Page 69 of Tight Ends & Tiaras
She leans back to look at me. The silence stretches out. Then she tilts her head. “Are you suggesting... you want to date for real?” Her eyes get playful. “I mean, I did already give you a key to my place.”
All the things I wanna say are tumbling around in my head. With the draft in May, a new coach, a kid, and an unhinged ex, I know I can’t offer her what she needs.But maybe we could level up a little.
“Sienna, I just fucking like being around you. I’ma tell you this right now—I’d lose my shit if I saw you dating someone else. And I’ve never felt like that about anyone. Even Janelle.” I take a deep breath. “But I need to be honest, I don’t know what my life will look like in a few months, much less next year. What I do know is I’d like to spend whatever time I have with you, and only you, for... however long we can make it.”
Not a rousing argument in my favor, I’ll admit.
She looks like she doesn’t know what to make of what I just said.
Fuck it.
“Yes, let’s date. Let’s do this.” Because that’s the scenario I just described, right? Dating? An exclusive relationship between two people. I’m so fucking rusty at this shit, it’s not even funny.
Never mind that a new relationship is the last thing I need.
Except we’re talking about Sienna. Beautiful, sweet, patient Sienna.
My pulse, which is careening out of control, calms as I look at the woman in my lap.
And I get the feeling I need her like I’ve never needed anyone before in my life.
Her eyes start to twinkle in that happy Sienna way that I love. Her arms wrap around my neck.
As I stare at this beautiful woman, I’m reminded of all the shit Winston put her through, which makes me doubt myself.
I clear my throat. “Listen, if you think we’re going too fast, if you’re not ready because you’re just getting out of another relationship, I understand. I’m not gonna pressure you to do something you’re not ready for or don’t want.”
Her hand cups my face as her smile grows. “Oh, I want you.”
I laugh, loving how direct she is. Loving the fact that she doesn’t play games. “You sure?” I drag my mouth across hers and nibble on her bottom lip. She tastes like that minty lip gloss she’s always wearing. “I’m not too much to handle?”
“You’re definitely a lot to handle.” Her eyebrow lifts mischievously. “But I think I’m up to the challenge.”
We make out on the couch until I’m ready to rip off her clothes.
Of course, that’s when the peanut wakes up.
“Cockblocked by my kid,” I groan.
Sienna laughs and plants one last kiss on my lips. “Fortunately, I don’t think it’s a permanent condition.” With a playful wink, she waltzes away, an extra swish to her hips that makes me grin.
What started as a shitty day has turned around, and that has everything to do with Sienna.
Now I just need to figure out how to get Janelle to chill out and accept the fact that I’m dating another woman.
For real.
