Page 424 of Ruthless Court

“I know.”

“I’m not embarrassed of you.”

“I know that too.”

“I need you to understand.”

“I do.”

I stare at him.

He reaches for my hand.

“My entire life, basketball has entered rooms before I do.”

The words settle between us.

“I wish I could separate it sometimes.”

My chest tightens.

“Kane.”

“I love⁠—”

He stops.

Everything in me stops with him.

“What?”

His eyes lift to mine.

For once, Kane Haverhill looks nervous.

Actually nervous.

He rubs his thumb over my knuckles.

“I’m falling in love with you.”

My heart hits once.

Hard.

No fireworks.

No dramatic music.

Something quieter.

Something that feels like finally reaching a place I have been walking toward without knowing its name.

Kane watches me.

He doesn’t fill the silence.

Doesn’t take it back.