Page 71 of Game Misconduct

Do you want me?

“Yes.” The answer comes without hesitation.

That’s all I need. I peck her lips, unable to resist her for a single moment more.

“Then we’ll work through the issues together. Fuck knows I’ve got baggage of my own. We all do. It’s how we tackle them that makes a difference.”

“I’m scared,” she whispers.

“Of me?” I hold my breath, dreading the answer.

“Of what we could be.”

I cup her cheek, marveling at the silky softness of her skin. “Then we’ll work on that, too. I’m not going anywhere. Not anytime soon.”

Except practice.

With another kiss, I indulge in her for one more moment, before I wrench myself away.

“I’ve got to go. Can I see you later?”

She nods. “I’m not working the game, Annaliese is on duty. So I’ll be in the stands, cheering you on.” She pauses, biting her lip. “Don’t fight Luke. Please? I know I have no right to ask…”

“Now that I know you’re not with him, I have no need to fight him.”

The second she confirmed there was nothing going on, all my hostility faded away. Well, most of it. Ninety-five percent. I’ll probably always resent him for standing in the way of us a year and a half ago, for leading me on, but I can’t be angry with her for that. She was protecting herself. She thought she needed protecting from me. And for that, I don’t know how to forgive myself.

“Just like that?”

“We’re not suddenly going to be besties and braid each other’s hair,” I allow. “But if he’s your friend, like Elsy is mine, I can’t be upset over that. She’s still a huge part of my life. I’d expect the same for you.”

“We’ve only ever been friends,” she repeats. “There’s never been anything between us.”

“But there is with you and me?” I have to check again. I need to hear it from her lips.

Bex smiles. “You and I are completely different. If you can deal with my issues…”

“I can. I will.”

“Then yes. There’s something here. And I’d like to see where it goes.”

With a groan, I let my forehead rest against hers. “I wish I didn’t have to go to practice.”

“But you do.” This time, she kisses me. She initiates. Then she swats me on the ass, her lips curved into a crimson-painted smile. “Go. I’ll see you later.”

“Tonight?”

“Tonight.”