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Chapter 10
Trevor
We’re both quiet when we get back home. After our long hug outside, Gracie’s cheeks have maintained a rosy, crimson shade, and she’s been avoiding my gaze.
“Gracie,” I say gently when she tries to hurry away from me. I take her wrist before she makes it far and twirl her to face me.
She gasps, and her eyes widen. “I should get inside,” she stutters before lowering her eyes.
Her lower lip quivers; it seems like she’s terrified of something.
Truth is, I get the feeling.
That hug and spending the night with her is the highlight of my week. I haven’t enjoyed anyone’s company this much in years. Usually, when I hang out with my teammates or girls from the club, I find myself missing Gracie’s easy laugh and her vibrant nature.
She’s the best part of my memories of living in Golden Bay.Gracie makes it possible for me to forget all about my parents’ horrid past.The fighting, the cheating.It’s the reason why I must always protect Gracie.
I must protect her from me.
Gracie continues to hold my gaze, and I can see right through those sage-green eyes. It’s like they will pierce through my soul if I don’t look away. The pressure in my chest builds as the seconds tick away, and I find myself leaning closer to her.
Gracie gasps when I reach out to cup her chin and pull her close. I would have kissed her at that moment if she hadn’t pulled away. I would have given in to my greatest desires.
“Goodnight,” she says, then hurries into the house. Her bedroom door closes and echoes through the entire house, sending a shudder right through me.
I stay rooted in that spot for a moment, then massage the back of my neck to get rid of the kinks there. My phone beeps a second later, and I take it out to read the text from Zane.
You’re back in. You should be at the next practice. I’ll let you know about renewing your contract later on.
Zane’s text is good news, and it should make me excited, but at that moment, Gracie is all I can think about. The desire running through my veins is more intense than ever, and I know there’s no fighting it.
***
A few days later, I’m back in practice, and my teammates are all excited to see me back on the court.
“That’s my man!” Billy, a team member, yells, and the rest of them cheer as I dribble the ball with one hand and then swipe sweat off my forehead. My grin widens as we end the practice for the morning and gather around in a circle.
“Good to have you back, man,” my teammates greet me, and I shake hands with all of them. There are fifteen guys on my team, and each of us has to show up to practice, regardless of the roster for the game.
“Are the rumors true?” Billy, the tallest amongst us, asks. “Dude, the media’s raving about your marriage to the small-town girly. Are you gonna let us meet her?” His teasing tone hints at his mischief when he adds. “Is this marriage for real? Yo, a few weeks ago, you weren’t even interested in dating anyone.”
“Trevor played all of us, man. He had that girl hidden somewhere while he acted like he was single like the rest of us.” Another player chimes in and their chatter continues while I meet Billy’s suspicious gaze again.
“You gonna let us meet her?” Billy asks again.
I chuckle before shaking my head. “Fine, fine … I’ll let you meet her after the game next week.”
There’s a lot of laughter and celebration in the air after that, and Billy walks over to pat my shoulder. “Can’t believe you got tied down, man. It’s insane,” he says with a cheery laugh. “No one would ever believe it.”
I’m still smiling as I watch them head off the court. The ball’s still in my hand, and I stare at it for a while, grinning because getting back on the team is what I wanted.
My suspension has been lifted, and my contract will probably be renewed soon.So why does it feel like something is missing?
I’m lost in thought when I return home. From the doorway, I inhale the whiff of blended ginger and cinnamon. Whatever Gracie is cooking makes my mouth water.
I head past the living room into the kitchen to find her humming and dancing while she stirs something on the stove. My heart jumps a little as I take in the sight of her once again.
She looks so at ease, like she’s meant to be here.