Page 23 of Before I Loved You

He leans back, crossing his arms over his chest, eyeing the water before us when he asks, “Do you ever think about that night?”

My throat goes dry as my lips part, but no words come out. Paul looks down as I look up, his beautiful, deep chocolate brown eyes locking with mine, desire flashing in them. Memories of that night unfurl in my mind as though playing on a screen in front of us, generating a guttural need between my legs.

Suddenly, all I want is to repeat that night. I want to feel his hands caress my skin, grazing over every curve. I want to hear his voice whispering sinfully delightful words in my ear. I want his lips on mine, stealing my screams as I cry out in pleasure.

I want him—all of him.

Clearing my throat, I say, “I think about—”

“Paul!” someone nearby shouts, breaking our trance. “Coach wants to see you.”

Paul looks to his side and yells, “Be right there!”

He looks back at me, pausing before saying, “Come to my game on Friday.”

“What?” I ask, surprised.

He cocks his head to the side, grinning. “Come to my game. Well, it’s not an official game, more of a scrimmage before the season officially starts, but they still treat it like a real game. And then we can get dinner after.”

“I…umm…” I momentarily look away, taken aback. Would this be considered a date? Did he just ask me out on a date?

“Please?” he adds.

His eyes pierce mine, pleading with me to say yes.

And I want to. I really do.

Not to mention, it might be the perfect time to tell him we’re having a baby.

Although, considering the circumstances, I doubt there is a perfect time for that.

I bite the inside of my cheek, mulling over the request as I glance around. But the second my eyes meet his, I know my answer. “Yeah.” A smile breaks free. “Yeah. Okay.”

His body relaxes beside mine. “Great.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone, giving it to me. “Put your number in it, and I can send you the info.”

I do, typing out my full name and then handing it back to him, feeling like a schoolgirl who just got asked out for the first time.

Because technically this is my first time getting asked out.

He types out a quick message and texts my phone, so I have his number, too.

“Well, I’ll see you Friday, Sarah.”

Before I comprehend what is happening, he leans down and brushes his lips across my cheek, kissing my skin softly, sending shivers up and down my spine. He jumps up and flashes a smile before turning around and jogging toward the gym.

Is this what being on cloud nine feels like?

My hand presses against the cheek he just kissed.

I guess I’m going to his basketball game, and then—

Wait…

Basketball.

As in the same sports team that Greyson plays for.

Paul’s teammates with Greyson.

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