“I mean, I shouldn’t have. I’m your division leader; I’m supposed to be helping you, not… fuck.” He clenches his jaw, that cold, angry expression I’ve seen on his face countless times before returning. “I’m-”
“You’re what? Sorry? So that’s it? I’m suddenly a mistake? You’re just going to leave it at that?” I ask, trying to subdue the havoc that’s beginning to rise inside of me. One that wants me to let it free. “Why?! Was I not a good enough kisser for you? I’m sorry that I don’t have as much experience as you in that department.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” He frowns, and I want to step back, but I stand my ground.
“You know what it means,” I answer quietly. “Allison is not subtle about you two.”
His eyes flicker with surprise before his brows furrow, irritation replacing the surprise, and then he’s closing the distance he just put between us, taking hold of my chin as he glares down into my eyes with his piercing green ones. “Thenmaybe you should ask Allison how good of a kisser I am because I can assure you, she won’t have the answer.”
I frown, confusion rushing through me. “Then why?” I ask softly, my resolve crumbling, no longer able to play strong. And when I speak again, my voice is barely audible. “Why play me?”
His eyes soften, and he touches his forehead to mine. “I didn’t mean to, what I said – every word of it is the truth… but Ahren, my father, our families. It’s not easy.”
“Why does that matter?”
“This could impact our relationship.”
“So that all means more to you. Don’t my feelings count?” I ask softly, hating that I’m showing him how pathetic I am.
“Hey… they do. They fucking do. Look at me.” I obey reluctantly, realising my power is surging around me as he cups my face, caressing my cheeks. “We’ll figure it out. I promise.”
He pulls me into his chest, one arm wrapping around me, the other cupping the back of my head, and I let the tears fall, glad it’s raining so he won’t realise as I slowly wrap my arms around his waist.
Why can’t I want something…? Is everything I want, something I can’t have? He presses his lips against the top of my head, and I hear him inhale deeply.
No, he wants me, he’s just…
“We don’t need to tell anyone until you figure things out, if you like?” I suggest, slowly pulling away, unable to look into his eyes, knowing how pitiful I sound.
“Hey, look at me.” I don’t obey, and he sighs. “It’s not fair to ask that of you.”
“But I don’t like your option, to pretend this neverhappened,” I point out, frowning at his boots.
He reaches over, placing two fingers under my chin, and forces me to look up at him.
“I just need a little time. Let’s figure this out between us first.”
Maybe he’s waiting for his mate…
“Yeah,” I agree quietly. It’s true we don’t know if this will last; we aren’t even a couple, and if we do become one, who knows if it’ll last, right?
Looking at him, it hurts to think like that, but I push it away. For me, that feels like a problem for another day. “Night,” I say, turning away.
“Sienna.” I stop but don’t turn back.
“Yeah?”
“What’s your favourite flavour?”
I blink, turn, and look at him. “My favourite?” I ask, my gaze dipping to his lips.
Can I say the way you taste?
“Yeah, I owe you an apology, so I was thinking I could take you out, make up for it?” His voice is low and softer, almost blending with the pouring rain.
“Oh, I do love food.” My eyes light up slightly as I look at him, blushing lightly. Is he asking me out on a date? His words rekindle the hope that had almost completely disappeared. “Umm, I like cherries a lot, and chocolate, and sweet things.”
“Good to know. How about tomorrow night after my game?” he asks, hands now in his pockets.
