Baylee screams his name, and I look up and see Nick walking by on the field.
In my head, I have this fantasy where he hops up onto the stands, pulls himself over, and kisses me.
But all he does is wave.
I smile and wave back.
I’m not disappointed… too much.
* * *
Sweaty and panting, Nick and I collapse in bed. I’m so tired, I can barely move. I don’t know how he had the energy to do what we just did after today’s game.
“What’re you giggling about?” His gruff voice in my ear makes me grin.
“Just happy.” I snuggle against his chest and do my best to keep my eyes open. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, buttercup.” He kisses my forehead, and I close my eyes and breathe in the scent of his skin.
Ask him. Don’t chicken out.
My heart kicks in my chest. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Hmm.”
It takes me another minute to gather my thoughts. “I was wondering what your plans are for second semester.” I take a deep breath. “I’d like to stay in Charming. I know you and I haven’t really defined what we’re doing, but I thought if you’d like to make us official, I could start applying to teaching positions here for the spring. What do you think?”
I stare into the darkness and try to get my heart to stop pounding while I wait for him to say something.
“Nick?”
Nothing.
Closing my eyes, I brace myself for the worst-case scenario. For him to tell me he’s still not ready to make any plans or that he’s really not ready for a relationship or that he has to focus on the playoffs. Honestly, each of those scenarios pisses me off.
When I can’t stand the silence anymore, I lift my head and face him.
The man is sound asleep.
A wave of relief hits me, and I laugh.
Well, I guess we’re not doing this today. I snuggle back into him and close my eyes.
He lets out a sigh and wraps his arms around me, and I smile. The warmth of his body makes me so drowsy.
I’ll wake him in a little while so he can return to his room. It just feels so good to lie together like this. I don’t want to let him go.
I’ll wake him. I will. In… just… a few minutes…
35
NICK
There’s a warm, naked body lying across my chest. Abby.
I smile and pull her closer as I yawn and peek at the clock.
When I open my eyes, I expect to see the bright numbers shining through the darkness, not the morning sun spilling through the windows.
