Page 21 of If Everything Was Easy

She slouched back in the seat and stared out the windshield. We sat there in silence, and I willed her to say something. After a few moments, I realized I was going to have to be the one to start this. “I’m sure it’s obvious that I like you.” I glanced over at her, but she continued to stare straight ahead. “I’m not supposed to date patients. I’m supposed to keep it professional,” I continued. “It’s against the rules for me to act on anything I feel for you.”

Her head swung in my direction. “So why did you?” Her eyes darted around my face. Then they softened, and I saw a flash of what I was feeling flitter across her face.

“Because I can’t deny it anymore, and I think you feel something too.” I swallowed.

“I can’t feel something.” She bit her lip as soon as the words left her mouth. “I can’t do this again.”

“Do what again?” I was confused.

“I had just gotten out of a relationship when this happened.” She pointed at her leg. “He left as soon as things got hard. We were together for years. I thought he was my one.” Her hand curled into a fist as anger filled her features.

“If he left as soon as things got hard, then he wasn’t the one. The one stays when things are hard.” I didn’t know who I was trying to convince here, her or myself. “He was an idiot.”

“You sound like my roommate.” She laughed lightly as her eyes stayed focused on something in front of us.

“She’s smart.” I grinned. “I don’t know how this will work, but I can’t be friends anymore. It’s too hard.” I sighed. “I need more.”

“More? Like what?” Her eyes went wide and she shifted in the seat.

“More like a date. A real date.” I laughed. “You know… with dinner at a nice restaurant and an activity of sorts. I walk you to your door when it’s over and we awkwardly stand there wondering what the other’s thinking?” I was trying to lighten the mood, but she seemed even more nervous,.

“You seem like a great guy, but…” I knew where this was going and I needed to stop it. I’d heard this speech before, and I wasn’t ready to give up yet.

“Wait, wait, wait.” I held my hand up. “You don’t know me well enough to do this yet.” I sounded as though I was pleading. “What did this guy do to you to make you so afraid of taking another chance?”

“We had everything in common, and it didn’t work. You and I are at totally different places in our lives. Why would this work better?” She seemed frustrated.

“Sometimes that makes things better. Haven’t you ever heard that opposites attract? Besides, I know what you have at stake here. I know what life looks like for top level athletes. I understand you better than you think.”

“I guess you’re right,” she murmured. “So where does this leave us?”

“It leaves me in a place where I want to break the rules and see where this goes.” I laughed. “And I’m not a rule breaker.”

“Ok.” She nodded and then finally looked at me. “I’m in.” She smiled.

“In?” I chuckled.

“I’ll give this a chance,” she clarified.

“You’re not just saying that, right?” I glanced over to see her reaction. “You’re really going to be open-minded?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Her brow crinkled.

I shrugged. “Just asking. You’re not the first girl I’ve been attracted to. I don’t want to play games here. I like you. I want this to be an honest shot.” I opened my door and climbed out before she could respond. I knew what college girls were like, but I wanted to believe she was different. She’d proven me wrong about everything else I believed.

I opened her door and stepped back, waiting for her to climb out. When she stood, I caged my arms around her as I backed her against the side of the car. “How’s Saturday night? 7?” I smiled.

“Saturday works.” She grinned as she looked over my shoulder at something behind us and giggled.

“What’s so funny?” I leaned closer.

“We have an audience,” she whispered as I leaned closer.

“Let’s give them a show.” I brushed my lips over hers with intent this time. She melted against me as I slowly melded our mouths together. A squeal sounded from behind me and Ava giggled, breaking the kiss.

“I need to go. I’ll see you Tuesday for PT,” she whispered as I stepped back, allowing her to move past me toward the steps. “I had a great time.”

“Same. Have a good night,” I called as I watched her disappear upstairs. Ashley did a little finger wave before they both slipped into the apartment.

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