Page 20 of Bound and Blitzed

She laughs. “Nah, we’re even. Wait till you see all the wedding planning you and Cohen are going to be responsible for. I’m making y’all a binder.”

I snort. “Deal.”

“Have fun in Texas, Ave.”

“Thanks, Rai,” I say gratefully.

“And…” She hesitates.

“Yeah?”

“Go easy on Valentina. She’s…” Raia searches for the right words.

“She’s what?” I narrow my eyes.

“She’s innocent. Sweet. Her family protects her. Has sheltered her. Maybe even too much.”

“Yeah.” I clear my throat, understanding what Raia is saying. Valentina isn’t used to guys with my womanizing ways. Even if she grew up at the center of a family who is celebrated in sports, she’s never been amid the scandals that often ensue. I get it; I wouldn’t want that for her either.

Not with her unfiltered thoughts and her brimming passion. Not with her bold curiosity and quirky demeanor. The woman studies birds and speaks about them the way most people I know rattle off football stats.

She’s special and wholesome and kindhearted. She’s out of my league.

And I’m going to claim her anyway.

“I know,” I continue.

“See you this weekend?”

“See you.” I end the call and hang my head.

On the other side of the door, I hear Valentina puttering around.

This is it, we’re in Austin. We’re about to start day one of our five-day first date. We need to make the most of our time together before I’m sucked back into the season and she’s all in on her research. We need to come to a clear understanding of how things are going to be, to finalize the necessary paperwork, and to draw some boundaries.

Clear-cut lines I won’t cross. No matter how badly I want to.

Because men with my past don’t keep women like Valentina. Instead, we dazzle them for a blink, right before we tarnish them beyond repair.

Chapter8

Valentina

Spendingtime with Avery is different than anything I’ve ever experienced. While I grew up with an older brother, Ale spent so much time at the soccer pitch that when he was around, even with friends in tow, our paths didn’t cross for more than a handful of hours. I never actively hung out with his friends or adopted them as my friends too. There was a distinct line separating our lives.

Other than the months I spent with Dane—a collection of encounters that kept me dancing on a delicate edge of giddy excitement and desperate fear—I’ve never spent so much alone time with a man. Until now.

I thought sharing a bed with Avery would be awkward. Instead, it felt normal. He was respectful, almost disinterested, as he turned on his side and flipped off the light that first night. Since then, our breakfasts have been filled with easy conversation, our afternoons with a fun, tourist activity like kayaking on Lady Bird Lake or rating briskets, and our evenings with a glass of wine and a good night’s rest.

Twice, we went bird-watching and I pointed out ruby-throated hummingbirds, red-tailed hawks, and purple martins, among other birds.

Avery watched with interest, asked pertinent questions, and held my hand.

The entire trip has been therapeutic. A time out of reality that feels restorative and energizing.

“Want to hike today?” Avery offers.

“Sure,” I agree, digging into my suitcase to double-check I packed Hokas.

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