Page 72 of Trapped and Tackled

He smiles. “Yeah. And it’s just the beginning, Leni.”

Chapter 18

Talon

I drive back to Knoxville with my hand in Leni’s. The scent of her perfume wraps around us, and memories from last night roll through my mind.

This weekend was life-changing.

I glance over at her. She stares out the window, lost in thought. Music plays through the speakers, and the silence between us is comfortable.

The awkward shit is done. We’ve moved past it.

Relief flows through my limbs and I grin.

As if sensing my gaze on her, Leni turns and catches my eyes. She smiles back.

“What are you thinking about?” I ask.

She blushes and bites her bottom lip. “Last night.”

My smirk widens as I turn my eyes back to the road. “Which part?”

“All of it. But mostly, when can we do it again?”

I snort. “Tonight, I hope?”

Leni nods slowly. “My dad?—”

“Don’t worry about your dad, baby. I’m going to talk to him.”

Leni is quiet and I glance at her.

“You’re worried?” I guess.

She sighs. “Yeah. I’m not sure how he’s going to take it.”

Disappointment churns in my stomach, chasing away my good vibes from last night. But I shouldn’t be surprised. “Because I’m a football player?”

She shakes her head. “Because I’ve been lying to him and Mom for months.”

My disappointment morphs into pride as I process Leni’s words. “You’re going to talk to them, Leni? Really?”

She manages a watery smile. “I want to, Talon. God, I’m scared.”

I squeeze her hand. “Why? Your parents are two of the best, most understanding people I know. They’ll want to know the truth.”

“I don’t doubt that,” she agrees. “It’s more that…I’m so disappointed in myself. For staying with Craig, for making excuses. My parents didn’t raise me to be a coward.”

“You’re not?—”

She shakes her head. “I meant the part about lying to them. I’ve let it go on for so long and now, I feel like I’ve let them down as much as I have myself.” Leni rolls her lips together and shrugs. “I don’t want to tell them that.”

“Len,” I breathe out. “We’ll play this however you want. I’m here for you. But your parents will never not show up for you, baby. And I just can’t look your dad in the eyes and lie to him. About the way I feel for you,” I clarify.

She nods. “Would it be okay if we tell them about us first? And then, I’ll ease them into learning more about what happened with Craig?”

“Of course.”

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