Page 87

I think for a second. “I do. I don’t think he’d intentionally hurt me or flirt with other women. But the thing is, this happened after we’d only officially been together for one week. How many more times will I have to deal with this sort of nonsense? I mean, he’s a gorgeous professional athlete, it’s bound to happen again. And how long will he stay happy with me before he gives in to the temptation?” My words are coming out fast, word vomit, if you will.

“I know you had a terrible experience with Travis. But not all men are like that. Lots of athletes have long and happy marriages and never even entertain the idea of hooking up with another woman. I honestly never worry about West cheating; it doesn’t even enter my mind. He has never given me a reason to doubt him,” Mel speaks softly, but her expression is serious. “I think you have to give Colby that chance too, without letting your past relationship cloud your judgment. Or you’ll never be happy with anyone.” She reaches out and squeezes my knee.

Andie nods. “Mel is right, sweetie. I’m sure it’s difficult to put your heart out there after being crushed like you were before, but is it fair to Colby if you’re always expecting the worst?”

A throat clears from behind us, and we all whip our heads around to look at Noah, Andie’s little brother, who’s supposed to be in bed. “Sorry, I couldn’t help but hear you guys talking. I wanted you to know that Colby was telling the truth. I was sitting right there at the table when those chicks came over to him. He honestly looked annoyed, and then he started rambling about Lord of the Rings, it was weird. Thought you should know.” He shrugs like he didn’t just save the day and trots back upstairs to his room.

“Well, there you have it.” Andie smiles. “So, are you going to stay in the past? Or move forward and put your heart out there?”

I sip my pina colada through my straw until it’s almost gone. “Sheesh, you two don’t hold back.”

“We’re your best friends, Noel. We’re here to pet your hair when you need hair petters and kick your ass when you need ass kickers. And we know you’d do the same for us.” Andie shoots me a crooked smile.

“Yeah, you’re right. I would.” I smile back. “But I might need one more of these.” I raise my drink in the air.

“On it!” Andie jumps up from the couch and rushes off to the kitchen.

* * *

Wednesday when I get home from work, I start my research. I even brought home some books from the University library and have sticky tabs and note cards. This is my own personal research. I want to learn everything I can about how to trust after being betrayed. Because the girls were right, I owe it to Colby, and to myself, to heal and have a healthy relationship. And Colby is the man I want that with. Desperately. Any man I thought I wanted before pales in comparison to my need for Colby Knight.

The first book I open is titled, Learning to Trust Your Partner When You Don’t Trust Your Instincts. Long title, but effective.

This one talks mostly about trusting yourself after your instincts have led you astray. And how trusting yourself is a step to trusting a partner. I’m filling out a notecard when someone knocks on my door. I tip-toe toward the door and peer through the peephole, it’s a delivery guy holding a bag. Cautiously, I open the door.

The guy quirks a brow and says, “Noel?”

“That’s me.”

He unceremoniously thrusts the paper bag into my arms and strides down the hallway. I close the door and open the bag. Inside there must be half a dozen containers of food from Pancake Palace. As I open the containers, I see there’s a sampling of everything from their buffet.

This man. How could I ever have doubted him?

Freshly motivated, and with a pancake in hand. I get back to my books.

* * *

Thursday comes with another delivery. This time in the middle of my lecture. The most ostentatious, and fabulous, bouquet of flowers I’ve ever seen. All in various shades of pink. Pink ranunculus, pink roses, pink berries. It’s gorgeous and smells so good. It kills me to wait until the end of class to read the note.

I rip it open the moment my last student leaves.

Giving you space is hard. I miss you. -Colby

Finally, I give in and text him.

Noel

I miss you too. Thank you for the flowers.

I’m beyond ready for him to come home and to talk to him about everything. I feel antsy and fidgety. But I know the distance is allowing me to do some important soul-searching, and we’ll be better for it in the end.

CHAPTER 40

COLBY

Heading into tonight’s game, I should be exhausted from playing San Francisco last night, and then flying from San Fran to Anaheim this morning, but I’ve never had more energy.

I’m flying high from Noel’s text message and feeling hopeful for the first time since I left her crying four mornings ago. She misses me… that has to be a good sign, right?