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Grace in athletic gear is a next-level test of my restraint. I’ve been trying to sneak a hand under her black leggings since she arrived at my door fifteen minutes ago. Now we’re pulling into an unfamiliar lot of an equally unrecognizable park.
Her hand trembles as she shifts the car into park. “We’re here.”
“Care to be more specific?”
“I’d rather show you.” She slinks out before I can respond.
A breeze fondles me when I step into the elements to meet her. The evening sun dips lower as we walk along a paved path. My stride falters when an unmistakable field appears in front of us. I attempt to process the scene, but fumble over nostalgia. Grace must misinterpret my awe for discomfort. Her features collapse into a wounded slump. That launches me from the stupor.
“This is… shit. I don’t even know what to say.”
“It’s flag football. Is that okay?” Nerves hitch her voice while she wrings her hands.
“Abso-fucking-lutely. Why wouldn’t it be?”
“I wasn’t sure if college or… whoever else… ruined the game for you.” Her slight hesitation lands on a certain guilty party.
Hilary left a stain that I avoided scrubbing clean for years. Just hearing her name would make me cringe. But that’s ancient history with Grace beside me. The bitterness has been replaced by a constant flow of sweet relief.
I drift a bent knuckle along her jaw. “Nah, my ex wishes she had the sway to taint my passion. She knew my love for the turf ran too deep. It’s not the sport’s fault that I wasn’t good enough to go pro. That’s why she chose to strike at an easier target.”
Grace’s upper lip curls. “I’ve never met her, but I despise her for hurting you.”
“I’m beginning to believe she did me a favor.”
“How so?”
“Those jaded edges needed the right girl to restore my faith.” With a downward swoop, my mouth brands hers with a searing kiss. “I found her.”
“You’re such a romantic.”
“Only for you, soulmate.” I cup her nape and tug until our foreheads touch. “You’re already the best girlfriend I’ve had.”
“That’s just a line to get into my panties. Spoiler alert,” she whispers. “I’m not wearing any.”
My eyes slam shut. “Again? Dammit, woman. I’m only so strong.”
“Had to really prove I was the best.” She winks like the saucy seductress she is.
“Totally unnecessary. My ex never would’ve planned something thoughtful like this.”
“Why not?”
Acid churns in my gut at the reminder. “She was into appearances and social status. That’s probably why she cheated on me with a guy on my team who was guaranteed to get called up. A total shoo-in to get drafted and go pro.”
“Got it,” Grace mutters. “That’s shitty.”
“Like I said, it was a blessing in disguise. Dodged a bullet.” I whistle as if that close shot just whizzed past my ear.
“Are they still together?”
“Fuck if I know. Probably not since he got injured during training and had to retire before his rookie season even started.”
“Karma.”
“Yep. He was no true friend of mine. Good riddance.” I shake off the past with a shudder and focus on what lies ahead. “Another game, huh? We’re developing habits at a rapid pace.”
“Can you blame me? You were a huge player back in the day.” She tips her head back and laughs.
