I wrap my arms around her, bearing her weight so she doesn’t have to. “I’ve got you. Don’t worry.”
We enjoy each other’s presence in the silence, our hearts beating the same rhythm, our breaths mixing together.
“I enjoy pleasing you,” I say, my voice nothing but a whisper.
“You’re good at it.” She gazes up at me, our noses touching. “It’s like you know my body so well.”
“I’ve studied you for a long time, Ainsley.” I brush her hair from her face, and press a kiss to her forehead. “On and off the field, I learned you. What was important to you; your likes and dislikes; the things that made you mad; the things you were passionate about. You were the storm, and I was the one chasing you, reading you, anticipating your next move. I wanted to be theone who could withstand you. The one worthy enough to stand by your side through it all.”
Her bottom lip trembles. “Why?”
“Because I wanted to show you that not everyone leaves. That you weren’t alone. That you didn’t have to dim your light for me That I believed in you.” I drop my gaze to the floor between us. “Then I broke your trust, and ruined it all.”
“Hey.” She reaches up and cups my jaw. “No more of that. We talked about that. I broke your trust too. We both made choices we regret. It’s different now.”
“Is it?” I lean into her touch. “Do you trust me now?”
Her hazel eyes bounce between mine. “I want to.”
I nod. “That’s a good start.”
“Your mother told me you’ve been donating to my dad’s cancer fund.” Her eyes glisten. “Why did you do it?”
I hike a shoulder. “It was my way of helping you from afar.”
She gives me a sweet smile, her thumb stroking my face as if she doesn’t even know she’s doing it. “Thank you, Landon.”
I press a kiss to the tip of her nose. “Of course.”
A lone tear slips down her cheek. “I’d really like those sweatpants now.”
I grin. “I’ll be right back.”
Chapter 31
Ainsley
My heart isin my throat as I walk down the hall.
Principal Morrison scheduled a meeting after school let out. Danbury and both the head of Human Resources and the union president will be in attendance.
I haven’t heard anything all week about Jayden or her mother. But I knew the quiet didn’t mean she was backing down.
My hands shake as I step into Morrison’s office. I clasp them in front of me so no one sees how nervous I am, and smile at everyone sitting around the oval table in the middle of the room.
“Hello, Ms. Morgan.” Morrison gestures to the empty chair at the end of the table. “Close the door behind you, and have a seat.
The sound of the door amplifies in my head like a prison door closing.
Pricilla from HR extends her hand to shake mine. “It’s good to see you, Ainsley.”
“Wish I could say the same.” I huff out a laugh as I lower myself into the chair. “Feels like I’m about to get some bad news.”
“We’re here to discuss your options,” Susan, my union president says, “and support you.”
Bile churns in my stomach as I nod. “My options...”
Harrison sighs and clasps his hands on the table. “Mrs. Morales has made some claims that you manipulated her daughter without her permission. Based on the statement you gave me on the phone last week, it’s obvious that she’s overreacting to this situation. But she’s a loud one, and she’s turning this into something bigger.”
