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We spend the afternoon with the activity coordinator working out a schedule for the next two weeks, hoping that by the start of week three, Drew will be more mobile and can spend time out back practicing plays and tossing the ball with the kids. Until then, he'll talk with them about sports, getting an education, and do arts and crafts—I can't wait to see his large body scrunched down into a small chair playing tea party with one of the little girls.
One a cute little thing with big round eyes and long blond curls, couldn't keep her hands off him. Every opportunity she got, she stuck her hand in his, leaned against his leg, and wrapped her arms around his neck. He looked uncomfortable, but never once tried to disengage. It was sweet. I snuck a few photos of that in. I couldn't resist. Partly because I envied that little girl.Partly because I’m petty and don’t like being told what I can and can’t do.
As we pack up for the day, I notice Drew approaching me. He's moving slowly. His head is bowed. His knuckles are white. When he raises his head, I see stiffness around his eyes, and he grimaces with each step.
I feel like shit now because we didn't even consider how tiring this would be on him. He's supposed to be resting. I'll have to relook at that schedule and see if there are any tweaks I can make that will allow him to stay off his feet a good chunk of each day.
I raise my head when he reaches me.
Drew's face softens as he looks at me and shakes his head. “I'm sorry. I know I don't have the right. But I'm asking you, as a friend, or a future friend, since we don't know each other well, please reconsider. I can't go into why this matters so much to me, but it does.” He looks so vulnerable.
I sigh and run my hands through my hair.
“Drew,” I say, my voice calm. “I don't want to hurt you. But this photo could make my career.”
“I know. But think about it, Roni. If that photo gets out, everyone will be focusing on my injury. I'll see that play repeatedly in the papers, on social media. People will make memes of it. I want to forget about it. I want everybody to forget about it and not wonder if I'm fit to play. Please.”
I feel my anger slipping away. I step closer and look into his eyes. “I don't want to hurt you, Drew,” I say softly.
He smiles and lifts one hand as though he might touch me, but he changes his mind and lets it drop. He’s so close I can feel his warm breath as he exhales.
My heart beats faster, and I feel my body tingle as it’s pulled toward his.We're staring into each other's eyes. His are dark orbs I want to get lost in.
He leans forward. His lips part.
Drew Wylder is going to kiss me.
And then he retreats, shaking his head. “I'm sorry. I should have asked. I don't know what came over me.”
Disappointment rains over me. “It's okay, really. But I wouldn't have stopped you. In case you were wondering.”
His grin is slow to come, but his eyes brighten. “Good to know.”
Mitch clears his throat from the corner of the room, and we reluctantly pull apart.Well, there’s reluctance on my part anyway.
“I think it's time for me to go,” I say, my voice still thick with emotion.
Drew nods, and I can see the struggle in his eyes. I'm guessing he's still wondering what I plan to do with the photo because I never did answer him.
That's because now, I'm not sure myself.
Chapter4
Drew
Itake a deep breath, trying to steel myself for the verdict. Today, the room seems smaller and more oppressive, the air heavy with anticipation even more so than it did my last time here. The only times I've had my mind off football have been when it's on Roni.
I almost kissed her the other day. And I can't get her words out of my mind.
“I wouldn't have stopped you.”
Staring down into those pretty hazel eyes. Wondering what her lips taste like. How soft her skin feels. Would she tremble if I kissed her behind her ear?
I haven't seen her since that afternoon, but she has not been far from my mind. Unfortunately, we needed more time to get the amended contract together. So, while I've spent the last couple of days at the center with the kids, she didn't join me.
I know I shouldn't get involved. Now is not the time. But damn, she's gorgeous.
When she told me she had captured me going down on film, I tried not to care. Pictures from that game are smeared across the various news outlets. In all honesty, I wouldn't typically give a fuck if she sold them. But there's one person that I don't want to see them. I don't want him to see anything related to my career or my injury.
