Page 98 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
His expression turns serious. “Because I’ve wanted to for a long time.” His voice lowers. “Been holding back for a while.”
My heart stutters. “Holding back?”
His hand brushes my cheek briefly before dropping. “I’ve had feelings for you, Whit. Since before I should have.” His voice is quiet, almost like a confession to himself. “I tried to ignore it. Told myself it was just a protective instinct, or that I was imagining things. I couldn’t act on it partly because you’re Keith’s little sister and you are off limits. On the other hand, it’s because…, anyway…”
He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “But then you’d smile at me like that - like you did that night at the lake last summer, when you dared me to jump in after you - and I’d feel like the biggest idiot for pretending.” He lets out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “I’ve been holding back for so long, I don’t even know when it started. All I know is that I can’t anymore.”
My heart pounds.
“So, help me God shortcake, I want you… I want to be with you and experience all the joys and smiles you have to give, selfishly, for me alone.”
The world tilts.
He keeps going and going, but I am not listening anymore. I turned deaf after the ‘I want you’ part. He keeps talking, but I don’t let him finish.
I grab his collar, pull him in, and kiss him.
He makes a surprised sound before chuckling against my lips, then deepens the kiss, his hands gripping my waist, pulling me closer.
When we finally break apart, our breaths are ragged. He leans his forehead against mine, a smirk tugging at his lips.
“As much as I’d love to keep going, we need to head inside before the search party comes out and sees an atrocity.”
I giggle. “Atrocity?”
He smirks. “Wrong word?”
“Absolutely.”
He chuckles, pecks my lips one last time, and winks. “We’ll talk later.” Then he walks inside, leaving me staring after him, my hands trembling with excitement.
I press my fingers against my lips, my heart still racing.
Blakekissedme.
Blakewantsme.
Blake hasfeelingsfor me.
The thought sends a thrill down my spine, but more than that—
This changes everything.
A squeal bubbles up in my throat, and I clap a hand over my mouth before bursting into another fit of giggles.
Best. New Year. Ever.
With one last giddy squeal, I sprint inside, ready to join the celebration.
*** (Me – 20; Blake – 23) ***
It’s been two years.
Two years of stolen moments, hidden smiles, and whispered “I love you” behind closed doors.
Two years of being Blake’s secret girlfriend.
Two years of hiding what we are from his best friend - my brother, and everyone.
