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“And you’re sure you don’t want to spend the night? Or I could drive you home?” I ask, reluctant to let her leave me.

She rewards me with a lopsided grin, her dimple winking at me as she leans in to kiss me, squeezing my bicep.

“I’m sure,” she says. “But it’s not because I don’t want to be here.

It’s because I have an early class in the morning, and frankly, I feel like I’m growing a little too attached to you, too quickly, and I need the space to gather my emotions and not run the risk of falling into something that neither of us is comfortable with.

Does that make sense?” she asks, tilting her head to the side.

It does, actually, and something buried inside my chest that warms with her explanation.

I hate being in the dark with people. “Yeah, it does. And that’s okay,” I tell her, pressing my lips to hers another time as I prepare myself to watch her walk out this door.

“Thank you for letting me in on your thought process.”

She gives me a small smile, her cheeks flushing a light pink.

“I’ve lost too many people wishing I’d had the opportunity to tell them how I felt just one last time.

That’s why I’m often brutally honest, and unfortunately for those on the other end of it, I don’t hold back.

Though I’m pretty shit at putting the way I feel into the right words.

I do my best, but lately, between my impending graduation, adjusting to having a new coach, trying to solidify my chances at having a football career, and realising I’m attracted to my coach, well, let’s just say I’ve been taking the piss out of the whole open and honest thing. ”

I clutch her against my chest, her arms wrapping around my waist as she sighs against me. Her phone pings in her pocket, and she checks it, peering back up at me with those baby blues. “My ride’s here,” she says, grabbing her backpack.

“Goodnight, Elise. And for what it’s worth, you’re showing me that good things can come out of proper communication, and I’m glad we’re on the same page,” I tell her.

“It’s worth a lot,” she says, pressing onto her tiptoes, leaving a quick kiss against my cheek.

“Goodnight, Rafa.” She tosses a wink over her shoulder as she enters the elevator, the glossy metal doors shutting behind her a moment later, leaving me to stare at my reflection.

A goofy grin is plastered on my face, and it’s a sight I haven’t seen since high school.

My shoulders sag as I let myself back inside, heading to the TV. Mrs. Purrito is curled up in Elise’s spot, and I can’t even blame her. I’d want to be anywhere she’s set that perky ass too.

She texts me shortly after she’s arrived home, and my heart pangs in my chest.

Sunshine

Thanks for your help tonight.

Anytime.

Sunshine

And Rafael?

Now who’s diminishing the point of code names?

Sunshine

Shut it.

I think I really like you.

My heart swells, and I tuck my shoulders back; pride that we’ve somehow managed to move past our rocky start whips through me.

I think I really like you too, trouble.

Sunshine

Don’t break my heart, okay?

I don’t think you’re the one who has to worry, sweetheart. So please, don’t break mine.

Sunshine

I’ll do my best. Goodnight 3

Goodnight 3

This is unfamiliar territory for me, and for every ounce of fear I feel, I’m met with an equal amount of wonder.