Page 79 of My All American Girl

With a deep breath, I broke with a satisfying crack but none of the balls went in.

She chuckled. “Too bad. It’s my turn. Brace yourself.”

I raised an eyebrow at her confident declaration, hypnotized by her every movement. She made my heart feel full. Watching her line up her shot, I couldn’t deny the attraction that surged between us. I was ready to give up everything for a chance at happiness with her.

Sarah sank the first ball easily.

“Beginner’s luck,” I said.

Then she sank three more. Her grin widened. “We should have made a bet. Things are looking good for me.”

Despite being competitive by nature, I enjoyed this playful banter with Sarah. Anyone that saw us would just see a couple of friends playing pool. They wouldn’t know a damn thing about the lava searing my insides, screaming at me to claim her tonight and for the rest of our lives.

After she wiped the table without giving me another turn, she gave me a scrutinizing look. “Did you let me win?”

I laughed. “You only let me take the first shot. I didn’t have a chance to take a dive.”

“That’s true,” she said. “I just don’t like pity.”

“Have I ever taken pity on you?” I shot back.

“Good point,” she nodded.

I noticed a crowd at the bar. “I better get up there and help Jude. Good thing you beat me quick.”

I hurried behind the bar and took a guy’s order.

“Gee, I hope I didn’t interrupt your date,” Jude said.

“You could have said you needed help,” I retorted. “I was right there.”

“It was too much fun watching you get your ass kicked,” he said, grinning.

Together, we worked through the rush. I kept my kicked ass behind the bar, grabbing glances at Sarah between orders. She was having a good time. That made me happy. After seeing the devastation she felt in that med bay, I never wanted to see her like that again.

Once things settled down, Sarah approached the bar and took a seat. I crossed my arms and leaned toward her. “How are you doing? Really?”

She shrugged, her smile fading slightly. “I’ve been better. My dad isn’t speaking to me. I’m still shocked and confused over what went down. But my aches and pains and bruises are gone, and I passed. So, that’s all that matters. The rest will sort itself out.”

I nodded. “Yes, it will.”

“I missed you,” she added softly, her eyes searching mine. I could see a fire burning in her gaze. It matched the flames that had been scorching me all night.

“I missed you too,” I admitted, unable to hold back.

“Really?”

“Really.”

We both stared at each other. There was a lot being said without words.

“I think we should talk,” I said in a low voice. I looked around the bar, aware of all the eyes and ears around us. “Alone.”

Sarah nodded, her expression serious. “Okay. When?”

“Soon.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “I don’t think they’re going to be leaving anytime soon. None of us has to train tomorrow.”

“Well, cross your fingers we find a chance to slip away.”