Page 196 of Red Zone
I can still feel her.
Even when she’s not here.
That’s the worst part—walking through rooms like this and catching myself scanning the crowd out of habit. Like some part of me still believes she’ll be standing there with her planner tucked against her chest, pretending not to look for me too.
So, when I finally peel myself away from the living room and head back into the kitchen for another drink, I don’t expect much.
Until I see her.
At least, I think it’s her.
A flash of red hair catches my eye near the counter, the kind of color that turns gold under the light.
But it’s shorter now.
Way shorter.
Just grazing her shoulders instead of falling in waves down her back.
She’s half-turned, chatting with someone, one hand absently smoothing the ends of her hair like she’s still not used to it.
But I’d know her anywhere.
And before I can stop myself, the words slip out.
“You cut your hair.”
She startles slightly, glancing over her shoulder at me.
Her cheeks turn the faintest shade of pink, but she covers it with a tiny smirk.
“You noticed,” she says, tucking a strand behind her ear. “Was starting to think you only paid attention to stats and game film.”
I huff a quiet laugh, stepping closer.
“I notice,” I murmur, letting my eyes sweep over her once before meeting hers again.
Her lips part slightly, and for half a second it feels like it used to—just her and me in our own little world.
She drops her gaze, twisting a strand of hair between her fingers.
“Do you…like it?” she asks hesitantly.
I tilt my head, letting a faint grin pull at the corner of my mouth.
“I love it,” I say simply.
Her lips twitch into a small smile, and she finally meets my eyes again.
And for a few blessed minutes, it’s easy.
We stand there, leaning against the counter, catching up like we’re just two people who don’t know how to stay away from each other.
She tells me about Megan throwing her on another high-profile project. I tell her about the scouts I’ve been hearing from and how I can’t decide if I’d rather end up on the West Coast or back East.
And the whole time, all I can think about is how much I miss her.
Her laugh.
