Page 109 of Colliding with Ten

“Don’t underestimate yourself.”

Later, the conversation turned to time.

“What time do you start your day?” she asked.

“Early. Film session at ten, but I have to be at the facility by seven.”

“You’re going on a few hours of sleep?”

“I’ve played games on less.”

“What time is it now?”

I checked the clock. “Almost midnight.”

We were on borrowed time, and in the back of my mind, I tracked how much we had left. I liked looking over and seeing her here. She nestled closer, draping her leg over mine. I debated asking her to stay again, but I’d done that enough tonight.

Instead, I asked, “What time do you want to catch a flight?”

“Early.”

“I want to take you to the airport. I’ll pay for it. It’s my fault you missed the team flight.”

I figured we’d sort it out in the morning after a few hours of sleep. She was here now, and I didn’t want to think about anything else.

“Are you worried?” she asked.

I frowned. “About getting you back on time?”

She smiled and shook her head.

“No.” Her fingers played with the sparse hairs on my chest. “About . . . this.”

I looked down at her hands, then met her eyes again.

“Us,” she continued.

“You mean if someone from the team finds out?” I asked.

She nodded.

The only reason I’d keep this between us was that it wasn’t anyone else’s business. Not because I was ashamed of her or thought our relationship broke any rule. But I also knew if they found out, the fallout would hit Ayla harder than me. That was enough for me to protect it and her.

“I’m not worried about what they’ll say,” I admitted.

“Really?”

“No.” I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m more concerned they’ll make it harder on you than me.”

Her expression softened.

“People ostracize women for things they congratulate men for,” I said.

She studied me for a moment. “So . . . you’re not worried?”

I took her hands and kissed her knuckles. “I’m not worried for myself. We just need to be careful. I want to keep this just for us. For now, but not forever.”

I didn’t want her defending her character instead of living her life. She’d fought too hard to come back from an injury and find new purpose. I didn’t want this to be a reason for anyone to take that away. We didn’t even know what this was yet.