Page 102 of Fear of Falling

“Does not.”

“You’re just uncultured.”

“The best is pepperoni, peppers and onions.”

“Nope.”

“Let's put it to the test then. One of each and then we decide who has the best taste,” I challenged.

Josie rested arms on the table and smirked. “Game on.”

“Just put it in.”

“No.”

“Come on, open wide,” Josie said, holding out a slice of pepperoni and pineapple pizza towards me. When she gave me those puppy-dog eyes, I couldn’t say no. So reluctantly, I leaned forward and took a bite of the pizza. Josie watched with an excited grin as she waited for my reaction.

It wasn’t bad, better than I thought it would be. Still not my favorite pizza, but it wasn’t the worst.

“So?”

“It’s good.”

“Told ya,” Josie grinned in triumph. She took a big bite of the same slice and gave a content moan. I just smiled and shook my head, eating my own pizza.

Seeing her smile and joke made me glad we left the last restaurant. This felt a lot more like us. There was a good chance I’d regret eating the pizza during tomorrow’s practice, but it was worth it to watch Josie enjoy herself.

As we sat there talking, I figured now was the best time to ask her. My palms grew sweaty as I shifted in my seat.

God, I can’t remember the last time I was so nervous. Not even playing in the Cup Championship made me this nervous.

When there was a slight pause in conversation, I straightened, clearing my throat.

“There’s something I wanted to ask you.”

Just say it.

“Oh?” she asked, lowering her pizza to her plate to give me her undivided attention.

“I…” Mentally, I slapped myself.

Since when do I get flustered by a girl? If Trevor and Bryton were here right now, they’d be laughing their asses off. Hell, even my own brothers would too.

“I know it’s only been a few weeks since we got stuck in that elevator together. We haven’t known each other long—not really,” I was rambling, but I couldn’t stop. “But it feels like I’ve known you a lot longer than that, which is crazy because I’ve never felt that way before.” I took a deep breath. “What I’m trying to say is…will you be my girlfriend?”

Josie sat perfectly still; her eyes wide.

“You don’t have to say yes,” I quickly added.

Maybe I read this completely wrong, and she didn’t want something more.

“We can stay how we are. I don’t want to pressure you to say yes. That is, not unless you want to.”

Wyatt, get a damn grip!

“Are you sure you want me?” Josie asked so quietly. I almost didn’t hear her.

“Of course I want you.” I reached across the table and took her hand. “I’ve wanted you from the moment I met you in that elevator.”

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