Page 64 of Game Changer
I didn’t even hear him come into the room, but I melt into his arms and sob softly into his sweatshirt. Telling him the real reason I’m crying will only fill his head with doubts. He doesn’t know why I ghosted him the first time, but if I tell him my parents disapprove of him, it’ll reveal everything I don’t want him to know.
He’s worked so hard this year to discover who he truly is and is meant to be. Confiding in him and sharing that he’s not good enough for my parents will only cause a setback that he doesn’t need. All I can hope is that in a few weeks when I go home to visit my parents, they’ll let me plead my case and change their minds about him.
And if they don’t,thenI’ll tell him their opinion of us, and Ethan and I will figure it out together.
“I just miss my family.” The lie feels thick coming off my tongue, but this is in his best interest. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen them.”
Ethan rubs my shoulders in soothing, calming strokes. “It’s okay, baby. You can FaceTime—” Words stall in his throat when he remembers that Ican’t. My family doesn’t have the money to afford iPhones, let alone laptops. They’ve had the same flip phones for almost ten years now, and I’m lucky if they can afford to put minutes on them. “You’re going to see them soon, right?”
I nod and pull away from him to swipe at my cheeks. “Yeah. In a few weeks.”
“See? That’s not long at all. Then you can share this news with them in person. It’ll be even better than telling my mom over the phone.”
My body stiffens before I quickly recollect myself. “Right.”
“I’d like to come over for dinner sometime. You know, to meet them properly and all. Hell, I can even pitch in for the food. Help your dad grill.” My eyes burn with the tears I’m holding back, because damn him. Why does he have to be so perfect?
He thinks he’s helping by talking about the future and all of us spending time together, but all it does is put my heart into overdrive. In seconds, my palms are sweating, and the guilt is creeping up my throat, desperate for me to tell him the truth.
But I swallow the feeling and plaster a smile I hope is convincing on my face instead. “I’ll ask them,” I weakly reply.
And beg them to accept you.
Thirty- three
Maya
Ethan shows up at my dorm room on Friday at eight in the morning with a bouquet in one hand and a duffel bag in the other. I’m utterly confused, when he says, “Want to go on a trip?”
“A trip?” My heart races at the possibilities. “I would, but I have to work, and—”
“No, you don’t. Tabi didn’t mind switching shifts with you, so you’re working next Friday instead. We’ll be back in time for your shift tomorrow night.”
“I—” Words die in my throat before reaching my lips. I can count the number of times I’ve been on a trip on one hand, and after confiding in Ethan about my desire to travel, this gesture feelsintimate—curated and designed specifically for me.
His lips quirk at the sides, a smug smile at catching me off guard, which is rare. I’m a detective when it comes to surprises. Once, I went through Maddie’s closet to find my Christmas present after hearing Ethan mention during dinner that she hides everything in there. He was right. I discovered a beautifully wrapped box with my name on it behind a pile of dresses, and after pleading with Maddie to let me open it, I received the most expensive sweater I’ve ever owned.
I flick my eyes over his outfit of jeans and a button-down shirt. I’m not used to him wearing anything other than sweatpants or sweatshirts, and even though I’d never change him, he’s damn nice on the eyes like this.
A gold watch fastened around his wrist glints in the light from the hallway behind him, and his typically shaggy blond hair is combed back and contained at the nape of his neck.
When a hint of cologne makes my mouth water, I’m positive there isn’t a sexier sight than Ethan Davis.
“What should I pack?” I ask. “My hair isn’t done, and my makeup—”
“I allotted time for all of this.” He strides into the room and sits on my bed. “You have two hours to get all done up.”
“But what do I pack? I don’t know if I have anything fancy enough based on how you’re dressed.” I own skirts and crop tops, but I’ve never had a reason to buy an expensive dress. Although, I wish I had, so this moment wasn’t so awkward.
His gaze softens, tugging at my heartstrings. “Don’t worry about that. For now, just pack some pajamas.”
I arch a brow. “This is an overnight trip?”
I’m entirely feral for him when he nods and leans back on his hands, elongating his body. It’s a simple movement, one he doesn’t know elicits a reaction from me, but right now, it takes an enormous amount of effort not to straddle him when he looks as delectable as a sweet piece of cake.
I grin from ear to ear before grabbing my toiletry bag. “I think I’ll pass on the pajamas,” I say. “No use in packing them when I plan on sleeping naked.”
~
