Page 39 of Tangled with the Tight End

“I was athletic as a kid. Everything came easy, so I played all the sports. It wasn’t until high school that I focused on football, track, and weightlifting. I was obsessed with improving every week, and Marco followed in my footsteps.”

“It must’ve been nice to have someone so close to you doing something you loved.”

“Yes.” His eyes grow distant for a second, and then, as if he shook the past away, he smiles. “It was. It was fun, and I loved beating him.”

“Did you miss him when you went to college?”

He winks. “Until he got there. Then he was following me around again.”

“I didn’t realize you went to the same college.”

“We lived together for the two years we were on campus together. Then I was drafted.”

I lay my forearms on the table. “That’s nice. I always wanted a sibling. That’s why I want a….” I snap my mouth shut. He doesn’t want to hear about my desire for a large, close family.

nineteen

GABRIEL

I grabher hand and squeeze it as my phone rings. My parents’ ringtone. “I need to get this.” I snatch my cell phone out of my pocket. “Hello?”

“I hate to bother you when we told you to enjoy your afternoon and evening, but Gino is burning up with a fever and–”

“I’ll be right there.” I scoot my chair back and catch Norah’s gaze. This was not how I anticipated ending the evening, but it can’t be avoided.

“I’m sorry, Son. I hope we’re not ruining anything.” My mother’s voice holds an edge of concern.

“It’s fine. I know you’re leaving on Sunday. I just hope you don’t come down with whatever he has.”

Norah stands and wipes her hands on the white napkin.

“I hope so, also. We’ve been planning this trip for four months.”

“I’ll be there in a second.” After I click off the phone, I walk around the table and stop in front of her. “I’m sorry. Gino isn’t feeling well, and my parents are going on a cruise on Sunday.” Now what? Call her an Uber? Ask her parents to come up to themountain and pick her up? Drag Marco into the cold to drive her home? Shit.

“It’s fine. Dinner was delicious. Thank you so much for inviting me. I enjoyed both the meal and your company.” The sincerity in her eyes knocks the breath out of me.

“I enjoyed it as well.” I cup her cheek and swallow. I don’t want the night to end. But maybe she’s right. We need distance between us before things get out of hand. “I realize it’s selfish and irresponsible to ask but would you….” I rub my thumb over her cheek, loving the feel of her skin against mine. “Never mind.”

She licks her lips. “What?”

“I was going to ask you to come up to the suite and hang out with Gino and me, but if he’s sick with something, I don’t want you to catch it.”

Her eyes widen. “I’m not sure there’s much chance of avoiding it. Were you around your son today?”

“Of course.”

“Yesterday?”

“Yes.” I chuckle and rest my forehead against hers. “I get what you mean, if he has a virus, I’ve already gotten it and likely given it to you.”

“Most likely. It’s the fun of kids.”

I thread my fingers through her silken hair and place a chaste kip on her lips. “Well….” I grin. “Can I entice you to an evening of my son potentially vomiting? And the anticipation of feeling like shit in a couple of days?”

“That’s probably the most romantic date invite I’ve ever received.” Her eyes dance as she runs her hands over my chest. “How could I turn you down?”

“Yes, indeed.” I pull back, wrap my arm around her shoulders, and walk toward the exit.

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