His eyes warmed as he squeezed my hand. “That’s good, because I think you’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.”
I blushed. “Thanks,” I murmured, not knowing what else to say.
“Come here, baby,” he coaxed gently, gesturing for me to move closer.
I allowed him to pull me to him, my head across his chest and arm thrown over his taut abs. His arm came around me, caressing my back in rhythmic strokes.
“You’re not going to sleep in your clothes, are you?” I yawned.
“I think I’d better keep my clothes on.” His voice rumbled against my cheek as I lay against his chest.
“Why?”
“Let’s just say that what you’re wearing is enough of a test to my self-control.” He muttered.
I propped my head up and looked at him, our faces mere inches apart. I wanted him to kiss me so badly, but he didn’t. He just stroked my hair back from my face and gave me a warm smile. I never thought I’d be disappointed that he was such a gentleman, but in that moment, I was.
“Tell me more about your family,” he asked, and I sensed he needed a distraction as much as I did.
“My parents are loving, a bit overbearing at times, and so tenacious,” I marveled. “They started the farm with almost nothing and have grown it into something beautiful and profitable,” I told him. “They work so hard, I don’t know how they do it. But it’s what they love. My older brother, Dylan, still lives close to them. He’s a police officer, which in our small town doesn’t amount to much crime fighting, luckily.”
“Are you two close?”
I shrugged. “He’s five years older, so I was always the annoying little sister that wanted to tag along with him and his friends. But he was always good to me, always protected me.”
Except the time he didn’t—the time he couldn’t—and I knew it still killed him.
“He married his high school sweetheart. They’re about to have a baby,” I shared.
“That’s great,” he murmured. “Do you visit often?”
I shrugged. “It’s expensive. But I get back when I can. I’ll definitely go back when the baby’s born.”
“When will that be?”
“She’s due in just about a month. Hopefully the weather will be warmer. I can’t wait for summer.” I sighed wistfully. “Do you play all year?” I thought to ask.
He fought a grin.
“What?” I demanded.
“You really don’t know anything about football.” He laughed.
I threw him a glare that had him laughing harder.
“Training camp starts in the summer,” he explained. “Then the season starts in September, and we play through January.”
“Oh,” I replied lamely. “So you’re off until the summer?”
“Yep.” He grinned. “I continue to train throughout the year to keep in shape, though.”
Obviously.
“Why? Do you happen to want to spend some time with me?” he teased.
I loved how playful he could be.
“Perhaps,” I allowed. “Though us regular folks have to work all the time,” I put in.
