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I followed him to the door, walking a half step behind and staring at the hand I wanted to hold. I bet it was rough and strong and big. It certainly looked rough and strong and big.

He stood on my front porch and turned back with a smile. “We’ve got three home games this week, so I’ll be back and forth. Would you be available for lunch one day?”

I nodded quickly. “Yes. Yes I could be.”

“Okay then. I have to be at the field early tomorrow, so how about the day after?”

“Yes. I say yes.” Oh my god. I didn’t even sound like myself. I was never giddy.

His eyes dropped to my lips and held. “Good night, Liv.”

My heart began to pound. And I do meanpound.The sound filled my ears and forced my lungs to work harder. Chris wanted to kiss me goodnight. And even more importantly, I wanted to kiss him goodnight.

But he wasn’t going to because of Linc. Which meant if I wanted this kiss, I would have to be the one to initiate it.

I glanced into the house to be sure he was still asleep, and then crossed to Chris in two strides, cupping his face with one hand, my fingers sliding around his neck to his hair, and pulled his lips to mine.

If I thought the peck in the kitchen was overwhelming, then this was a full blown explosion. Lip contact quickly turned into full on make out as Chris groaned, tilted his head, and deepened the kiss. His arms went around me, and mine around him, our bodies pressing, moving, rubbing. Then my legs were around his waist. Did I jump or did he pick me up? I honestly had no recollection of the actions that got me there. I was too absorbed in the moment. Chris was warm and strong, his tongue was soft and urgent, the sounds coming from his chest made me feel powerful.

He turned and pressed my back against the column and I tore my lips from his to gasp, to gulp air. It was too much and not enough all at once.

Chris groaned again, his head dropping to my shoulder. “Well that escalated quickly.”

I laughed, running my fingers through his hair. “I liked it.”

He sucked a kiss at the joint between my shoulder and throat. “So did I. Maybe we can do it again sometime.”

“Maybe the day after tomorrow.” It was high time Linc had a playdate with Emerson.

He looked up and the depth of emotions in his eyes took my breath away. “I won’t have much time, but whatever I have is yours.”

I unwrapped my legs and finally slid down to earth. “I understand.” Was I really going to do this to myself again? Date another athlete who was only home for scraps of time?

He dropped his forehead to mine and erased my doubts as he cupped my face, his thumb stroking my cheek. Yes. I was going to see where this went, even if it was a dead end. “Goodnight Olivia.”

“Goodnight Chris.”

7

Doesn’t sound familiar

Chris

“You look damn chipper,” Scott muttered as I slid him a cup of coffee.

“I am damn chipper.”

He grunted into his mug. “This because of Olivia?”

“I have a lunch date.” After my morning run and shower I had two hours before I needed to be on the road to the stadium and I was spending all of it with Liv.

“So it’s going well?”

Once again I felt conflicted on what to share. Could vocalizing my hope somehow cause it to evaporate? I knew that wasn’t possible, but it all felt too delicate to put too much pressure on, either. “I don’t know yet. Until I do, let’s keep it between us.”

He smiled wryly and grunted agreement.

“How was Grandma Kaine?”