Page 143 of The Path to Loving Him
Christian nods. “He was. Pretty quiet but really smart. How’s he doing? I’m assuming still playing baseball.”
“He’s doing great. He’s up in Triple A right now for the Bombers. Killing it of course. We’re really hoping he’ll be called up for the forty-man roster expansion.”
“Hell, that would be amazing.”
“It would be. But if it doesn’t happen this year, that’s okay. He’ll come back here for a few days to hang, and then he’s going to head back to his place. He’s renting with a couple of the guys and working on getting better during the off-season.”
“I can’t imagine how grueling that process is.”
“It’s pretty tough, but he’s always been adamant about making it. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be called up to the big show. The only question is, when?”
“Amazing,” he says. “And your parents, they must be proud.”
I wince because it’s a simple question that shouldn’t cause such deep-rooted anger, but it does.
“They’re not in the picture,” I say simply, not wanting to make things awkward, but of course it does, because how could it not?
“Shit, I’m sorry.” Christian places his hand on mine, his warm palm eclipsing my knuckles. “I should have known better than to assume something like that. I’m sorry, Gabby.”
I offer him a smile. It’s a small smile, but it’s a smile, nonetheless. “It’s really okay. No big deal. Didn’t know my dad, and Mom couldn’t handle us.” I shrug. “Built resilience in us, and that’s why Bennett will make it to the big show. He’s determined to make something of himself. Not sure he’d have such determination if his life was. . . easier.”
“Yeah, I can understand that. Still, I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize, Christian. It’s really okay.”
“Sorry I’m late,” Christian says as he steps into my classroom with a short, stumpy vase of what looks to be wildflowers. He sets it on my desk, then brings his chair over.
“What are these?” I ask him.
“Those are for you.”
“Why?” I ask, feeling my cheeks blush. I’m not sure I’ve ever received flowers before.Possibly since Nathan accused me of cheating when I bought myself some flowers for my birthday.
“For yesterday. I still feel shitty about bringing up your parents.”
“Oh my God, Christian. I told you it wasn’t a big deal, but this was nice.”
And then because I feel guilty that he feels guilty, I walk over to him and hug him.
I feel the relief in him as he wraps his arms around me.Christian is nowhere as broad as Ryland,something I shouldn’t think about when another man is holding me. But his hugs were all-encompassing.“I’m sorry,” he says softly.
“It’s really okay.” When I pull away, I hold his arms and look him in the eyes. “I didn’t think twice about it, but these flowers are so sweet.”
“I’m glad you like them, which makes me think I can ask this.” With a bout of courage, he swallows and says, “My sister has an art exhibit tonight, and she asked me to go. I didn’t know if you might want to go with me.”
Oh God, he’s asking me out.
What do I do?
What do I say?
I mean, I like him. He’s nice and kind and thoughtful and?—
“Am I interrupting something?” a deep, dark voice says from the doorway.
As if I’m touching fire, I release Christian’s arm. Ryland’s standing in the doorway looking none too pleased.
“Umm, not interrupting,” I say.
