Page 74 of The Way We Win

One more kiss, one more hit of pure bliss, and he releases me. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you tomorrow. Wear that white pleated skirt to the game.”

“Okay.” I watch him slowly backing away in the direction of the restaurant, where the sounds of Maroon 5 pour from the open windows. “And I’ll sleep in your jersey.”

“I’d like to see a picture of that.”

“Maybe you will.”

Shaking his head, he bites his bottom lip, and I exhale a soft whimper.Damn, he’s so fine.

Then he pulls the door open and disappears.

18

Jack

Walking away from Allie was like pulling my insides out and leaving them on the ground at her feet.

She makes me want things I’m in no position to have right now. I’m not a young man. I’m not a free man. I have a family of siblings who look up to me, a whole team of boys needing me to be a strong leader, and a school that trades on my reputation as fair and unbiased.

I’d sacrifice it all to spend tonight in her arms.

Fuck who knows. Let them say what they want, call me compromised, thinking with my dick. Fuck it all. I want her.

I hear her voice, and my body catches fire. I see her pretty eyes, and my muscles tense. I touch her, and desires dormant for so long in my body come raging to life.

Walking back to the restaurant, I think about all the times we walked down the aisle together. My head lifted a little higher with her by my side. I’ve always been a proud man, but she completes the circle.

Our first night showed me just how much she completes me.

She fits me like a glove.

Eight more weeks.

My phone hums in my pocket, and I take it out, hoping it’s her. We don’t text each other much, just a word now and then, a beacon to let her know she’s always on my mind.

If she texted me to come back to her, I’d do it.

Instead, it’s my brother.

Zane

Remember when I was home and healing from my injury and Rachel kept reaching out to me?

How could I forget? You were stubborn as a damn mule.

Zane and I are the closest in age, and as the two oldest, we’re pretty practiced at giving each other shit.

Zane

And you told me to get my head out of my ass.

Actually, I told you to try CBT.

Zane

You said I had happiness right in front of me, and not to be afraid to take it.

That’s good advice.

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