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“Yeah, she’s fine.” I rubbed the back of my neck and settled against the back of my couch. “But she is the reason why I’m calling.”
“All right. Why?” When I paused, trying to figure out how to explain this to my little sister, she helped the conversation along. “Is this about the kiss?” She sucked in a breath. “Oh my God. You caught feelings for her!”
My thumb pressed the side button on my phone to lower the volume to save my eardrums from any other outbursts. “I like her, yes. It’s just, I overheard your call the other night.”
“Seriously, Collin?”
Her disbelieving tone had me feeling worse by the second. “Trust me, it wasn’t intentional. I just don’t know what to do. As much as I hate to admit this, I’m out of my element here. I don’t do girlfriends, but she’s different.”
“I swear, Collin Allister St. James, if you hurt her…” Before I could say anything, she added, “Wait, did you just saygirlfriend?Holy—”
“Maybe I should call Lucas rather than ask you for advice.”
“No, I’ve got this. This is my specialty.” I could practically see her stretching her linked fingers in front of her. “You date her, Collin. She’s not a hookup or that type. Since you probably already know this, Charlie has had a crush on you forever. As much as I hate to admit it, you’re a great catch. It’s just your reputation and experience is far different from hers… as you know. You need to be sweet and not yourself.”
“Funny.”
Sally giggled. “I can’t believe it. My brother is finally going to date my best friend.”
“First she needs to say yes.”
“Highly doubt that will be an issue. Not that you need or asked for it, but you have my blessing. However, I stand by my earlier comment that you didn’t let me finish. Charlie is my best friend, and I can’t lose her. Don’t screw this up, do you hear me?”
“I promise you won’t lose her.” The only thing I was worried about is that one day I might. “By the way, when are you coming here? You need to see your BFF in action.”
“I know. I’m trying to work it out, except I need to go away for work. I’ll come as soon as Cruella lets me, I promise.”
Knowing my sister wasn’t happy at work annoyed me. Except, voicing that would only make matters worse. “Sounds good. Thanks for the chat, Sal. Love you.”
“My pleasure. Love you too.”
The call ended, and rather than head to my room, I went to Charlie’s and softly knocked. It took a few long seconds before I heard shuffling feet and a light click on. When she opened the door, on their own volition, my eyes roamed down her body. Her toned legs were barely covered by the very short nightshirt, if you could even call it that.
“Did you need something?”
Swallowing, I felt like a kid talking to a girl for the first time. If I knew she wouldn’t wonder what was going through my head, I would have laughed at that notion. Instead, I looked into her eyes. “Yes, actually, I do.” Rather than step all the way in, I took her hands in mine, pulling her closer until her knuckles landed on my chest. “I have a question for you.”
Her eyes flicked to where I held her before rolling up and meeting mine.Damn, she was pretty.
“Okay. What is it?”
“I’d like to know if you’d go out with me?”
She furrowed her brows, creating a cute vertical line above the bridge of her nose. “Like a date?”
Smiling, I nodded. “Yes, Charlie, like a date. I know I disappointed you a few moments ago, but that wasn’t because I don’t want you. When I said you deserved better … you deserve more.”
“More?” she repeated as though testing that sentiment.
“Yes, dates, romance, maybe occasional flowers.”
“Chocolates?” she coyly mentioned as a pink tint filled her cheeks.
I released her hands and cupped her face. “Whatever you want. Just say yes. If we’re going to try this, we’re going to do it right.”
“What about the team? You said it yourself that players shouldn’t date each other.”
“We’ll deal with that if and when it comes up. As far as anyone needs to know, we’re friends, roommates, and teammates.”
