Page 20 of Forever Offsides

He’s right. I have been holding back. I’ve been cautious with myself for so long it’s almost reflexive. But I want to change that. Not every guy is Russel, and I know this. And I like Rhett. He’s smart and funny and interesting and different.

“I have no plans to stop talking to you,” he continues. “It’s become my favorite part of the day, and on the days when I force myself not to be such a pussy and text you, I’m still thinking about you.”

I blow out a breath.

“The proper response is I think about you all the time too, Rhett.”

My lips twitch. “That’s very narcissistic of you to always be thinking of yourself.”

“Har, har.” His gaze shifts about my screen. “Am I off base? Because it doesn’t feel that way.”

“No. You’re not off base. I think about you all the time too. It’s been really good between us, but it’s only been texting. I’m nervous. You’re the first guy I’ve talked to since my ex. You being here will be different.”

He pushes the bridge of his glasses up his nose. “It will be, but I’m okay with that. I think you will be too once you shut off that big brain of yours and go with the flow.”

Fair. That’s fair.

“I’d like to try with you, Quinn. You told me you like to know what’s coming so there are no surprises. I get that. So I’m telling you now what I want, and what I want is to date you.”

I smile. No stopping it. “I’m good with that.”

“Fantastic! Wait. Where are you?” He’s eyeing the white pillow behind my head as if he just realized what it is.

“In bed. It’s late here.”

“Shit. It is, isn’t it? Sorry.” His expression softens. “Or maybe not because wow, you are fucking beautiful right now. I’ve missed your face. All our texting, and I had to picture you in my head. I wish I had done this with you sooner.”

“Maybe it’s better that we didn’t. Maybe it’s better that we waited until closer to when you move here.”

“Maybe. But damn.” He runs a hand through his hair. “What are you wearing?”

I burst out laughing and cock an eyebrow. “Really?”

He laughs too. “Definitely. I need the full Quinn in bed before sleep visual.”

“I’m in panties. That’s it.”

He groans and sets the phone down for a minute.

“You okay there, old man? Didn’t have a heart attack or anything on me, did you?”

The screen moves, and his face reappears. “Show me, and we’ll see if these chest pains get worse.”

Oh hell.

I tear the blanket back and pan the phone to my underwear since they’re not that skimpy—more of a satin triangle covering my pussy, so he can’t see anything. I hear him inhale a rush of air.

“Fuck,” he hisses. “Go up. Show me all of you. Please.”

Please. Did he actually just please me after a demand? Ugh. He’s killing me with perfection.

With a shaky breath, I bring the phone up and give him an angle of my body that includes my breasts down to my panties.

“Christ, you are so goddamn beautiful. Just… incredible. You’re incredible. Take off your panties, baby girl. Show me all of you.”

I pull the phone back up to my face. “Uh-uh. I showed you mine, now you show me yours.”

He cocks an eyebrow, but that smirk is in full force. He appears to be on his sofa in what I suspect is his family room. There’s a wall of windows behind him that slightly reflects back into the room, and I can tell he was watching ESPN.