Page 126 of Worth the Trip

“Gladly.”

“I want to see yours.” I waited. “I want to watch you coach. I want to see you with the boys instead of only hearing the stories afterward.”

That got my attention.

Football wasn’t something I performed for women I dated. Those boys trusted me with more than routes and scores. Asking to see that part of me meant she’d been paying attention too.

“You volunteering to make the trip?”

Her smile changed.

“A full tank, a good playlist, and somebody worth seeing at the end of it. Heard that makes the road simple.”

I laughed.

“That’s my line.”

“It was effective. I redistributed the resource.”

“You spend one week around me and already weaponizing vocabulary.”

“I’m an excellent student.”

“I’m an excellent instructor.”

“That remains under review.”

I pulled her closer by the waist.

“Now you flirting.”

“I’ve been flirting.”

“I know. I like hearing you admit it.”

“You like hearing yourself validated.”

“I like hearing the truth.”

Her palms settled against my chest.

“Then hear this. I want to see you again.”

“Say less, love.”

I kissed her.

The porch kiss had carried surprise.

This one didn’t.

Nolani met me halfway, one hand sliding behind my neck while the other stayed against my chest. Her mouth opened beneath mine, and I drew her closer as she rose into me instead of waiting to be pulled.

That difference got my attention.

I slowed the kiss because we were standing outside her business in broad daylight, and I possessed at least some home training.

Slow had its own problems.