She laughed, knowing exactly what I meant. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Go home.”
She walked off toward Felix.
“Okay, guys, let’s get out of here.” I clapped Huck on the back before I realized I’d completely forgotten I’d left before the end of the game. “Oh, hey, what was the final score? Did we win?”
“Yeah, four – two.”
At least that was something.
Ilet myself into the loft, closing the door behind me as quietly as possible so I didn’t disturb Emerson, who I hoped was asleep. I dumped my bags by the door, walking into the kitchen. There was a bottle of whiskey on the counter, and picking it up, I poured myself a glass, downing it in one, the liquid burning my throat.
Exhaustion and anxiety hit me like a Mack truck.
Fuck me.
But knowing I wasn’t coming home to an empty apartment? That fucking floored me.
Tears started prickling in my throat at the profound gratitude I had for Emerson. The thanks I gave every day that I’d found her again, that my loneliness had been replaced by indescribable happiness.
I sniffed. I really needed to get my shit together.
No one likes a crybaby.
The bedroom door was open and I could see a light flickering, the soft hum of the television in the background. I walked in, my heart pounding in my chest, wiping away the tears which spilled over as I took in the sight, sniffing.
Fuck’s sake.
She’d fallen asleep in one of my jerseys, curled up in the comforter, TV remote in her hand. Her thick auburn hair fanned out across the pillow, her lips parted slightly, quivering as she slowly breathed in and out. Some of her freckles had faded since the summer, but there were still plenty scattered across her face, plenty for me to kiss one at a time.
ESPN was playing a repeat of Felix’s accident and I gently took the remote from her, switching it off.
I padded into the bathroom, quickly brushing my teeth and taking a piss before stripping out of my clothes and getting into bed, switching off the bedside lights. I pulled her body into me, breathing in her warmth, soaking her in, taking comfort in her presence.
I was so fucking lucky.
Her hand snaked up my neck, rubbing through my beard as she let out a soft moan.
“You’re back. Thank God,” she whispered, still sleep drunk. “Baby, I’m so sorry. How is he? How are you? How’s your hand?”
“Shhhh, it’s all good. Go back to sleep; I didn’t mean to wake you. We can talk about it in the morning.”
“Tell me.”
I wrapped my arms around her more, holding her tighter. “It’s bad. His leg is broken, torn his ACL and fractured his knee. He’ll be out nine months minimum.”
She let out a deep breath. “Shit, baby, I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you.” I kissed her head, my body starting to come alive. It didn’t matter how tired I was, I never not wanted her.
Her face moved up toward mine. “I love you so much. I’m so happy you’ve come home to me, and I’m so happy you’re okay.”
I held her chin, my lips capturing her smile. “Me too, Luck. I can’t even explain it.”
There was no moon tonight and our bedroom was almost pitch black, which only served to heighten every other sense before our eyes adjusted to the darkness. Her lips slowly trailed across my jaw, and I could feel the softness of her lashes flickering fast against my cheek, like hummingbird wings.
She was electricity and magic.
Her tongue ran down my neck and my dick punched her hard in approval.
