Page 60 of Over the Moon

I fell forward on a chuckle. “I literally haven’t been sick in years. I blame you for breaking my streak.”

“It’s not like I’ve kissed you, so I don’t know why I’m getting blamed,” he said, his voice all tease.

“You’re getting blamed because you had it first, and you made me do that damn pull-up competition, so I probably got your puking cooties from that.”

He smiled, and then his sage green eyes softened. “I’m sorry for getting you sick.”

“I’m just kidding. It’s not your fault. And I appreciate you taking care of me last night. That was really sweet of you.”

“I’m sweeter than I look.” He waggled his brows, and my God, even after a night of tossing my cookies, I found the man so ridiculously sexy I had a hard time controlling myself. I wanted to run my fingers along the scruff on his jaw. I wanted to press my lips against his, just to see what they felt like. I squeezed my thighs together in response, begging my body to stop reacting to the man.

“You are, actually. I had you pegged as this womanizing playboy, and you appear to be the opposite.”

“I’m not going to lie to you, Eloise,” he said, his lips turning up in the corners. And why was it so sexy when he said my real name? Maybe it was his deep voice or the way his eyes were staring at my lips. “I’ve been with my fair share of women. But I’ve always been honest about the expectations. During the season, my focus is hockey, and I make it clear that I don’t have much to give. Most women have been fine with that, and it’s worked for me.”

“I’m not built that way, Clark. I kind of wish I was at the moment,” I said. “But I know myself well enough to know that I’d want more.”

“Maybe I’m not looking for just a one-night stand either. I want to get to know you,” he said, his hand stroking my cheek.

“So what’s different now?”

“Well, I’m sort of crazy about my coach’s daughter,” he said, putting his hands up when I started to interrupt, because he knew I was going to tell him it was a mistake. “And I don’t know what it means. I know it’s risky for you, and it’s risky for me, as well.”

“How so? The team will never cut you for an inappropriate relationship.” I quirked a brow.

“Because I look up to your father, and I respect him. I also respect the hell out of you, so trust me, I’ve tried to push these feelings away. It just hasn’t happened. And maybe we’re better as friends, and we’ll find that out quickly. But, I don’t know, something tells me it’s worth the risk. And I’m a man who trusts my gut.”

He reached over on his nightstand, opening the top drawer, and pulling out our notebook. “I wrote you something because I know it’s your thing.”

I was still processing his words, but grateful for the distraction. My eyes moved to the notebook in my hands.

Hey Weeze,

We’ve spent weeks working out together and talking more than I’ve ever talked to anyone. I’ve seen you at your most vulnerable, with your head in a toilet and puke coming out of your nose. And yet, I’m not running away. I only want more.

I know you're scared, and I get it. We don’t know what the future holds. But right now, I’d like to take you on a date. Just you and me. No gym. No work. No contracts or rules.

No one has to know, and it will be two non-professional friends on a date. Maybe it’ll go nowhere, which would be easier for both of us. But I’d like to just try. One time.

What do you say?

CC

“Youhadto mention the puke coming out of my nose, didn’t you?”

He barked out a laugh. “You’re even cute when you’re puking, Weeze.”

I sucked in a long breath. “I’m not having sex with you. That will complicate things for me.”

He nodded. “I understand that.”

“Sex is probably just sex for you, but for me, it’s just different. It’s a vulnerable thing for me to share that with another person, and I won’t apologize for it. Passion and attraction are great, but I need more from a partner.”

“Tell me what you need,” he said, his gaze studying mine as if what I was going to say was the most important thing in the world.

“It’s an emotional connection for me. I need trust and loyalty when I’m with someone that way.” I waved my hands around now, because I felt childish and embarrassed to have even brought this up.

He wasn’t asking to have sex with me.

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