Page 118 of Hitting the Gap

“I know. I just let all my insecurities rise up.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “I did a lot of soul searching while you were away. It might have taken jumping out of a plane to get me to realize it, but I’m strong and I can handle anything life throws at me.”

Gonzo’s mouth gaped open. “Hang on. You jumped out of a plane?”

“I did.” She grinned as she remembered the way she’d felt.

“That’s incredible. I wish I’d seen that.”

“I got it on video, but that’s not the point. What I realized these past few days is that because of you, I not only learned to trust you, but I learned to trust myself. So even if we don’t work out, I know I’ll be okay. I’m stronger than I thought.”

He squeezed her hand. “First, I’m never going anywhere. You’re it for me. Period. There isn’t another woman in the world that could compare to you for me. I asked you to move with me because I can’t imagine my life without you. But I get maybe it was selfish of me to expect you to move.”

“No, it wasn’t. It was silly of me not to realize it might be a possibility. Of course, you might have to move at some point.”

He shifted closer to her. “I get how hard you’ve worked for your career, and it’s not that I think mine is more important.”

She cupped the side of his face. “I know that, Gonz. I do understand how it works. You just blindsided me the other day and I panicked. I’m not going to say I’m excited about the prospect of moving, but I’m willing to discuss it, which is more than I was willing to do the other day.”

“That’s all I ask.” He trailed his finger down her palm. “We’ll discuss any and all offers together, and whatever we pick will be what’s right for both of us.” He sighed. “You aren’t the only one who did some soul searching this week.”

“No?”

“No. There isn’t a deal big enough to make up for not having you with me. You being there is the deal, Bay.”

“Gonzo, that’s sweet of you to say but we both know if you’re offered the deal of a lifetime, you wouldn’t want to walk away from that. Yes, making the majors was a dream, but I remember that little boy who talked about making so much money he could buy his family all houses and cars and giving the big middle finger to all the people who didn’t believe in you.”

“Yeah, well, that was before my siblings got all greedy, demanding I buy them everything. Raul can buy his own house.”

Bailey chuckled. “Still, I know you, Gonz, and whether you want to admit it or not, a huge contract means a lot to you.”

“Well, sure it does. But so do you.”

“I know that. I’m not saying I’m eager to follow you anywhere, but I’m willing to discuss any offers you get.”

“Discuss meaning you might not move with me?”

“Discuss meaning we’ll pick the best option for us both. I know your career is important, but so is mine.”

He moved closer to her, sliding his leg underneath hers so she was practically sitting on his lap. “I can work with that.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, Bay.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you too, Ram.”

Gonzo grinned at the use of his name. “So, can we talk about how fucking hot you look naked?”

Bailey snorted. So much for their sweet, romantic moment. “Sure.”

“I damn near swallowed my tongue.”

Bailey rolled her eyes.

“That is by far my favorite way to be welcomed home.”

“Don’t get used to it. I was making a point.”

“So, like special occasions? My birthday?” he asked eagerly.

Bailey pushed her hand on his forehead. “You’re such a goof.”

“No, what I am is a guy with a sexy as fuck girlfriend.” He pulled her closer and looked her in the eye. “It means a lot to me that you were willing to do that. I know how hard that must have been for you.”

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