Page 26 of Making the Call
A sexy grin forms at the edge of his lips, making my knees go weak. “There’s not much to tell.”
I eye him suspiciously, and he shakes his head dismissively. “Seriously. I’ve spent the better part of my teens, college, and professional career working to get where I am now. When I was younger, I couldn’t lose focus on the game. My carrot was the playing professionally. If it didn’t better my chances of reaching that goal, I didn’t have time for it.”
He shakes his head as he shrugs adding more, “There was also the bit of never knowing if anyone was dating me for me. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I always wondered if they were trying to ride my coattails to an easy future. So, I avoided the Jersey Chasers as best as I could. Beyond that, there simply wasn’t time. I don’t mean to sound callus or conceited, but that’s just how it’s been.”
Taking his words into consideration, I remain silent as I roll them over in my brain. For as private as he’s been this week, this is the most I’ve gotten out of him. It’s a lot to take. “I can see that…” I whisper almost to myself.
He places both of his hands on my shoulders and waits for me to make eye contact again before continuing. The sincerity in his eyes reach the depths of his soul. I know with every fiber of my being he’s telling me the truth. I can’t help but ask, “Why me? What’s changed?” He still seems as busy as ever, if he says the next six months will be crazy and chaotic.
“You’re the first person to see me for me… if that makes sense.”
It’s like he’s taking my thoughts and voicing them aloud. “I haven’t felt this type of connection… ever,” I admit. “At first, I thought it was just our incredible sex and off the charts chemistry. But as I’ve gotten to know you this week, I know there’s more, too. My schedule is also crazy and chaotic. I have to write when the inspiration hits. I keep odd hours and zone out when my characters talk to me.”
He chuckles at that last moment. “That’s a sight to be seen. I wish I could focus as intensely as you.”
“Yeah, well, even my own family wants to disown me when it happens. You’ll tire of it soon enough…” I tease.
Instead of the playful banter I’ve come to enjoy with Luke, I see his features tighten and a seriousness return to his deep-blue eyes. “That’s just it, Dani. I don’t think I will. I have no fucking clue as to how I can make this work between us, with our time and geographical constraints. But I want to try. I’m just as devoted to my job as you are, and that might become problematic. So… I give you fair warning, if I slip up and become a complete shithead as a boyfriend, please talk to me first before kicking me to the curb. I’m charting new territory here and might need some assistance.”
I smirk as I poke my finger into his well-defined chest. Damn, the man has muscles for days. “I think I can work with that.”
Luke pulls me in for another kiss, and I know we’ll figure it out somehow.
* * *
Saying goodbye to Luke was harder than I expect. Hell, I’ve only known the man a week, but as I pull out of his driveway to go home, my stomach feels as if there are lead weights sinking in it. Who knows when I’ll see Luke next, but he’s promised to text and call throughout the week.
Luke’s auction is tonight, and the season’s in full swing, starting Monday. Apparently, he flies to Dallas on Thursday and returns Monday, since the team has a Sunday afternoon game. Having never followed football, I’m clueless about his schedule in the coming months. If I recall, growing up in a house full of fanatic fans, there’s multiple games a week.How will I ever get this straight?
As I plop down on my couch, I let out a heavy sigh. Being with Luke is like riding a euphoric high and now that he’s gone, my exhaustion catches up with me. Nights of limited sleep will do that. Not that I’m complaining. I’d happily relive those moments over and over again. I allow myself to replay a few memories of my short time with Luke.He really is something.
When my phone buzzes with an incoming text, I pull myself out of my revelry.
Christ on a cracker. I need to get my shit together and focus. My brothers will be here any minute, as they’re due on the next ferry.
I dig through my purse to find my phone. When I unlock the screen, there’s a picture of the island from the ferry. My brothers must have arrived. But as I open the text, I’m shocked to see it’s not my brothers. It’s Luke.
My heart races, as I read his text.
Luke: I’ve always loved this view, but now this view holds a whole new meaning.
What on earth is he talking about?
Me: Why’s that?
Luke: It reminds me of you.
My cheeks heat at the thought of our time together. I’ve never jumped into such a physical relationship before. Just thinking about Luke sets my nerves on fire.
Me: In case I forgot to tell you, I had an amazing time this week.
Luke: Ditto. I hate that I don’t know when I’ll see you next.
Me: Hopefully, it’ll be sooner than later.
Luke: Agreed.
I hear the distinctive crunch of gravel from my driveway, and I know my brothers have arrived. As much as I want to continue this conversation, I know I’ll catch hell if either of my brothers catch wind of it.
