Page 63 of The Way We Score

Her voice is thick, and I smile, reaching out to move the hair behind her ear. “It’s okay. It was late, and I guess you were pretty tired.”

She nods, her hair falling over her cheek. “I’ve been so tired every day, I’m surprised I made it as long as I did.”

My stomach tightens, and I study her face. “Are you sick?”

She doesn’t look sick. She actually seems to be glowing.

“Just… working hard.” She smiles briefly, placing her slim hand on my forearm as she stands slowly. I’m not reassured.

“I’d better change. Although…” She looks down at her sweater and jeans. “I don’t have anything to change into, do I? I’m sorry I’m a mess.”

Pushing off the table, I stand to my full height, which towers over her, even if she is tall for a girl.

“No more apologizing.” I give her a nudge, and she blinks up at me. “You can crash here as long as you need to, and I told you, it’s New York. We can find whatever you need, possibly even have it delivered.”

She hesitates a moment before stepping forward to put her arms around my waist. I wrap her in my arms at once, leaningdown to press my lips to the top of her head, inhaling the sweet flowery scent of her hair. I could stand here all day doing this, but it doesn’t last.

Her arms relax, and she pulls away. Lifting her shoulder, she squints up at me. “At least I brought a toothbrush.”

“I’ll make some coffee.” I follow as she goes to the guest room. “If you look in that dresser, I’ve got some old shirts and stuff I don’t wear anymore. It’ll all be too big, but you’re welcome to try it.”

She nods, giving me a little smile before closing the door. Hesitating a moment, I bask in that brief glow.

I’ve got fresh-brewed coffee and I cracked open a tin of cinnamon buns to pop in the oven. When Liv opens the guest room door, she’s wearing an oversized T-shirt that says,I have mixed drinks about feelings.

“This isn’t going to work.” She looks down at the shirt that hangs to her knees.

“Hey, you make that look good.” I’ve changed into my jogging shorts and a tee.

Her eyes light as they run over my shoulders and chest, and I know that look. It makes my dick twitch.

Diverting her eyes, she goes to the coffee pot to fill a mug. “Are you going for a run?”

“I’m headed to the stadium. I’ve got to do my morning workout. What are you planning to do?”

“I don’t know.” She turns, holding the mug close to her face as if she’s basking in the warmth. “How long will you be gone?”

“You could come with me if you want. I’ll just be lifting weights and running plays with the guys, but they won’t mind if you’re there.”

“I can’t go like this.” She looks down at the shirt-dress she’s wearing. “I only have what I wore last night.”

“I’ve got something for you.” Going to my room, I dig around in the drawers, coming back with one of my old cotton practice jerseys. “Put this with your jeans.”

“You want me to wear your jersey?” She cocks an eyebrow, and I lean on my elbow beside her.

It’s one of those moments where it’s taking all my strength not to kiss her again. “You used to wear it all the time.”

Lifting her chin, she takes it from my hands. “Wouldn’t want to break with tradition.”

Ten minutes later, we’re riding down in the elevator. Her face is freshly washed, and her hair is brushed back in a ponytail. She’s wearing my cotton, navy and red Number 50 jersey, tied at the waist, and she blinks bright hazel eyes up at me.

“Will I get to meet the whole team or just your group?” She’s smiling and lighter than she was last night, which eases my concern a bit.

“It’ll just be the offensive line, but I can introduce you to whoever you want. I know everybody.”

“I don’t know anybody.” She laughs, looking down. “I’ll hang out with you.”

“We’ll see who’s there. You don’t have to stay in the gym with me.”

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