Page 31 of Shot to the Hart

“If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you choose and why?” I’m hoping this question has the desired outcome. When she starts giggling uncontrollably, head thrown back, eyes crinkling in the corner, the sound higher pitched than normal, I know that it did. I also have the fleeting thought that I love the sound of her happiness, “You alright over there?”

“I’m-oh my God.” She swipes under eyes, “We were just talking about our abandonment issues and you asked me what animal I would have as a pet.”

“You’re right, I did. I wanted to see you smile. Now answer the question, I’m ready.”

“Okay I would choose a penguin. A puffer to be specific. I’d have to move to Antarctica or something, but I find them fascinating, and they are also a little stupid so I think that they could provide great entertainment. I also love that they mate for life and bring shiny pebbles to impress the females.”

“Interesting, I could see you with a penguin laying in your lap. I would choose a tiger. They are just majestic and loyal, but also if you’ve ever seen a video of them playing with their enrichment activities, it seems like they could be fun.”

“Interesting, I don’t think I trust those teeth.”

“That’s why it’s a hypothetical question. We can take away all of the bad features of the animals and focus on the good ones. We better head in, Bella will have you up in a few hours.” I get up, offering my hand to Kodi, the warmth still there from where she was comforting me not too long ago.

We walk through the house in silence, side by side, before reaching Kodi’s door. My mind and my body are warring with each other; I want to stop her from going into her room, feel my lips on hers, but doing that could lead us down a path I’m scared to visit, so I won’t kiss her. . .Yet. Before I can give myself time to question my decision anymore, I step into her and when she sucks in a breath but doesn’t retreat, I find myself placing my hand on her cheek and placing my forehead against hers, my thumb gently caressing. Her eyes are wide, but she makes no effort to move away from me, almost holding her breath to see what will happen next.

“Goodnight, Kodi. Thanks again for tonight,” I whisper before gently kissing her cheek and retreating to my room.

“Um. . .goodnight, Mav.”

19

KODI

SLEEPOVER

The Manta Rays are off for another two-week stretch after playing Minnesota here the other day and Maverick was out of the house before Bella and I were even awake this morning. I keep thinking back to the way his eyes kept traveling to my lips, but then he didn’t follow through. I’m simultaneously grateful and infuriated at the fact that he didn’t kiss me. I’m waiting for Bella to wake up, so I text the girls.

Me

I think that Maverick wanted to kiss me last night and I don’t know how to feel about it.

Harley

He what?

Me

You read that right. Well I’m not 100% sure, but it definitely seemed like it. And then he didn’t.

Sin

Uh. . .why not?

Me

Do I look like Maverick? I don’t know. What’s worse is I think I would have let him.

Darcy

You would have?

Me

Ugh, yes.

Sin

This is getting interesting.

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