A small voice in my head says that isn’t possible.
Thane will always exist to me. He can’t be ignored.
But it’s okay. I’m a big girl. I know how to patch up a broken heart. Moreover, I’ve lived my whole life being unwanted. One man not reciprocating the depth of my feelings won’t kill me. It’ll just be another scar on my soul that heals with time.
A couple years from now, maybe I won’t hurt or feel embarrassed about wanting someone who didn’t want me the way I wanted him.
At least I had one night with him. I won’t have to wonder about the what ifs anymore. It happened and I’m still happy, even though I crashed and burned at the end of it.
I give myself another moment to wallow in my self-pity before shifting into game mode. I need to help my girls set up the field. Need to go through a routine. Need to put on a happy mask for an entire crowd. None of that will happen if I keep feeling sorry for myself.
Just as I get up from the bench and head towards the locker room door, I hear jangling on the other side before it whips open and a big body enters.
Thane.
His hair is mussed, like he’s run his fingers through it multiple times, his black t-shirt is a touch askew, and he’s got dark circles under his eyes.
He’s still the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen and I hate him a little for making me fall this deeply for him.
My breath catches in my throat and it feels like all the air has been sucked out of the room.
Instead of asking him why he’s in the girls’ locker room, I accidentally blurt out, “Why are you holding a bouquet of peonies?”
Instead of replying to my question, his green eyes burn as they peruse me from top to bottom, like he’s missed me. No, that can’t be right.
“Is it only you here?” he asks.
I nod, apprehension trickling through me.
Thane grimaces and shuts the door behind him, locking it for good measure.
I swallow. “Why did you do that?”
“These flowers are for you,” he finally answers, advancing towards me. Instinctively, I back up until I’m pressed against the row of lockers. My heart that’s been broken and bruised is beating again now that Thane is here.He’s here and he bought me flowers.“And I locked the door, because I need to be alone with you to have this conversation.”
I gulp. “And what conversation is that?”
Without breaking my gaze, he places the bouquet on the wooden bench.
Along with a mug.
Oh.
Mymug.
The one I painted at the ceramic café which feels like light years ago.
Then I blush when I realize he’s seen it all. The depiction of him standing right next to me on the field.
Based on the way he’s gazing at me, he knows how whipped I am.
Thane gingerly reaches his hands out to cup my face, hesitating the barest second like I’ll flinch away from his touch. He brings his forehead down to mine and my body melts with relief. My own hands rise to cover his.
“After last night, it’s clear that my communication needs work,” Thane whispers. “It’s never been my strong suit, but knowing that we left that motel room with you thinking that I was done with you? Baby, I’ll never forgive myself.”
My inhale is shaky, my eyes wide as I stare into his green ones. “W-What?”
“When I said that we crossed a line, I didn’t mean that I regretted it. Far from it. I can never regret a second spent in your presence when I feel this way about you—when I’ve wanted you for so long, Marlow.” Thane’s lips brush mine as he speaks. “And when I said I needed to do the right thing, I meant telling Michaela the truth about us. In no way did I mean that I wanted things between us to end before they even began. The ride back home, I kept beating myself up that I did something wrong when all I wanted was to make you happy, keep you close, and be with you in a way I’ve never been with anyone else. I’ve fallen for you, Marlow, and if you don’t give me a chance to show you what a good boyfriend I can be, I…I don’t think I’ll ever recover.”
