Page 33 of A Match Made In Fall

“Yep,” I reply.

He puts the car in park and turns toward me. “I had a really great time tonight.”

My heart stumbles a little. “Me too. Honestly, I needed this more than you know.”

“I’m glad.” He hesitates for a second before rubbing the back of his neck. “This is probably going to sound lame, but…can I get your number?”

I can’t help giggling. “Why would that sound lame?”

He laughs too. “I was trying to figure out how to ask without it sounding like a creepy pickup line. I’m not sure it’s possible though. Hey, can I have your phone number?”

“You did fine,” I assure him.

“Good.” He opens his phone and hands it over to me.

I happily type in my number.

When I hand the phone back, our fingers brush, and suddenly all I can think about is how long it’s going to take him to call me.

I’d really love a repeat of tonight, just the two of us.

“Thank you,” he says, his smile turning softer. “I’m hoping this means you’d be open to going out again?”

“Yes,” I answer immediately. There’s no hiding my eagerness.

His grin widens. “Good. We have games the next three days, but what about next Saturday?”

“Saturday works,” I reply brightly. “My schedule’s mostly open these days. Except for baby Jude’s first fall activities. Apparently, my sister-in-law and my mom have the entire season planned down to the minute. We’re heading to a pumpkin patch next.”

He laughs quietly. “I’ve always enjoyed the pumpkin patch. That sounds fun.”

“It does. I’m trying to soak up every aunt moment I can before I leave.”

As soon as I say the words, his expression shifts and his face falls. This reminder feels heavier than it did before. But it’s happening—I’m leaving to return to my career and my life. I just don’t know exactly when.

I clear my throat and force a brighter tone. “Anyway, I should probably let you get home. Tomorrow’s game day.”

“Yeah,” he says with a nod. “And of course Coach scheduled one of his famous early morning meetings.”

He hops out of the car quickly and hurries around to my side before I can open the door myself. Once again, he helps me out of the car, his hand waiting for mine which I gladly accept. He walks me all the way to the front door, the porch light glowing above us.

“I’ll see you at the game tomorrow, right?”

I grin up at him. “I’ll be there. I’m looking forward to it.”

He smiles. “Hopefully it’s a good one. Our wins have been a little inconsistent lately.”

A comfortable silence settles between us. Then, before I can process what’s happening, he leans in and presses a soft kiss to my cheek. This causes a shiver to race through me.

When he pulls back, he doesn’t move far. Instead, his eyes linger on mine before drifting to my lips. Suddenly, the space between us feels charged with something new.

I almost tell him to kiss me. But I hold back, letting the anticipation continue between us instead. This would give me something to look forward to when we go out again. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

“Good night, Isabella,” he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Good night, Austin.”

He gives me one last look before finally heading back toward his car.