Page 94 of Who's Loving You

“Can you…can something happen that quickly? I mean, it’s only been a couple of hours.”

My mouth opens to say yes but honestly, “I don’t know. Maybe? No? I have no clue because I’ve never forgotten it.” I throw the pill in my mouth and gulp water straight from the bathroom faucet.

“Sooo, it’s highly probable that you’re just fine and having a freak-out for no reason. Don’t you think you’re making a mountain out of a mole hill?”

Water drips from my lips and I swipe my sweatshirt across it. I look at my reflection in the mirror and see a frantic woman who looks like she’s just lost control. Red cheeks, disheveled hair, swollen lips, and wearing only asweatshirt while our combined orgasm leaks down my thigh

I sigh and drop my head into my hands, feeling stupid but still slightly panicked. I didn’t use the logical side of my brain because all I could think was there is no way I want a child when I’m still trying to find the courage to admit my feelings to Nic and myself.

Strong and comforting arms wrap around me and kisses are laid on the top of my head. “Baby, I think you may have jumped the gun on your assumptions. I’m no gynecologist or a woman, but I’m pretty sure it’s okay to miss it by a few hours. Now a few days and I’d be on your side.” I shrug, stupid tears threatening to break free. “Why don’t we get cleaned up and get to bed. I think we both need some sleep and maybe a little cuddle time.”

He throws me a big cheesy smile knowing I don’t like being touched while I’m sleeping. But somehow, I always wake up wrapped in his arms like the inside of a burrito. And I refuse to admit that I actually wake up feeling more rested. It has nothing to do with him and everything to do with being busy.

That’s all.

He reaches into the shower and flips on the water. Soon the room is steaming up and we’re stepping in together. Warm water begins to wash my worries away, and I luxuriate in the strong hands that lather my hair and body with care.

When he pulls me tight, my eyes close with relief and I tell that scared, little girl it’s time to grow up. No more hiding from that pounding thing in my chest that says to just believe. Believe that something wonderful can happen to me.

So I let go of her and embrace a woman who tells me it’s okay to fall in love.

32

NICO

Me: Hi Lucy. Do you still have the matching necklace that goes with Val’s earrings? I want to get it for Christmas.

Lucy: Yes! We do. Want me to put it on hold until you can get here?

Me: Actually can you just get it? Do you have my customer info that you can just charge it to my card? Or can I send you my card info again? I don’t want anyone to take it.

Lucy: I can’t but I will do a customer POV hold so that my manager knows it’s sold. Anything else?

Me: Quit trying to squeeze more commission from me, Lucy. Plus, I have other things planned for her.

Lucy: Who?Meeee?

Me: Yeah. You, trouble maker. I’ll drop by tomorrow after practice to pick it up. Thanks a lot, Lucy. I hope she loves it.

Lucy: Oh she will. Almost as much as she loves you.

Me: What???

Lucy:

I’ve had one of my best practices yet. That early morning conversation with Lucy really set me on a high. Was Lucy just messing with me or could it really be true?

Valentina is in love with me?

I was dancing across the field. Nothing was going to bring me down. Even Waggers was impressed. He made a face that almost looked like a smile. It’s possible it was the relief of passing gas, but I’d like to believe it was me that made him happy today.

I was planning a Christmas for Valentina that would blow all the others away. I spoke with her parents, which I’m sure she’ll be a little pissed about, and arranged for them and her sisters to come in to surprise her. When I told my parents about it, they agreed to be here, too. They aren’t too happy about missing out on a white Christmas by the fire, but Greer was jumping at the chance to spend the holiday taking in the outdoor sights without worrying about frostbite.

The music was blasting, my sunroof was open, and I felt high on life. I never thought I’d be so grateful to have not been drafted to San Francisco.I envisioned my future playing side by side with my brothers, but now I couldn’t imagine it without Valentina.

I pull up to a stoplight, the smile on my face so wide my cheeks are aching, and it’s the greatest feeling in the world. My phone buzzes with a notification and I take a quick peek before the light turns green. A text from an unknown number appears and I automatically know who the culprit is. It shows that there’s an attachment, so I pull into the parking lot of a grocery store to see what this psycho wants now and block yet another number.

With a sigh, I swipe open the text and read the message: