Page 94 of Chasing the Rush
Suddenly, memories of Luca’s sweet, dimpled smile from all those years ago flood me, and I feel the momentary urge to blurt those three little words I’ve never said to him or anyone else. Romantically, that is. I say “I love you” to my brothers, parents, and best friends all the time. But now, for the first time ever, I can practically taste the words on the tip of my tongue as I gaze into Luca’s dark, sparkling eyes in the moonlight of my small bedroom.
Somehow, I get ahold of myself, though. Control my foolish impulses. I’ll need to hear those words out of Luca’s mouth first before going out on that limb for the very first time, for one thing. But for another, my mother’s ominous words from earlier tonight are ringing in my ears. She was right, wasn’tshe? I can’t credibly claim to love this man with my full heart, even though it sure feels like I do, unless and until I’m willing to back up those sacred, first-time words with action. To risk anything and everything for the man I love. And if I’m being honest, that’s not something I’m willing to do just yet.
Uh-oh.The way Luca’s looking at me, I’m getting the distinct feeling he’s tasting those same three little words on his tongue, too. And knowing him and his poor impulse control, I’m pretty sure he won’t be able to get ahold of himself and think about the big picture here before saying them.
“Get some sleep,” I blurt, just as Luca opens his mouth and begins saying something that begins with my name. Quickly, I add, “After all those hard hits today, your body needs some really good sleep and recovery time.”
“We’ve got a recovery day tomorrow, remember?”
“Yeah, and I want you as clear-headed as possible while we study film to get you ready for next weekend’s game.” I softly touch his stubbled cheek with my fingertips. “Sleep, Luca.Please.”
He sighs. “Is that an invitation to stay here with you all night?”
It’d be a first, if he does. “If that’s what you’d like to do.”
“You know what I’d like to do. I haven’t been shy about letting you know. The question is whether that’s whatyou’dlike?”
I open my mouth to reply, and he cuts me off.
“As a woman, I mean. Not as my coach. If you’re going to say me staying here tonight will make it easier and more convenient to get me up on time, please don’t.”
I run my fingers through his dark hair. “I assure you, I’m not lying here naked with you as your coach.”
Luca grins. “That’s great to hear, because I’m not losing my goddamned mind over Coach Chelsea right now. I’m losing my mind over Chelsea. My mathlete. My Juliet.”
My cheeks flush hot, and I can’t seem to do anything but smile broadly and swoon.
“How would you feel about me leaving a toothbrush and a few items of clothing at your place?” he asks tentatively. “Not a lot of stuff, just the basics. Just in case.”
I nod shyly, flushing again, and Luca’s smile is so bright, it feels like it’s lighting up every dark corner of my moonlit bedroom.
“I’ll empty a drawer for you.”
“I can have a wholedrawer?” he booms, making me laugh. “Damn, this amazing day just keeps getting better and better.” He smooths my hair back from my face. “Just so you know, I’d offer to give you a drawer at my place, too, but I don’t even have a dresser. All I’ve got is an air mattress, a card table, and a single folding chair.”
“You’ve gotonechair?”
He shrugs. “Before today’s game, I didn’t feel like I could ever get too comfortable. And let’s not forget, you weren’t talking to me when I moved in, so I didn’t see any point in splurging on a second chair. Who would I invite to come to my shitty place, if not you?”
My heart flutters. “Oh, Luca. The entire team adores you. Any of them would have been thrilled to come and sit in your second chair.”
“Yeah, but I’d only be thrilled to have one particular guest.”
I love you.The words are on the tip of my tongue again, but I dutifully bite them back. “I’m sorry this journey has been so stressful and unpredictable for you.”
“Today made it all worth it and then some.”
I touch his stubbled cheek, and his dark eyes sparkle in reply.
“After what you pulled off today,” I whisper, “there’s no doubt in my mind you’re going to feel comfortable enough to splurge on not only a second folding chair in the very near future, but maybe even a couch, dresser, and real bed, too.”
CHAPTER 39
Chelsea
Two months later
A suburb of Columbus, Ohio
