Page 83 of Rival Season
Penn releases me but takes hold of my hand. “I’m ready for anything.”
“Me too,” I say, meeting his gaze.
Because for once in my life, I really do feel like I’m ready for whatever happens next.
CHAPTER 31
HAZEL
Two daysafter Penn and I become official, he has to leave for his game in Sacramento against the Fire Cats. Knowing I’m an early riser, he stops by and kisses me before he and the guys head out this morning, which is really sweet.
I already miss him, but thankfully this trip is only one night. I’m antsy with pent up nervous energy just thinking about it being Chadwick’s first game back after his injury. I hope Chadwick leaves Penn alone—however, my nervous system seems sure my ex is itching for a fight…especially a fight with Penn.
At three in the afternoon, I finally close my laptop and turn to look at Fluffy, who still resides on the table next to the sofa. It's kind of comforting having Fluffy by my side keeping me company, so I haven’t moved her back to the guest room. Maybe I’m finally used to her.
The apartment is so quiet and peaceful without Chadwick living here, I would’ve gotten so much done on my dissertation if I wasn’t so distracted.
Sitting on the sofa, I glance at the TV remote and wonder if I should watch a show or something to distract myself from worrying about tonight’s game. Honestly, I can’t remember thelast time I vegged on the couch and watched a show, I’m not even sure what’s popular right now. Before I can decide what to watch, my doorbell rings.
I heave off the sofa. “Well, Fluffy, sounds like we have company.”
She stares at me, unblinking.Maybe she is kind of cute? Or maybe I’m going insane?
When I reach the front door, I open it to find no one is there. I glance up and down the hallway, and there isn’t a soul in sight, but when I look down at my feet an envelope rests in front of my door. I pick it up and pad back to my comfy spot on the sofa to open it and when a ticket to tonight’s Lions’ game in Sacramento falls out, I gasp.
“Penn, you rascal.” I giggle to myself.
He didn’t let on this morning that he was planning a surprise.
There’s another slip of paper at the bottom of the envelope and I pull it out and unfold it. My cheeks heat at the booking for a suite at a swanky hotel in Sacramento for tonight. I guess now that we’re officially dating, an overnight date would be pretty romantic.
I’ll have to head out soon to beat traffic and have enough time to drive the hour and a half from here to Sac. The only hitch is, I don’t have a car…
Biting my bottom lip, I shoot a text to Penn, hoping he has a brilliant way to get me to Sacramento—I’m sure he thought of that when he arranged this surprise.
Hazel
So, apparently I’m coming to your game tonight.
Penn
You are?! I’m so stoked.
I chuckle, how silly of him to play coy.
Hazel
I need to check the bus schedule to get over there.
Penn
No girl of mine takes the bus. Drive my truck! The keys are on my nightstand in my room.
Hazel
Are you sure?
Penn
