Page 32 of Vegas Heat

I don’t know what to say, and I’m the kind of person who is never at a loss for words.

But even if Ihadthe words…I’m not sure I could get them out at the moment.

“Well,” she says. “You’ve got my number. Ball’s in your court, I guess.”

I chuckle. “Ball’s in both our courts, Sunshine. We’re not playing games here. If you want to text me the second the car door closes behind me, do it.”

“It won’t scare you off?” She snags her bottom lip between her teeth.

I drop a soft kiss to her lips to get her to stop biting them with worry. “Would it scare you off if I did it first?”

She shakes her head. “Point taken. Have a safe trip.”

“You too.”

“Why is this so hard?” she asks.

I press my lips together then offer her a sad smile. “Because it’s real, and reality hurts sometimes. Come home with me.”

My mom will flip if I bring a girl home to meet her, but I’ll deal with that storm when the time is right.

Her shoulders drop a little, and I think it might be from relief that I invited her. “I can’t. I’m going out with friends tomorrow and I’m meeting with my advisor on Monday. And I’m helping substitute a dance class for kids this week while the regular teacher is out of town.”

“Next weekend, then. Come to San Diego.”

She nods a little as she thinks it over. “Okay. Yeah, I think I can do that.”

I can’t help the wide smile that breaks across my lips. I knew I’d be coming back here eventually, but having solid plans in the works to see each other again lifts a weight that was heavier than I realized.

I press my lips to hers. “I need to go, but I can’t wait to see you again.”

“Back at you, Captain.”

I chuckle and kiss her once more, and then she walks me out. I get into the car, close the door behind me, and pull out my phone to send her a text.

There’s already one waiting for me.

Gabby:Boo. I’m first. Hope I didn’t scare you. [kiss emoji]

Me:Boo back at you. Miss you already.

I turn toward the window to wave, and I spot her as she brushes away the tears falling from her eyes.

My heart cracks as I wave until she’s out of sight, and then I exhale a long breath as the car carries me away from her and toward the airport.

CHAPTER 15: COOPER

I head down to baggage claim even though I carried on so I can meet my mother. I spent the whole flight thinking about my weekend in Vegas, and the second I landed, Gabby was the first person I texted, and she replied with a selfie she took of us on the top of the Eiffel Tower and a line about how she wishes I was there with her.

It felt right for her to be the first person I contacted with news.

My mom was the second.

I spot her standing by the carousel waiting for her suitcase. She’s never been a light packer, and she’s only gotten worse with age.

She’s in her own little world when I sneak up behind her with a bear hug, and she whirls around to face me, her face breaking into a huge smile when her eyes land on mine. “Cooper Michael Noah, don’t you ever scare me like that!”

I chuckle.

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