Page 66 of Scoring Chance

She tugged her hand out of mine with a tragic smile. “It’s not your fault.”

“That’s not what I mean. Your friend, Tony, was right. I’m an idiot.”

Her gaze shot to mine. “What do you mean?”

“Being your friend has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. You let me open up to you when I was a total stranger. Something about you told me I could trust you from the moment I saw you. You’re absolutely gorgeous inside and out. You’re patient and kind and loyal.” Her eyes started sparkling with moisture and my gut sank. “I’m messing this all up.”

I caught a single tear as it slid down her cheek. “Amelia, I like you so much more than just a friend.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “You do?”

I nodded, grateful she was letting me get everything out. “I’m so sorry that it took me losing you to tell you.”

She sighed. “I thought you knew how I felt and after the gala I thought there was no way you’d feel the same.”

“Why?”

She looked out the window. “I kept waiting for you to make a move or tell me. Anything to let me know I wasn’t going crazy.”

I mentally slapped my forehead. “I really am an idiot.”

She smirked. “You kind of are.”

“I just didn’t want to push you. I know how terrible your last relationship was and I wanted to take things at your speed. I could feel something between us, but…” I shook my head. “I’m an idiot.”

“I really appreciate you being conscious of that and not pushing me, but I tried to give you signs I was ready.”

I dropped my head. “Guys aren’t really known for picking up on those.”

Her hand brushed down my arm until our fingers were interlocked. “I’m an idiot too, if we’re keeping track. I should have just told you how I felt, but I was scared.”

“You don’t have to be afraid of me. You can tell me anything.”

“I know that.” She huffed, then gave me a teasing smile. “Now.”

I leaned forward, pulling her into my arms over the center console. I hated the dumb thing between us, but having her close again was better than nothing. When I pulled back, her eyes locked on mine before dipping down to my mouth. My heart picked up like I was facing a shootout in double overtime. Her hand rested on the back of my neck, making my skin light on fire. I smiled and leaned forward claiming her lips with my own.

There was no hesitation as her other hand traced my jaw and she opened her mouth to me. She sighed as I wrapped my hand around the back of her neck and into her thick hair. This was the moment I’d been dreaming of, but the reality of having her in my arms was better than anything my mind could make up. This was perfection.

I pulled away, failing at catching my breath while I showered her with kisses on the corner of her lips, her nose, her chin before leaning back and resting my forehead on hers. She looked a bit dazed, panting, and pride swelled in my chest.

“I’ve been waiting a long time to do that.” My voice came out gruff.

She leaned back in her seat and ran her eyes over me. “Me too.”

She titled her head up to kiss me one more time, gently. I felt then how much she cared for me. I knew.

We sat in satisfied silence, holding hands and grinning at each other. I decided I wasn’t ready for this to end. “I know it’s late, but have you had dinner yet?”

She shook her head. “No, I was planning on grabbing something at home.”

“Can I take you out?”

A wide grin broke out on her face. “Los Gatos?” Her voice was so hopeful there was no way I could tell her no, not that I wanted to.

“Of course.” I drove us the short distance to our favorite restaurant, never letting go of her hand, even as we walked in. It was our first appearance as a couple and I wanted everyone to know she was mine.

“There are my favorites.” Tina held her arms out for us when we walked in. “I haven’t seen you in quite a while. Why have you not come back?” She made a tisk sound at us before taking us to a booth.