Page 89 of Unlovable Player

“I can’t, remember?”

“Yes you can.”

“Stop it,” he practically whispers.

“No. I’m not giving up on you.”

He frowns and stares into the space between us.

“You know why? Because you deserve to have someone not give up on you.”

I put my hand on his cheek and after a second’s hesitation, he leans into it. His eyes closed.

“I love you.”

His eyes fly open and he looks at me.

“No you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.”

He looks down and his eyes water. Before he can cover his face, I hold his face still and kiss him. He sniffles. “Fuck you Donoghue, this was your plan all along wasn’t it?”

“Oh yeah, you got me.”

I wipe the tears off his cheeks with my thumbs.

“Will you come back to the team?”

He shakes his head.

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want to get in the way.”

“You won’t. If we win the championship this year, I want it to be with you.”

“And what if we don’t win because of me?”

“If we don’t win, it won’t be because of you.”

I press my forehead against his, my hands still cupping his face.

“Do you love me?” I ask, my mouth dry.

He frowns. “Why wouldn’t I?”

SEBASTIAN

Iwake up with Austin wrapped around me. My face pressed against his hoody and our legs tangled. His in sweats, mine in shorts.

I try to move, but he tightens his grip and squeezes me with a groan.

“Morning.”

“When did we fall asleep?”

“I don’t know.”

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