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Sarah chuckles, "I don't blame you, girl. But with great hotness comes great responsibility."
I grin, feeling giddy and light. "Yeah, he's...something else."
"So what's the plan?" Sarah asks, nudging me with her elbow. "Are you gonna let himwoo you?"
I shrug, feeling a little shy all of a sudden. "I don't know. I mean, I want to. But things are complicated right now with the story and everything. And I don't want to ruin anything that we have by turning it into something else."
Sarah nods slowly, her expression thoughtful. "I get that. But Birdie..." She turns to look at me, her eyes soft. "Life is short. And if there's something there with Johnny, you owe it to yourself to explore it. Even if it's messy or complicated."
I swallow, feeling a lump form in my throat. She's right. Life is short.
And Johnny is worth exploring.
"I know," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just scared."
"Of what?" Sarah asks gently, placing a hand on my arm.
"Of everything," I admit. "I mean...there's still buzz around him going major league, and I just..."
"What?" she asks. "You can tell me. I promise--my lips are sealed."
I swallow hard. "He already told me he would be willing to stay here for me. And I'm just...I'm worried that I could ruin his life."
Sarah pulls me into a tight hug, holding me close. "I get it," she murmurs into my ear. "Trust me--I was terrified that Jake would resent me for forcing him to settle down. But sometimes, taking a risk is worth it. And if you don't take it, you might regret it."
I pull back. "You're right," I say, taking a deep breath. "I need to talk to Johnny."
Sarah nods, a small smile on her lips. "Good. And Birdie?"
I look at her, my heart pounding. "Yeah?"
"Go get him, girl."
I nod, my determination renewed. "I will. And thanks, Sarah. I needed to hear that."
She grins at me. "Anytime, girl. Now go get your man."
I head outside to where Johnny is grilling with Jake and Carina, my heart pounding in my chest. As soon as he sees me, his eyes light up and I know that I've made the right choice.
"Hey there," he says, grinning at me. "What's up?"
I take a deep breath, feeling my cheeks flush. "Can we talk?"
"Sure," he says, setting down the tongs and following me to a quiet corner of the yard. "What's on your mind?"
I look up at him, my heart racing. "I've been thinking about us," I say softly. "And I want to take a chance on this. I want to try."
Johnny's face breaks out into a wide grin, his eyes shining. He reaches for me, his arms wrapping around my waist, only for my brother to clear his throat.
"Ah...sorry," Johnny says with a sheepish smile. "Kinda forgot we were being surveilled."
"Comes with the territory," I laugh. "Little sister and all."
Johnny leans in.
"You know how bad I want to get you naked right now?" he murmurs into my ear.
My breath hitches and Jake clears his throatloudly.
