“Yes, darling?” His eyes sparkle with his words, letting me know he intends to make good use of his endearment for me.
A fresh wave of love and gratitude for this man overwhelms me. “I think I’d rather you walked me to your door.”
Payton almost gawks at first, then pulls me close and kisses my forehead like he did all the other times he walked me to my door. So patient and caring…I still can’t believe he’s real.
That’s he’s mine.
As he searches my face, I see desire flare in his eyes, but there’s love there, too. So much love. “Are you certain?”
Biting my lower lip, I nod.
“I’d love nothing more.” He raises my hand to his lips, watching me as his kiss sends my pulse back into chaos.
Maybe our little game isn’t over after all… “Areyousure about that?”
He tugs me toward his door. “Yes, very.Why do you ask?”
“I was thinking about wearing your jersey. You know, like a nightshirt.”
This stops him in his tracks, and the smoldering look he gives me melts me to the floor. “You are a little minx, aren’t you?”
I tease his lips with mine. “If you say so, big guy.”
Chapter Thirty-One
PAYTON
Three weeks later
The week Lily and I spent together before she returned to England was the happiest in my life. I didn’t want to leave her for practice each day, but I suffered through, knowing she’d be there when I got home.
Of course, she came to every game we had that week, wearing my jersey, of course. I’ve never had to force myself to focus more during a game. And I grudgingly shared her with Sophie, too, who insisted she and Lily needed some girl time before she left.
One evening, I took her out on a proper date, which wound up interrupted twice by a couple of fans who recognized me. Thankfully, I had my bodyguard with me, and Lily did not disappoint.
Other times, I showered her with little gifts and surprises and savored each moment with her. Maybe out of fear that she’d simply vanish as if she were a figment of my imagination. Or maybe part of me feared she might change her mind once she returned to England, so I used every opportunity to convince her she belonged with me.
Letting her go was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I understood. She needed to return and settle matters there. And let me tell you, the last two weeks have been pure torture. I literally ache for her return.
“Earth to Payton. Are we doing this again?” Luke gives me a friendly shove, then sits on the bench next to me in the locker room.
“Lily’s supposed to fly back today.” I keep staring at the opposite wall with our team logo, but all I see is her face.
Luke runs a towel over his wet hair. “Supposed to?”
I turn to face him. “What if she changes her mind?”
He grunts. “What if she doesn’t?”
“Then I’ll be the happiest man alive.” Just like I told her that night. Probably the most memorable night of my life, actually. If Lily doesn’t come back, I’ll be ruined for anyone else.
Luke tilts his smile. “Then focus on that, man, and quit worrying.”
Wade walks in, freshly showered from our practice. “What’s got the Pay-man worked up?”
“He’s worried Lily will change her mind.”
Brows raised, Wade snickers. “Don’t doubt a sure thing, Pay. She’ll be there.”
