Page 38 of Fumbled Love

“I know I sound ridiculous, but your life is constantly in the spotlight. The fans, the media circus, it all weighs heavily on me.” She rubbed her hand slowly along my back. “But you’re right, what they think isn’t important. The only thing that matters is how we feel, and in case you haven’t noticed, I’m crazy about you.”

My heart did a little flutter, and I felt a bit of frustration melt away. “Good, because I’m crazy about you too.” I dropped my forehead to hers.“You don’t see the guy wearing the jersey, you see the man without it. This connection we have is the only real thing I have in my life right now that feels right. I don’t even question it, and I probably should.”

“Maverick, I’ve had eyes for you before you even owned a jersey, so you’re right. None of that matters to me, it never did and it never will.”

I grinned. “You’ve been smitten the whole time, huh?”

“Totally.”

“How is it that I never realized how perfect you were for me when I was younger?”

She leaned back and cocked her head to the side. “Because you were the big man on campus and…”

“A cocky pain in the ass,” I added.

She grinned. “I’m not going to dispute that fact.”

If I could go back to the past and do things differently, I would have definitely paid more attention to her.

I blew out a breath, glad we got that conversation out of the way. “Are you ready to open your gifts now?”

“I asked you not to get me anything,” she said as I walked over to the tree and handed her the small box. Kinley snatched it out of my hand so fast, I almost lost my balance. Those big, blue eyes lit up with excitement as her fingers started ripping through the wrapping paper.

I crossed my arms and laughed at how enthusiastic she was. Watching her rip the package open like it would disappear in five seconds if she didn’t have it completely unwrapped was entertaining. “You don’t seem too upset that I didn’t listen to you.”

“I’m just curious,” she said, as she flew through the tissue paper. I bit the inside of my cheek at the frown on her face. “You bought me underwear?” She looked up at me, looking a little taken aback by what she found.

“Pull them out and take a look.” I covered my mouth to hide my grin.

She held up the little red and white scrap of fabric between her fingers. “You’ve got to be kidding me. They actually make women’s thongs with your name and number?”

I shrugged. “Trust me, I was just as surprised as you were. I thought, what better way to stake my claim than have you wear my name across your pussy.”

I was tempted to tell her that I owed her a pair. She still had no idea that I found and kept hers from our night together. At some point, I planned on giving them back to her, but for some strange reason, I wasn’t ready to do that yet.

“You did not just say that?” She threw it at my chest.

I chuckled and walked over to grab the other gift. This was a bigger box, and I noticed that her hands worked more slowly to open that one. She reached in and pulled out the basket. It was filled with La Perla bath lotions, body scrubs, a long silk robe, and a pajama set. In addition, there was a pair of UGG slippers, scented candles, and an assortment of teas and crackers.

“The basket is for nights when you need to relax, and I can’t be there to take care of you.”

Her blue eyes filled with moisture. “This is so thoughtful. Thank you.”

“There’s one more.” I stood up and walked into the kitchen. I hid this one from her because I wanted it to be a surprise. I opened the drawer and pulled out the flat square wrapped box. The first gift was a gag; the second was just something I threw together to let her know I’d be thinking of her. This one, though, was more sentimental. If she got misty-eyed from the basket, I could only imagine what her reaction would be to this.

“Here.” I held the box out, and she carefully took it from my hands.

“You didn’t need to get me anything else.” She stared down at the box like she was afraid to open it. Maybe she could sense my nervousness because she slowly undid the bow and pulled the top off. Her hands flew to her mouth when her eyes caught on the charm bracelet.

I pulled it out and held it up for her. “My mom has a charm bracelet that my dad bought when she was pregnant with my brother. Each year, she gets a new charm for Christmas.” My fingers toyed with the two platinum charms I added.

“Oh, my, God. It’s an airplane.” She looked up and smirked at me. “And look at this one.” She held up the silhouette of the New York City skyline with an apple nestled inside. “Maverick Cross, you are an old softy.” She started half crying and half laughing. “This is perfect.”

My shoulders sagged in relief at how much she seemed to like it. I wanted to give her something that would always remind her of when we reconnected.

Kinley wiped her eyes and shook her head. Then she surprised me when she leaped into my arms and kissed me. I wasn’t sure if this was a thank you or if she was simply doing it because she wanted to. Either way, I was happy to have her mouth on mine again.

I grabbed the bracelet and clasped it around her wrist.

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