Page 64 of I Wish He Would

“Thanks.” She gets up and holds the shirt to her chest. “I need to shower and get ready for bed. Do you want to use the bathroom first?”

“Nah, you go ahead.”

“You sure? I have a long bedtime routine.”

“Take as much time as you need.” I grab the book I brought for the trip from my end table.

Alyssa stares at the book in my hands. “You’re reading Pride and Prejudice?”

“Yeah, I’m only six chapters in because of baseball.” I rub a hand along the back of my neck. “Well, and because I have to look up a ton of the words to understand what they’re saying.”

Her eyes remain fixed on the book. “What made you pick up a Jane Austen novel? I didn’t know you liked to read.”

I haven’t read an entire book since high school English, but she doesn’t need to know that.

“You mentioned that it’s your favorite book.” I shrug. “I thought I’d see what all the hype was about.”

She finally meets my gaze, her eyes soft and warm like the center of a chocolate chip cookie. “What do you think so far?”

“It’s pretty good, but I’m not understanding the love for Mr. Darcy.”

She gasps. “What?”

“He’s so arrogant.”

“He’s just reserved, and the way he’s drawn to Elizabeth—” She exhales a dreamy sigh. “It’s perfect.”

I could listen to her talk about the things she loves all day long. “I guess I just need to keep reading. See if my feelings change.”

Looking up at Alyssa, I’m living proof that they can.

Once I hear the bathroom fan turn off, I’m three chapters deeper into the book and starting to understand what Alyssa was talking about. I can see why Darcy likes Elizabeth. It must be refreshing to have someone challenge him when he’s used to women who are just after his fortune.

I think any professional athlete can relate to that. Wanting someone who sees you as the person and not your profession and the dollar signs that come with it. It’s funny how some things from the 1800s are still relevant today. But let me just say, after all my Google searches about the Regency era, I’m extra thankful for the invention of indoor plumbing.

The bathroom door opens, and Alyssa walks out. My eyes move from the logo on my shirt to where it hits her mid-thigh, showing off her long legs. I swallow hard. Seeing her in my clothes does something to me. Like a primal part of me was just unleashed. Even though it’s my favorite shirt, I would give it to her in a heartbeat if she asked. Especially if it meant I got to see her in it again.

I avert my gaze and fidget with the book. “How was the shower?” My voice cracks. I grit my teeth. That’s rarely happened since I was a pubescent teenager, but of course it would happen when she’s looking like that in my shirt.

She giggles and runs her fingers through the bottom of her hair. “The rain showerhead is relaxing. I could’ve fallen asleep in there.”

I get out of bed as she slides under the covers on the opposite side. The shirt rides up, revealing the silk shorts I saw earlier when unpacking for her. She quickly pulls the oversized shirt back down to cover them. If she’s still wearing the shorts she brought, could that mean she wanted to wear my shirt? Hope swells in my chest, but I tamp it down for now. It’s like the guys told me, patience is key when I’m in this for the long haul.

“I’m going to shower,” I say. “Do you want me to turn off the lights?”

“You can leave them on until you’re ready for bed.”

I grab a clean pair of underwear and shorts, then head to the bathroom. Once I’ve showered and brushed my teeth, I brace my hands on the marble counter and look at myself in the mirror.

I’m about to sleep next to my best friend who I also have feelings for. What could possibly go wrong?

I blink and shake my head before turning off the light and carefully opening the door in case Alyssa is already asleep. She’s wide awake, though.

Watching New Girl.

In my shirt.

I’ve never seen a more breathtaking sight.