Page 71 of Game Over

“Yeah, I’m okay. Just a lot, ya know?” She laughed, and a small sniffle came out.

“Are you sure you’re good?” She hadn’t stopped me, and more than once we’d had the conversation of trying more in the bedroom, but now I was questioning myself.

“I promise I am. My mind is actually quiet right now. I want to be near you, and I’m exhausted after all that.” She nuzzled into my chest while the water ran down her back. I moved her back a little more so I could work the water through her tangled hair and wash it for her.

“How about we go get in the hot tub after this? I can see if we can get anything delivered here, like pizza or something?”

“That would be really nice. I don’t think I have the energy to get back out after all that.” She chuckled and moved to grab her body wash. After we finished, we wrapped ourselves in towels, not bothering with swimsuits, and headed to the back patio.

“I snagged some water. I figured we may need it.” Passing her the bottle, she took a long drink, some of it accidentally spilling from her mouth.

“That’s probably a good idea. Just letting this heat up some before getting in. How about we figure out how to get these lights going?” she asked as she set our towels down on the small side table. We both looked around for a plug or switch, and finally found one labeled hot tub lights.

Climbing in first, I turned and grabbed her hand to help her in, and we sank into the water. I pulled her into my lap, her long legs draped across me, and she lay her head against my shoulder. The smooth voice of Riley Green played through her phone as we lay there with one another.

“You feeling hungry, sweetheart?” Her stomach growled in answer.

“Yeah, a little. Really worked up an appetite back there.” She sank further down into the water, the steam causing her flyaways to curl around her face.

I got up, dried my hands off, looked up our food options, and thankfully, one pizza place was open and would deliver here. She moved over and leaned against the opposite side with her arms folded on the siding, and her head lay on top of them.

“This is so nice and relaxing. Maybe I needed a break more than I thought. I’ve spent these last few weeks with Celine and learning her job, plus taking on some additional projects. If I decide to apply, I didn’t realize the stress I was putting on myself.” I saw her shoulders rise and fall as she took a deep breath. “I think when she does retire, and if they do post her position, though, I’m gonna go for it. The worst they can tell me is no.” She came back over to me and straddled my lap.

“I think that’s a great idea. I saw the way everyone interacted with you, and how highly everyone spoke of you too. You’d be amazing in that position.”

“I’m worried. What if I fail? What if I don’t live up to her and how amazing she is. I mean, those are big shoes to fill.” She gnawed on her bottom lip.

“You’re overthinking it, and you’re already worried about how perfect you need to be, and how you need to please everyone.” I pinched her chin and tilted her head down to look at me. “As long as you keep doing what she taught you, and find your own groove, you’ll do great. I completely support and believe in you.”

“What if this means we have less time together? I’ve seen her working hours, and they’re all over the place.” The anxious look in her eyes told me this wasn’t the first time that she’d thought about this.

“Then it means we find new days and times to see each other. We find our own way to make it work. I would never ask you to give up such an amazing opportunity for me, Allie. Ever. I’m so proud of all the hard work you do.” I kissed her lightly, hoping that it eased some of her tension. It would suck if we saw each other less, but I’m hoping that in the next couple of months, that isn’t going to be a problem.

“I love you so much, Spence. You’ve been so understanding and supportive with anything that has popped up or happened.”

“I love you too. That’s what you do when you love someone unconditionally. You accept them for who they are. Everyone has their own little quirks or their own form of baggage, but it’s who’s willing to listen and understand it without judgment that matters. Allie, you’re everything to me, and I know it hasn’t been long, but I truly can’t imagine my life without you now.” She lay her head on my chest, and I wrapped my arms around her.

And so quietly I almost missed it, “I can’t imagine life without you either, Spence… not anymore.”

CHAPTER 31

All Night Long

Spencer's confession settled something in me. Knowing that he felt this crazy tug between us, this insane closeness and familiarity between us so soon, made me feel better that it wasn’t just me. After we sat in the hot tub for a little longer that night and then ate, we climbed into bed and made love to one another.

We were slow and deliberate, taking our time to explore every inch, every sound. Every morning and evening we got back was spent that way. We made love in every room in that cabin. The hot tub, front porch, everywhere. With no neighbors around, no room or surface was off-limits.

Knowing that we had to leave this morning was bittersweet. This weekend had been one of the most amazing ones, filled with so many new memories for us. Taking him to The Island and some of my favorite attractions, making sure to take loads of pictures, which he was a good sport about. I already knew I wanted to travel and explore new places with him, make new memories together in life.

I knew once we got back home and to work that with the possibility of a promotion lingering, and not to mention the holidays, which would be our first together, we’d be very busy. I could only imagine how he felt regarding those, but I was hoping, with my family, we could make them better for him. I knew his brother was still trying to message him, but he refused to open them or acknowledge them. Whenever he was ready to confront them or block them, I’d be there for him.

Spencer drove us home since it was a straight shot. He stopped and grabbed us coffee, and then we headed back. Dolly was worn out and already asleep in the back, and I tucked my blanket under my legs and pulled my latest read up on my Kindle. A cute little coffee shop romance with a single mom and finding love. I think we were all worn out because the ride home was mostly silent, save for the music on the radio. The drive home went by quickly, and before we knew it, we were back at my house.

I texted both Emma and my mom, letting them know we made it back safely; otherwise, I knew they’d be calling. We got all the bags inside, tossed them into my bedroom to unpack later, and then went and flopped down on the couch.

“Don’t get me wrong, I had the best time, but I’m exhausted,” Spencer said as he stretched his limbs out and yawned. He lay his head back and motioned for me to join him.

“It’s always so much walking. It’s fun, but it can be tiring.” I stretched my legs out, and he pulled my feet into his lap, massaging them.