Page 43 of It's Always Us

I stand ready to sprint to the nearest drugstore. “I told Grandpa if I was feeling better, I’d head back since Carson is out this week. I should put on some work clothes and get back there.”

She slowly gathers her keys and purse, watching me the whole time. “You sure you’re ok? I can stay and hang for a while if you want.”

“I’m sure. The garage was full when I left, so we need to keep the rotation moving.”

She hugs me goodbye as I shove her out the door. I fly up the stairs to pull on leggings and a sweatshirt, hightailing it to the nearest place that carries the only kind of test that won’t be difficult for me to complete.

______

I set the timer on my phone for five minutes. My finger hovers over Mark’s name, wanting him to hold my hand through this, but common sense prevents me from tapping it.

He is one game away from the division championship, and our conversations have been short and a bit strained, both of us waiting for the season to be over. The time ticks down, and . . .I don’t care. I jab his name before I can second-guess it. I need to hear his voice as I wait for the most important results of my life.

My heart thrashes in my chest, and my fingers grip my phone so tightly my hand shakes. It rings and rings as the timer counts down.

Pick up. Pick up. Pick up. Please pick up.

Just when I think it’s one more time we’ll miss each other, his voice comes through.

“Hey, one second. Ok?”

A storm of relief pours over me. I hear shuffling and other voices in the background, and then he’s back.

“Hi. Sorry, I’m getting ready to step into a meeting.”

“Hi.” That’s all I can say as the pressure builds with anticipation of what might be happening. I want him here, holding my hand, but the cellular connection will have to do. My throat suddenly itches with emotion, and I can’t speak.

When I don’t say anything more, I hear concern fill his voice. “Lex, are you ok?”

“Yeah.” I clear my throat, trying to get a grip. “I needed to . . . ”What? I needed to what?“I just need you to talk to me for a second.”

“Lex, what’s going on?” he whispers this time. My heart squeezes, wanting to tell him exactly what’s happening, but I’m worried I’ll destroy his focus and concentration in the biggest time of his career.

I check the timer. Three minutes and thirty-four seconds left. “Do you have a few minutes to talk to me?” I press my eyes shut tight, knowing I sound like a lunatic.

“Uh . . . I have five minutes until my ass needs to be in a seat.” I hear him say hi to someone. “You kind of have me freaking out, though, so I need you to tell me you’re really ok.”

“Yes. I’m ok.” I let out a gentle laugh to reassure him. “Things are just a little . . . overwhelming, and you always make me feel better.”

“Really?” I know he’s smiling, and I wish I could hug him so much. “Because the last couple of months, that’s not what I think I’ve been doing. I’ve wanted to call you, but . . . ”

He doesn’t even have to say it. I know. “Well, that might be true, but I haven’t liked the not talking to you thing at all.”

I have no idea what I’m doing. I’ve never been able to get myself not to love him or want to be with him, no matter how much I try. Now, there’s this and . . . I need him.

“I want to date you for real, and I’m going to.” His tone is nothing but pure determination. “I didn’t want to keep calling and disappointing you. I can’t stand it.”

“I’d be ok with dating you for real.”

“That so?” That mischievous tone makes my skin tingle. “Seeing that you’re already my wife, I’m not planning on taking you home either.” His voice is low and sexy, and my quivering stomach flips over at the certainty of his statement.

Liking that promise a little too much, I check the timer again. One minute, forty-seven seconds. “Are you ready for the game?”

He laughs. “Yes. I’m ready to take it to the end, and then . . . ” He pauses. “Lex, I meant what I said.”

I squeeze my eyes shut tight, a lump forming in my throat and tears welling in my eyes. “I know.”

“Do you?” His voice is soft and tender.

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