Page 68 of Through the Water

Any rational thinking on my part ceased when she released an audible breath, her swollen eyes intently focused on my mouth. I wondered if she was thinking about last night. Did she know how many times I’d relived that almost kiss?

“I thought—” I paused and took a deep breath before swinging for the fences. “I thought that last night was you, but it’s not. And I know I haven’t exactly gone out of my way to make you feel welcome, but I want to change that. I want to get to know you—the real you, I mean. All I’m asking is for a chance.”

Ari burrowed her face into my neck, letting her fingers move lightly along my back. It felt right, holding her like this.

I just hoped she felt the same.

“What do you say, slugger?” I leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“Slugger?”

“Yeah, figured with your fighting skills, girl just wasn’t gonna cut it anymore. So, wanna team up? See who else we can get thrown out of this joint?”

She brought her gaze back up to mine, a smile tugging at the side of her mouth. “Okay.”

Tsega cracked another grin before catching herself. “He’s going to have to do the training.”

“Deal.” I released the breath I’d been holding and grinned like a damn fool, almost hearing the roar of the crowd as the ball left the stadium.

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