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“Or is it a mix of both?” I teased, pulling onto the road leading toward the airport. Something tightened in my chest at the thought of not seeing Ari over the next few days, but that was exactly why I’d chosen to move her stuff in today.

Was it a little bit sneaky and underhanded? Sure.

Did I feel bad about it? Not one bit.

There was no way I could sleep at night knowing she was lying on someone’s couch when I had a perfectly good guest bedroom at my place. At least until I could talk her into my own bed…

“Both,” she admitted. “but that’s beside the point. I can’t just move into your apartment. That’s not…it’s not…” she growled in frustration, and I took pity on her.

“Look, Ari. If you want, I’ll send all of your stuff back to your cousin’s. But we both know that my apartment is way bigger than I need. So, why don’t you stay there for at least a few days? See how you like it. What’s the worst that could happen?”

She could decide not to stay. The thought caused my chest to tighten, but I meant it. If she wanted out, her stuff would be back at her cousin’s within the hour.

There was silence, then a sigh. “Fine, Dalton. I’ll stay while you’re in Nashville,” she said, her voice firm. “But I’m not promising anything longer than that. Got it?”

“Got it.” There was no hiding the happiness in my voice. “Still going to cheer for me, Sunshine?”

Her voice softened. “Always, Thatcher.”

THIRTY-FIVE

ARIELLA

TO BE SEEN IS TO BE LOVED

There was no way this was a good idea.

Yet here I was anyway, folding my endless collection of leggings and spandex shorts and stuffing them into the drawers of a really freaking nice dresser that hadn’t been there last time.

Despite telling Dalton that I wasn’t staying past a few days, I couldn’t resist setting up all my little things. Each item I unpacked felt like laying another brick on a path I wasn’t sure I should be walking down. One that veered away from my originally laid out road. Although, if I were being truthful with myself, it didn’t really veer off…it was more like it ran parallel. Because I was still working toward all my goals, there was just an extra person walking alongside me.

Like every time this topic came up in my mind, I shoved it aside, focusing on unpacking instead.

I set up the photo collage of my cousins and me, the neon sign that said brujita, and the collection of coconut-scented candles that filled the room with a sweet, tropical scent that reminded me of my favorite body wash.

“Hello…holy shit,” Gracie called out from where she stepped inside the front door. I smirked, knowing full well her jaw was on the floor. Rounding the corner, sure enough, her mouth was in the shape of an O, her eyes as wide as dinner plates.

“If you decide you’re not staying here, I’ll sure as fuck do it.” She walked farther into the open-concept living room, making a beeline for the exact thing I had—the view. “God, this is…I mean…wow. Does he have any single teammates? Hell, I’ll put up with that grumpy-ass coach even.”

I shook my head. “First of all, I’m not letting you anywhere near my players.” She wrinkled her nose at that. “And there’s no way in hell you and Monroe would work. The most amount of words that man has said was what you heard at the press conference.”

She huffed. “After my last date, I think I want a man who doesn’t speak.” She moved around the space, face still in awe.

“I know, it’s the nicest place I’ve ever seen,” I said, reading the unspoken words on her face as I came to stand beside her. Watching all of the cars buzzing around down below was surreal. I’d never imagined seeing Dallas from this vantage point.

“Nice?” She whipped her head toward me, “No, prima. Es maravillosa.” She nudged me playfully before moving toward the kitchen, leaving me shaking my head with a smile.

“Go ahead, Gracie. Just make yourself at home.” I teased, trailing behind her, trying to calm the nerves at being in Dalton’s space without him. I’d texted him earlier asking if it was okay if she came over, and he’d told me I lived there now and to have anyone I wanted over.

“Damn, girl, how good are they paying you? Maybe I should have been charging you more for rent. You bought every type of drink you like?”

“What are you talking about?”

Entering the kitchen, I found her crouched in front of the drink fridge. My heartbeat picked up the closer I got. I peered over her shoulder, shocked at the sight.

The fridge was fully stocked with all my favorite drinks.

“I didn’t buy those,” I said quietly, staring in disbelief.