Page 47 of Finding My Charming

That caught me off guard, and I studied his face to try to tell if he was joking. It didn’t seem like it. “Seriously?”

He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck as if I was making him uncomfortable. “Yeah. The coach has been watching me for a while, and I made a verbal commitment at the end of last season.”

“That’s incredible! They have one of the best teams in the Northwest.”

“I know.” He laughed at my shocked face and pulled on my arm. “Come on, we’re next.”

I robotically followed him and turned with my back to the cart so I could sit, but my mouth was still gaping open, and my brain was trying to process the bomb he’d just dropped.

Once we were settled in and the bar lowered in front of us and locked, he leaned over to me. With one hand, he brushed a strand of hair out of my face then whispered in my ear. “Your face is going to freeze like that.”

Nervous giggles erupted from me. Could I be any more embarrassing? I was losing it over the fact he was an athlete! A really good one, but still just a guy who could kick a ball up and down a field. He wasn’t changing the world or anything.

I kept reminding myself of that until I relaxed. He was just a normal guy.

“That’s really incredible, Vincent.”

He eyed me carefully but finally nodded. “Thanks. I was shocked they wanted me.”

I scoffed then paused. I hadn’t meant to do that aloud!

“If they wanted you to play for them, I’m sure you’re amazing, but if you’re not going to tell me, I’ll just ask Calvin about it.” I tried my best to play it off, but I knew I’d already made a big deal.

He nudged my shoulder. “Soccer’s been my life since I can remember. I’ve been training for this basically since I could walk. My dad made sure I knew how important it was for me to get a scholarship for school, and soccer made that happen.”

He sounded so modest, but I knew what his words really meant. He was that good. Not only was he playing there, but he had a scholarship to play soccer!

“So, you’re the next Beckham?”

He shook his head and laughed. “That would be amazing, but I doubt I’ll go pro.”

“Why not? I’m sure you’re good enough.”

His smile grew, making the corners of his eyes crinkle. “There are thousands of college players, but only a tiny percent of them are good enough to go pro, and an even smaller percent go on to have decent careers. I’m not trying to be modest. I’m just being realistic.”

“Well, I think you could.” I huffed and folded my arms. I turned away from him and out over the city lights. I was trying to keep a straight face, but I knew I was cracking.

“You’re too kind.” Suddenly his arm wrapped around my shoulders. I took a half second to process the new advancement before slowly sinking into him.

It can’t be this easy, right? Maybe he’s just being friendly? There’s no way he’s interested in me. What does this mean?

I closed my eyes and yelled at my brain to shut up before opening again and simply enjoying the moment.

He sighed and I felt him rest his chin on top of my head. “What are your plans?”

“I’m going to Lincoln University.”

“Impressive. Do you know what you’re going to major in?”

The dreaded question. I’d known it would be coming, but I still hated it. The easy answer was law. That was what my dad wanted, and that was what I’d told the school when I applied, but the truth was I didn’t know what I wanted. Could I really picture myself going in front of a judge and jury? Could I do all of the research and preparation? Well, yes, I could, but would I enjoy it? I didn’t know yet.

“Law.”

He nodded against my head a few times. “A smart girl, huh?”

I laughed against him and shrugged. “It’s been the plan for as long as I can remember. My dad has a practice, and he always wanted me to take it over from him one day.”

“What kind of practice?”