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Chapter Thirty-One

PAYTON

Three weeks later

The week Lily and I spent together before she returned to England was the happiest in my life. I didn’t want to leave her for practice each day, but I suffered through, knowing she’d be there when I got home.

Of course, she came to every game we had that week, wearing my jersey, of course. I’ve never had to force myself to focus more during a game. And I grudgingly shared her with Sophie, too, who insisted she and Lily needed some girl time before she left.

One evening, I took her out on a proper date, which wound up interrupted twice by a couple of fans who recognized me. Thankfully, I had my bodyguard with me, and Lily did not disappoint.

Other times, I showered her with little gifts and surprises and savored each moment with her.

Maybe out of fear that she’d simply vanish as if she were a figment of my imagination.

Or maybe part of me feared she might change her mind once she returned to England, so I used every opportunity to convince her she belonged with me .

Letting her go was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I understood. She needed to return and settle matters there. And let me tell you, the last two weeks have been pure torture. I literally ache for her return.

“Earth to Payton. Are we doing this again?” Luke gives me a friendly shove, then sits on the bench next to me in the locker room.

“Lily’s supposed to fly back today.” I keep staring at the opposite wall with our team logo, but all I see is her face.

Luke runs a towel over his wet hair. “Supposed to?”

I turn to face him. “What if she changes her mind?”

He grunts. “What if she doesn’t?”

“Then I’ll be the happiest man alive.” Just like I told her that night. Probably the most memorable night of my life, actually. If Lily doesn’t come back, I’ll be ruined for anyone else.

Luke tilts his smile. “Then focus on that, man, and quit worrying.”

Wade walks in, freshly showered from our practice. “What’s got the Pay-man worked up?”

“He’s worried Lily will change her mind.”

Brows raised, Wade snickers. “Don’t doubt a sure thing, Pay. She’ll be there.”

Something Wade said after the whole press debacle comes to my thoughts. “You still haven’t told us your story, Cowboy.”

He hums in thought. “Not much of a story to tell because I never told her how I felt.”

I can’t imagine loving Lily from afar, and I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that. “Sorry to hear that, mate. Is she no longer available?”

Wade’s gaze roams as he shrugs. “We connect here and there on social media. She’s a PR genius in New York. She had a boyfriend…”

“Had? ”

He scrapes a hand through his wet hair. “I think they broke up recently.”

“Then you still have a chance. Didn’t Coach say the owner is looking to hire a PR person? After my fiasco, I think she’s on to something there. You could recommend her,” I say with some excitement. It’s official. I’ve officially joined the ranks of romantics.

“That ship already sailed, my friend.” He chuckles. “Did a double entendre there.”

Luke groans and throws his towel at him.

I lean on my knees. “I can’t imagine my life without Lily.”

Luke grunts. “Same here. Without Sophie, I mean. Speaking of whom, if Lily misses the wedding, she’ll have to answer to my pink menace.”

“That’s true. But don’t hold it against me if I’m hoping her return is about me.”

The blokes laugh at my attempt at humor, which I appreciate. Just wish I were feeling some levity myself. I don’t know why I can’t shake this fear that I’ll wind up one of those blokes, waiting around for the girl who never shows up.

After practice, I head straight to the airport, even though her flight won’t land for several more hours. Just being here makes me feel closer to her. Kind of ironic when you think about it. Just weeks ago, I met Lily at an airport, and now I’m waiting for her in another one.

Like Wade predicted, the media attention died down quickly, but I still wear a ball cap and sunglasses to most places these days, just in case.

Following a hasty meal in a restaurant there, I find a seat near the gate where arrivals come in.

The large fish tank sponsored by the aquarium reminds me of our day there, watching the otters swim and play.

The sheer joy on Lily’s face while she rubbed their little paws will live forever in my mind like a marker I intend to strive toward every single day, to make her even happier than she’s made me.

If she comes back.

As her arrival time draws closer, I pace around, unable to sit still any longer. The doors open, and people flood through from the other side. I examine every face, looking for hers.

The flow of arrivals dwindles, but still, no Lily and the tightness in my chest is getting stronger. Even though I spoke to her yesterday on the phone, I should have called her today. Checked in and made sure she was still certain about all of this.

I continue to stare at those opaque sliding doors, willing them to part and reveal my Lily.

Waiting…

And then, there she is. Like an angel walking through the veil from the other side, dressed in a pair of snug jeans and…my jersey?

She’s wearing my jersey. The little minx took it with her.

Her face breaks into an excited grin that exceeds her otter smile, much to my pleasure, as she rushes toward me, leaping into my arms and wrapping her legs around me.

I can’t imagine what we must look like, standing there in a tangle as we kiss each other hungrily to make up for the last two weeks.

But we’re oblivious and don’t care. Our kiss slows, then ends as she slides down.

Cupping her face, I rest my forehead against hers. “You came back.”

She touches her fingers to the sides of my mouth. “Did you doubt I would?”

“Of course not.”

Leaning her head away, she gives me a questioning look. “And if I ask Luke?”

“He’ll tell you I did nothing but pine for you.”

“And?”

I sigh. “He’ll also tell you that he told me to quit worrying. ”

She giggles, something she’s done more of lately. “I won’t ask.”

“Good.”

After we collect her luggage, we walk hand in hand back to my car. I open the trunk and heft her suitcase inside.

“Payton, what’s that?” She points to the small suitcase sitting next to hers.

“I packed a bag, just in case.”

“Why?”

“To come after you, of course. In case you didn’t come back.” I slant a smile, totally gone for this woman.

Appearing somewhat stunned, she rests her hands on my chest. “You really meant it.”

I close the trunk. “Of course I did, darling.”

She brushes her lips over mine. “Take me home, Payton.”

I drag my teeth across her bottom lip, making her gasp. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“Keep the jersey on.”