Page 203 of Cross Check

“No. I’m suddenly the biggest fan of mushrooms because of you.” He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear and smiles. “Can’t believe I get to come home from a game and have you here. It’s the best part of my night.”

Grant holds me in his arms and stands. He carries me down the hall to his room, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He smells like sweat and dried blood, but I don’t care. I get to be here with him, and it’s the best part of my night too.

An hour later, we’re in bed and sitting side by side.

My head is on Grant’s chest. He’s stroking his fingers through my hair, and I let out a content sigh. When his phone rings, his body stiffens. He reaches for the nightstand, groaning when he sees the name on the screen.

“It’s Maverick,” he grumbles. “He’s probably calling to tell me I need to apologize to Coach.”

“It might be good to hear what he has to say.” I shrug. “You said he’s matured a lot since your rookie year. An outside perspective could be helpful.”

“You and that logic again.” He kisses my cheek and slides his thumb across the screen, answering the call and putting it on speaker. “Hey, Cap.”

“You didn’t text me when you got home,” Maverick says from the other end of the line. “You know I worry about my children.”

“Sorry, Daddy.” Grant chuckles and leans back. “What’s up?”

“I wanted to check on you. How are you doing?”

“I know you’re trying to be the peacemaker, Mavvy, but I need some time. I’m not going to boycott practice. I’m not going to make an angry social media post. I’m going to show up and do the job I’m supposed to do, but I’m also going to be pissed about what’s happening in my personal life too.”

“I get it, and it’s totally fair.” There’s a long pause. “But… come on. Who knew Coach had that kind of game, huh? I didn’t think he’d be able to talk to a wall, let alone a woman.”

“I will punch you in the face, Miller, and not feel bad about it,” Grant practically growls, and Maverick laughs. I have to hold back my own giggle. “I’m not in the mood to hear about Coach’s dating habits.”

“I’m kidding, obviously. Do you need anything? Can I help at all?”

“Nah.” He traces his fingers down my arm and rests his hand on my stomach. “I have everything I need, and I’m just fine.”

“Call me anytime,” Maverick says. “Love you, dude. Make sure to celebrate tonight.”

“Love you too, Mavvy,” Grant answers. “Thanks for checking in.”

After they hang up, he tosses his phone on the mattress and stretches out his legs. I sit up so I can look at him, smiling when he grins my way.

“Are you going to call your sister?” I ask.

“I need a minute before I talk to her, and there’s no way that she would answer. I deserve the silent treatment.”

“Do you want to be alone? I can get a hotel for the night.”

“No way. I want you here with me,” he says. “I’m happier when you’re around.”

“Do you think you’re still going to feel that way in August?”

“Hey.” Grant frowns. “What’s going on?”

“Sorry. I’m overthinking.” I shake my head. “We’re going to spend a lot of time together the next couple of months, and that’s a big change for us.”

My heart races. Up to this point, we’ve been on opposite sides of the country. We’ve existed in tiny slivers of each other’s lives with FaceTime calls and the occasional meet up, and the thought of waking up next to him every single day is terrifying.

A good terrifying, my brain whispers.

It’s the next step in our relationship. A move toward more, toward finally.

How could I ever be afraid when I have Grant by my side?

“Lia,” he whispers. “There hasn’t been a second since we met where I haven’t wanted to be with you. You take up all of my thoughts. You’re the best part of all of my days. And knowing I get to have a real, regular life with you over the next couple of months?” He huffs out a chuckle and wraps his fingers around my wrist, pulling me toward him. “That’s the damn dream, baby.”