Page 109 of Kickoff

“And?”

I returned my gaze to his. “She said things…and it looked very bad…for me. No matter how many times I tell her to leave me alone, she doesn’t get the memo. It’s harassment, I swear. Double standards, man. Big time. I would be arrested if I did the same thing to her. Anyway, Mel freaked out. Said trusting me wasn’t always easy. We got into a fight.”

“Well, I hate saying this, but you kinda brought it on yourself when you fraternized with the she-devil.”

“You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“Geez, Mase. I am. But if you play with fire, don’t be surprised when you burn yourself. No matter what, don’t play Tanya’s games. She’s not worth the trouble. Keep proving to Melinda you really are a different guy than the one you used to be months ago. That’s all she’s asking for. The proof can’t be a temporary fix, but a permanent one.”

I quirked one eyebrow. “Insider information?”

“Not much. Paige is tight-lipped about everything. The only piece of information I got and man, you owe me big time, is that Mel wants to trust you, but she’s taking extra precaution before jumping two feet into something. Her main priority right now is that scholarship to Crestwood U. Paige says she’s more obsessed about it than she has ever been before. It’s all she talks about when they’re together.”

“She does? She barely broaches the subject with me. For the record, I talked to her about her training program and her diet the other day because, no matter what everyone says, it doesn’t sound healthy to me. She’s always tired and is complaining of headaches.”

“And?”

“Nothing. I said I would mind my own business since she’s convinced it’s all under control.”

“Fuck, but we can’t blame her. We’d both do just about anything to play pro,” Craig said. “She had that surgery, and perhaps it affected her mindset. Her coach wouldn’t let her put her health at risk. They have shrinks and specialists at school for athletes. If it’s serious, I’m sure Mel will ask for help. She’s smart.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. It still feels off somehow.”

“I’ll talk to Paige, see if she noticed something else.”

“Thanks.”

More drinks were handed to me, and soon I felt tipsy but happy—and relaxed.

After half a dozen slices of pizza and more beer, I joined some of my friends outside, all of them bundled up in jackets and hats and standing around the bonfire. From the crisp late-November breeze and humidity in the air, we could tell December was just a little over a week away.

My eyes were trained to find Melinda because I spotted her the moment I exited the cabin through the back door.

She was deep in conversation with two girls, looking cozy in her white fluffy jacket. I neared them and wrapped my arms around her from behind. A shiver danced up her back when she relaxed against me, and it shot me with renewed joy. Her body couldn’t lie. We would be okay.

“Dance with me?”

“Mase…”

“Don’t.” I spun her around and placed a finger over her lips. “You and me, we need this…we need to connect. Today was amazing, and I’m not ready for it to end.” I stared into her eyes. “For the record, I hate fighting with you too.”

She nodded, her cheek brushing mine, then tipped her head back to look at me. I released her and tugged her sleeve to usher her further away from our friends to a dark secluded corner.

Melinda swirled and looped her arms around me, connecting us once again. “Are you drunk?”

I nuzzled her neck, my lips stretching wide. “Just a teeny tiny bit. Are you drunk?”

“Nah. I only had sparkling water.”

“Is it true we’re all sleeping here? Chase told me they set the stuff Craig brought over in one of the rooms upstairs.” I kissed her cheek, my lips lingering on her soft skin while I breathed her in.

“Yes. That’s the plan.”

“Did you bring your stuff?”

“Paige and your brother did. I’m not sure if I’m staying yet.”

I leaned back to watch her. “Shepard, will you stay in my bedroom with me tonight?”