Page 165 of Check & Chase
“It’s not your fault. None of this is your fault, Emma. I shouldn’t have suggested a break. I shouldn’t have pushed you away.”
She nods, trying to compose herself. “We both messed up, didn’t we?”
“Spectacularly,” I agree, a small smile forming.
“What a pair we make.” She laughs.
I reach across the table to take her hand, relieved when she doesn’t pull away. “The best kind of pair. The kind that’s worth fighting for.”
She squeezes my hand, then pulls hers back to wipe at her face. “So where does that leave us? You’re in Pinewood. I’m in Hartford. You’re with the Bears, I’m with the Wolves.”
“It leaves us wherever we want it to. Two hours isn’t a deal-breaker for me, remember? Not when it’s you. We’ll figure out the distance. The team stuff. All of it. If you want this, if you want me—I’m all in.”
“And what if I decide the risk is too great, that protecting myself means walking away for good?”
“If that’s what you decide… I’ll respect it. I won’t like it. Hell, it’ll probably wreck me for a long time. But I’ll still want you to be happy. Even if that happiness doesn’t have me in it.”
She looks at me, scanning my face. Whatever she sees there seems to settle something in her.
“I want to try again. Not because what happened wasn’t painful, but because I understand it better now. And because I can’t imagine not having you in my life.”
I stare at her, hardly daring to believe what I’m hearing. “Does this mean—”
“Baby steps,” she interrupts, her expression softening. “But yes.”
Hope surges through me with dizzying intensity.
“We still have a lot to figure out. The distance, our jobs, how to make this work practically. And I need you to understand that trust won’t be rebuilt overnight.”
“I’ll take it. Whatever you need, however long it takes.”
A genuine smile breaks across her face. “Good. Because I’m not going to make it easy for you.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I grin, unable to stop the smile spreading across my own face.
We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the coffee shop gradually filling with morning customers.
“I have to get back to Pinewood this afternoon. Game tomorrow night.”
She nods. “I know.”
“But I could come back. After the game, or on our next off day. If you want me to.”
“Let’s take it one step at a time. Call me after the game. We’ll figure out when to see each other next.”
When it’s time to leave, we walk out together, standing awkwardly on the sidewalk.
“I should get to the facility,” she notes, glancing at her watch. “First patient at nine.”
“And I should head back to Pinewood,” I reply, though leaving her feels physically painful.
“Chase,” she calls suddenly, stepping closer and pressing a soft, quick kiss to my cheek. “Drive safely.”
The simple gesture sends warmth flooding through me. “I will.”
The drive back to Pinewood passes in a daze of hope and disbelief. What Emma gave me is more than I deserve—more than I dared hope for.
I arrive at the Bears’ facility just in time for the team meeting, slipping into my seat as Coach gives me a pointed look that promises a conversation later. Donovan raises an eyebrow in silent question, and I give a small nod that seems to satisfy his curiosity for the moment.
