Love is the way the joy in your eyes lights my soul
 
 Especially when I’m the cause of it
 
 Love is your tender words
 
 When my heart is in turmoil
 
 Love is your handwriting on a scrap of paper
 
 Telling me nothing and everything
 
 Love is every silent moment you sit beside me
 
 And never force me to speak
 
 Love is your lips pressing into mine
 
 If only in my wildest dreams
 
 Love is your head resting on my chest in every fantasy
 
 The only place I get to love you back
 
 Tears form in the backs of my eyes. Every word of that encapsulates how I feel about Brian. But I don’t want to let it be a fantasy. I want it for real.
 
 “I’m heading out. You need anything before I go?”
 
 I stand up and spin around, heart hammering in my chest as I stare at Brian. “Don’t go.”
 
 “Hey, I told you I’m fine. That tackle just knocked the wind?—”
 
 “No. That’s not what I’m talking about. Don’t go on the date.”
 
 His brows dip in, uncertainty and curiosity dancing in his eyes, and when he speaks, his voice is so low it’s barely a whisper. “Why?”
 
 “Because if you’re going to date someone, date me.”
 
 CHAPTER FIFTEEN
 
 BRIAN
 
 This must bewhat a stroke feels like.
 
 I can’t move my limbs. My face is numb. It’s hard to breathe.
 
 Because Hardy just—he just said…
 
 “Are you… serious?” I ask, rubbing my hand over my heart. I’m not convinced any of this is real. Maybe that hit during the game killed me, and now I’m living in my personal version of heaven. Or hell. Depending on his answer.
 
 He closes the gap between us and looks up at me, his brown eyes glassy and filled with emotion.
 
 “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life. You’re the only person I can think about. The only one I want. The thought of losing you to someone else is more than I can bear. I know you want someone to love, someone to be with, to find your person. Well, I’m standing right here. Choose me.”
 
 Holy shit.Holy shit.
 
 He actually said those words. I reach down and pinch my leg, trying to reassure myself I’m not dreaming.
 
 “You want to… date me?”
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 