Page 99 of 4th Degree

God, I wish I could know what was going through his mind. I wish I knew how he feels about me. Because, in his arms and this empty room, after a scary moment where he cared for me in a way no one ever has…I feel more connected to him than I ever thought possible.

I didn’t know I could feel this way about a person. I didn’t know I could be drawn to someone like this. To feel so protected, so safe, that for the first time in my life, I feel like I can actually take a breath. And let my guard down.

With Dominic, I can just…be.

I swallow roughly and force my muscles to relax. This is the worst time to realize I’m developing real, big feelings for someone that I shouldn’t be developing feelings for. Especially because we had a clear understanding between us about what this was, and I have zero read on whether that’s changed for him.

My hopeful, youthful brain immediately points out that he just freaked out in front of everyone because he thought I was injured—of course, he cares about me.

But the realistic, cynical part of my brain immediately counters with the reminder that fighters getting slammed is simply a sore spot.

“I do want to be your coach,” he says firmly, pulling me out of my thoughts before I can spiral. “This was just a freak occurrence. I’ll be okay next time, I promise.” He gives me a tremulous grin, obviously trying to lighten the mood. “Besides, I got you the win, didn’t I? My coaching must not have been that bad.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “You got me the win? I’m sorry, did you have someone sitting on top of you?”

The corner of his lip twitches, amusement shining in his eyes. “No, I did not. That was all you.”

I sniff. “Personally, I think the anal sex was good luck.”

He barks out a laugh, looking happier and more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him.

“You’re such a little weirdo.” Chuckling, he grips me by the waist and pulls me close. “I would never guess half the thoughts in your head.”

“You love it,” I quip, wrapping my arms around his neck with a grin.

His smile softens. “I guess I do.”

God, I don’t even care if his feelings aren’t developing like mine are. Even if I only get it behind closed doors, I’ll take this happy, carefree version of Dominic any day.

He takes my mouth in a slow, sweet kiss. It’s different from the way he usually kisses me, but no less mind-melting. In barely a few seconds, I’ve gone breathless and limp in his arms.

Eventually, he pulls away. “I should probably go corner the rest of your teammates.”

I hum in agreement and steal another kiss.

“But maybe I can convince you to come home with me afterwards?” he asks.

I try to tamp down on my grin and fail miserably. “I think that can be arranged.”

He looks like he might be trying to hide his elation as he nods.

But I see it. Because I feel the exact same way.

On the way to Dominic’s place, we stop at my house to pick up a change of clothes. I know Joey is at one of his friends’ houses tonight, but I have no idea what Mom and Maria are up to. I can’t decide how I feel about them meeting, or even spotting, Dominic.

But the nerves bubble as we pull up in front of my house. I open my mouth to ask Dominic to stay in the car while I run in, but that plan evaporates almost immediately. Because Maria is walking up the sidewalk right beside us, her arms full of so many groceries that I have no idea how she can see through the half a dozen brown paper bags. And then one of them slips, and a bag of apples falls, and Dominic is jumping out of the car before I can make a move.

He scoops the apples from the ground before taking the bag they fell from right out of Maria’s arms. And then he takes another. And another.

“Here, let me help you carry those in,” he says in that deliciously deep murmur. “I swear, they make these bags thinner and thinner every year.”

“Why, thank you,” Maria says, a pleased smile on her face. She turns to me and, in that blunt way of hers, says, “I don’t know who this man is, but I like him already.”

I let out an awkward chuckle. Beyond Joey, I haven’t told anyone about Dominic. I have no idea how anyone is going to react to him.

“Maria, this is Dominic. My…friend.”

Dominic smiles over top of the bags. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

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