No. That’s a bad way to look at this. Nick saved me that day. He crawled over broken glass and lifted a dang tree off me. He ruined his jacket in the process. This is me returning the favor.
When I get home, I’m still debating whether I should be spending that much when I don’t have the money to fix my transmission, but I’m hoping that problem can wait until I return from my trip. Is it wrong to pray my family gives me cash for graduation?
Regardless, I need to pay Nick rent for the time I’ve stayed here, and I just got my deposit from my old landlord, which will help. Maybe I can pick up a few more dinner shifts at Moe’s.
Nick and Hazel are reading a book together on the couch when I come through the front door. I’m about to gush about how adorable they look when I remember how Cadence said I moon over Nick. That can’t be attractive. I don’t want to moon.
I give them a moderate smile, nothing too toothy. “Hey, guys. What’s up?”
My insides go all gooey when Nick beams at me. Seriously, this man has a drop-dead-gorgeous smile. “Whatcha doing next Saturday afternoon? ’Cause I have two tickets to my last regular season game. I thought you and Baylee might enjoy coming to see us play Clemson.”
“Are you serious?” When he nods, I want to jump up and down. Maybe cartwheel, though I’m not sure I know how to do one. Since we started seeing each other, Nick hasn’t invited me to a game or given me tickets, which are super in demand since the Broncos are undefeated. I can’t express how proud I am of Nick. He’s been on fire out there on the football field, winning his last several games with decisive victories. “I’d love to come. Thank you.”
Hazel gets up to hug me, and I bend over to wrap my arms around her. “Hi, sweetheart.”
“I have to potty.”
After I kiss the top of her head, I point to the bathroom. “Hurry. You don’t need my permission.”
When she’s gone, Nick reaches to the side of the couch and pulls out a box, which he hands me. “There’s just one requirement next weekend. You have to wear this.”
Hesitantly, I take the box from him. My fingers tremble as I open it.
It’s a Bronco jersey. Number twelve. Nick’s number.
My eyes instantly well, and I blink quickly as I hold it against my chest because I’ll cherish it forever. “It’s beautiful.” Which is such a dumb thing to say.
He chuckles. “Try it on.”
I shrug off my coat and then pull the jersey over my t-shirt. It’s snug on my boobs, but otherwise, it fits well.
“That,” Nick says with a giant smirk, “looks fantastic on you.”
“It’s a little tight.”
“In all the right places.”
He gave me his jersey.
I let out a relieved breath because we’re finally moving in the right direction.
34
ABIGAIL
Baylee nudges me. “Want another nacho?”
“No, thanks. I’ve eaten too much junk food today.” I press a hand to my stomach to calm it.
We’re sitting on the fifty-yard line in the third row. It’s a packed house. There have to be seventy thousand people in the stadium. The energy is electric. Charming is out in force to support our team.
It’s sad that I dated Ezra all those years and he never once invited me to see him play in college. I asked dozens of times if I could come, and he always gave me some crappy reason why I shouldn’t. The fact that Nick wants me here today means more than he’ll ever know.
But I’m not sure how much more excitement I can handle. I’m hoarse from screaming, and my stomach hurts. I’m glad it’s halftime. I need a breather.
Baylee’s eyes narrow. “You don’t look so good. Don’t hurl on me.”
“I’m just anxious. It’s such a close game.”
