“It’s hard for me to put myself out there. My defense against almost losing everything is to not make myself vulnerable. It kept me stagnant and in a holding pattern for a decade. I don’t want to be stagnant. I want the big rewards, which means taking the big risks. And you, Callaghan Entay, are a huge risk.”
I watch as his expression goes from hopeful to crestfallen in an instant. I continue, “But you are also the biggest, best reward I could possibly think of. And you’re a risk I’m absolutely willing to take because I don’t want to spend one more minute without you.”
That’s the last thing I’m able to say because his lips are on mine. Our bodies pressed together, hands desperately holding on as if this perfect moment was a mirage that could disappear instantly.
But as Callaghan’s hands move up to my hair, he discovers that it’s peppered with glass remnants.
Also, people are clapping, and we’re being filmed. If no one got my spectacular wipeout, at least there will be this footage to live on the internet forever.
This one is just fine by me.
Justice and Heaven work to clear a path for us so we can leave without being mobbed. I created quite the scene.
“I probably need a shower,” I admit.
“You’re probably going to need help getting cleaned up.” Callaghan’s grinning like a devil.
“You’re probably right.”
Callaghan puts his arm around me and turns me toward the door.
“Hey, you can lift your arm without making that face,” I note. “Is your shoulder feeling better?”
“It is, and I’ll be released without restriction next week. The coach for the National Team said he was just happy at the timing of my injury, and he’s not changing anything as of right now. I’m still starting, and we have a match in two weeks.”
“You’ve still got to prove yourself out on the pitch this season though. You can’t get sloppy or lazy now. The entire country is depending on you.”
Callaghan laughs as we make it through the side door. “God, Hannah, are you ever going to stop busting my balls?”
“Don’t worry. If I hurt their feelings, I’ll make sure to kiss them and make them feel better.”
Callaghan stops dead in his tracks. “Damn, woman. You keep talking like that and you’re not going to make it to the shower.”
I laugh. “That’s what I’m counting on.”
Epilogue: Hannah
