. The offer still stands.”

I arched a brow. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Figured I’d volunteer before some stranger offers first.”

“You’re the stranger who offered first.”

“We’re not strangers anymore. We’ve got secrets, remember.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Yeah, I’m just getting used to that. But I think I’ll be fine with the ottoman.”

His grin faltered, disappointment flickering in his eyes before he masked it with his charm. “Your loss.”

I sank deeper into the chair and closed my eyes. I didn’t take his offer because the butterflies made it hard to breathe. They had been relentless, and I wasn’t sure I could handle one more touch of his hand without turning to static.