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I stared into her blue eyes, all of her pain boiling to the surface. Weighing my choices, I knew in my gut that she wouldn’t leave Whitmore just because I told her I didn’t love her anymore. There had to be a way to be with her and keep us both safe. Giving up had never been my style, and I refused to do so now. I placed a kiss on her forehead before I looked at her.
“I love you, Ari. I never stopped.”
Ari’s body crumpled beneath mine, and tears streamed down her face. “What does that mean?”
“It means we’re going to try. If you love me the way you say you do, then we’ll figure us out. I can’t lose you.”
A cry escaped her, and she leaned up and pressed her mouth to mine. “Tell me again, Jag.”
“I love you, Ari.”
She wrapped her arms around my neck as we kissed, and for the first time in years, nothing else existed except for her. Beautiful, smart, and wonderful Ari.
“There are some things you need to know about me before you commit. It wouldn’t be fair otherwise.”
Ari smirked. “Because you’ve been so fair about the society and Anderson.”
“You have a point.” I pulled away and smiled at her. “We need to keep us a secret. At least until I figure out how to handle the situation around Theo and Mom.” I climbed off her, then helped her up from the floor.
“We’re not going to confront Theo and Samantha?”
“Not yet. On campus, if people ask, tell them that Anderson introduced us and we’re hanging out.” I wrapped a few strands of her long blonde hair around my finger. “You have to trust me on this.”
I nodded. “I do. Somehow, you seem to know what happened after the fire, but I’m hoping you’ll tell me more. If I’m in danger, then knowing the truth won’t make a difference. It will help me be aware.”
“I wish it were that easy, but I’ll try.” I pulled her body against mine, losing myself in the feel of her against Jagger Whitlock, not The Black Mamba.
Ari’s stomach growled and broke up the moment. I kissed the tip of her nose. “I have to get to practice, and you should find some food to eat.” If we were going to get to know each other again, I had to start somewhere with the truth. “Then meet me at the field house at eight. Don’t let anyone see you.”
Curiosity flashed in her gaze. “That’s a strange request but I’ll play along.” She pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed me goodbye. I watched as she gave me a little wave before she left the room. How in the hell I would be able to focus on practice was beyond me, but if anything happened to Ari, I had nothing left.
* * *
The sun quietly slipped behind the mountain, painting the sky in brilliant blue and pink hues. My face warmed with the dying embers of the evening light, and I listened to the soft chirps of the crickets in the cool breeze. The rainy season would begin soon, and I promised myself I would soak up these moments as often as possible.
The sound of an approaching car distracted me from my peaceful moment. I pointed to the empty space beside me and indicated for Ari to park there.
She climbed out of her Audi, all smiles. Her long hair flowed down her back, the soft curls begging to be pulled, but I had to show her more of who I was before I believed she could still love me. I’d meant every word I’d said to her earlier that day, but Ari knew a different guy then. I came from almost as much money as she did, but that had all changed.
My gaze swept over Ari. Her black top clung to her curves, and her jeans hung low on her hips. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest. How could I have denied how much I loved her? “You look beautiful.” I reached for her hand, then pulled open the door with my other.
“We’re going inside?”
“It’s a big building so you won’t smell the jockstrap aroma.” I grinned at her.
Her soft giggle made my cock jerk to life, and I had to remind him we were thinking with the big head tonight.
“I’ve never been in a guy’s locker room before.”
“You’re not missing anything.” I rubbed my thumb across the back of her hand. It was surreal that she was next to me. There was no way we could get back what we lost, but maybe . . . just maybe. My stomach tightened with the thought of telling her about my past. It would make us or break us. If she couldn’t handle it, I would ask her to leave Whitmore. I couldn’t see her all the time and not be a part of her life.
“This is Coach’s office.” I opened the door and turned on the light.
“Why am I here? I mean, I want to support your football career, but I’m a bit confused.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“This.” We walked to the other side of Coach’s office, and I opened another door that led to my room.
Ari stepped in after me, looking puzzled.
