Page 136 of Texting, Trouble & Touchdowns
Because I already knew I lost the second she said my name as if I were something she wanted to keep.
The kiss isn’t hungry.
It’s not claiming.
It’s not about sex.
It’s slow.
Intentional. A confession I can’t say out loud.
And she kisses me back.
Like she’s letting herself believe.
Like maybe—just maybe—she’s ready to fall too.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Lucian: Training camp update: Coach made us run laps because someone forgot their helmet. It wasn’t me. But I still looked hot doing it.
Olivia: Wow. So brave. So sweaty. A real inspiration to athletes everywhere. Somehow I don’t believe it’s because someone forgot a helmet . . . and you have something to do with it.
Lucian: I’m going to ignore your slander. And just so you know, I think they’ll probably put me on a stamp. “America’s Most Shirtless.”
Olivia: Already bought a dozen. Gonna use them exclusively for complaint letters and jury duty excuses.
Lucian: Speaking of complaints: your dog ate the box of my protein bars. I caught her before she got into the actual product.
Olivia: Sarah is YOUR dog. By the way—your child took my sock into the shower, got it wet, and then tried to bury it in my new potted plant.
Lucian: She’s an innovator. That’s called enrichment.
Olivia: It’s called sabotage. What kind of welcome is that? “Look at your new home, pretty little plant, here’s a dirty wet sock”?
Lucian: She’s just bored without me. You should walk her more. Or let her binge-watch The Bachelor.
Olivia: She only watches prestige television. We’re halfway through a Succession rewatch. She’s very pro-Shiv.
Lucian: Smart girl. Knows her anti-heroes.
Olivia: Speaking of families—what is this I heard about me going to visit your family this weekend?!
Lucian: Oh. That.
Olivia: Lucian.
Lucian: Fine. I may have mentioned I’m not flying solo to the estate this weekend.
Olivia: You WHAT. I don’t understand.
Lucian: The real question is—how the hell did you find out before I even had a chance to tell you?
Olivia: Aspen, of course.
Lucian: Your sister? How?
Olivia: Yes. This is how it went: Hailey told Aspen that you miraculously have a girl now. (which you don’t by the way). Naturally, she and Scottie want the 4-1-1. And who better to ask about this mystery woman than the neighbor. Enter me. The “neighbor.” They want me to figure out who’s got you so smitten that you’re not only inviting her to meet your family, but is also LIVING with you.
