His voice is a warm hug wrapping around me. “Get out of that damn head of yours, Rooney. You’re doing great. Always.”
“I just feel like …”
Ugh, the last thing I want from him is a pity party. He waits patiently for me to finish.
“Like I ruined the moment.”
He clicks his tongue and shakes his head, looking at me with astonishment. “I promise you, there is nothing—and I mean, nothing—you could ever do to ruin the moment with me.Nothing. Your arm could spasm and smack me across the face, and I wouldthank you.”
I giggle, the tears already fading as he does the most Matt thing in the world and cares for me in a way I didn’t even know was possible. “I like you… a lot.”
A full smile stretches across his face. “Shit, Rooney, Iknewyou were obsessed with me. It’s probably the reason you joined the coaching team, isn’t it? Just to get close to me.”
Staring at him with a deadpan look, a smirk flirting with my lips, I shake my head. “I’m already regretting telling you.”
He winks at me. “Nah, trust me. I already knew. And God, is the feeling ever mutual. I fear you’re never getting rid of me, so I hope you’re good with that.”
“Like a parasite.” I laugh, and he snorts.
“Oh, yeah, stuck to your side forever.”
I shrug. “I think I could be okay with that.”
CHAPTER 18
MATT
I’ll never get enough of her. I don’t think a night will ever top this. Listening to Shay talk for over an hour about everything and anything has my mind spinning with hearts in my eyes.
Our conversation died off when the food was brought to our table because we couldn’t stop stuffing our faces with the delicious food. I can certainly see why this place is her favorite. I’m starting to wonder if there’s anything she could ever do that would turn me off from my obsession, but every day, I’m proven that it’s fucking impossible. I could watch her watch paint dry and still be entertained as ever.
“I needed this,” she murmurs after setting her fork down and pushing her nearly empty plate away. “It wassogood.”
My heart bursts with pride and happiness when I see her so happy. “Good. I’m glad.”
Her eyes flick up to mine, and she swallows, searching my face with uncertainty in her gaze. “What’s your plan?”
“What do you mean?” Stuffed to capacity, I set my silverware down and lean back in my chair.
She clasps her hands like she’s at a business meeting. “I mean, what happens after we leave here? We can’t exactly go on like this.”
Ideally? A thousand things. We go back to the hotel. I finally kiss her again. Her hands wander my body, and my tongue wanders hers until I get my fill. Our clothes disintegrate. She finally admits she’s mine. We go off to the win the Cup. I marry her. We live happily ever after.Easy.
But I know she probably isn’t looking for my fantasy but reality.
“I’ll get us a ride back to the hotel. I’ll walk you to your room, say good night, and then go to my own room like a gentleman.” I smile, unable to hold it back when I see a spark ignite in her gaze.
Leaning forward, closer to me, she squints her eyes, clearly doubting my gentlemanly abilities. “Prove it.”
She wants a little competition? I’m one hundred percent in.
“Oh, you’re on, Rooney. You thinkIwon’t be able to withstand your charm? It’s so the other way around. You arehelplesswhen it comes to me.”
She chuckles and scoffs, “You wish, MacArthur. You’ll be on your knees, begging me to give in.”
“Okay, well, that’s not fair.” My eyebrow twitches up, and she wets her lips, enjoying this little game we’re playing. “Because I would giveanything tobe on my knees, looking up at you. You can even throw your leg over my shoulder to help you keep your balance. Borrow my hands and my mouth, too, while you’re at it.”
Even in the dim candlelit room, I can see how red she’s turning, her blush spreading down her neck. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
