Page 35 of Stopping Short

“Umm, no. I can’t eat any of that stuff during the season. I have an extremely strict diet. It’s easier to stick to it if I don’t have anything I'm not allowed to eat in the house.”

“Hmm…”

“I can stop on the way to the stadium and get you something.” I glance at my watch. We have about twenty minutes to spare. I could definitely make a stop somewhere.

“No, you don’t need to do that. I’ll be fine.” She waves off my concern, but I want to make sure she’s fed.

“Do you still like bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate?”

“Yes, who wouldn’t love those things?” She stares at me like I'm crazy and I can’t help but laugh. I love her personality so much. I don’t think I realized just how much I’ve missed her until she’s been back in my life.

“Alright. I’ve got you, babe.” I kiss her temple as I grab a clean blender cup.

After filling it halfway with milk, I add a scoop of protein, creatine, collagen, and electrolytes before grabbing a frozen banana, peanut butter, and chocolate syrup. Mixing it until the banana is no longer chunky, I pour it into a cup Harper can bring with her, and hand it over to her.

“This is… interesting. You put a lot of different powdery things in it.” She narrows her eyes on the rows of powders I have.

“I promise it’s delicious and you’ll like it.” I roll my eyes and lift her hand for her to take a sip.

She takes a tiny sip, her eyes narrowed the entire time. She freezes for a moment before taking a longer sip. I smirk, knowing she likes it. If she didn’t, she would’ve already handed it back to me.

“Not bad,” she says slowly.

“Oh, it’s delicious. And you know it!”

“Yeah, but I’ve complimented you too many times since I got here. I need to make sure you don’t get a big head. It’s called balance.”

“You mean when you told me I was hot and sexy?” I smirk as I take a large sip of my protein shake.

“Jackson,” she groans, letting her head drop backwards until she’s staring up at the ceiling.

“What?” I lean back against the counter and watch her carefully.

“Can you stop bringing it up?”

“No.”

Her gaze snaps over to me and she narrows her eyes. “Why not?”

“Because your cheeks turn pink every time I say it and I love that. You look gorgeous when you blush.”

“Stop!” She covers her face with her hands and groans again.

“Nah, I like this.” I close the distance between us and tug her hands away from her face. “You’re stunning, Harper.”

“My hair is a mess and I don’t even have makeup on. My clothes are wrinkled and I look awful.” She rolls her eyes, but she doesn’t try to move away from me.

“That’s where you’re wrong. I find you absolutely perfect.” Taking her shake out of her hand, I place it on the counter and pull her into my arms. “I told you, I love you, Harper. Don’t be embarrassed,” I murmur brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

“I think I love you too,” she whispers softly.

A slow smile spreads across my face as I stare down at her. Even though I told her how I feel, I didn’t think she’d say it back.

“Really?”

“I think I’ve always loved you… And that’s not creepy because I'm the younger one.” She smirks, making me burst out laughing.

“Don’t make it weird,” I groan. “I can only imagine what everyone is going to say if I can actually convince you to date me.”