Page 38 of Learn the Play
“Come here.” I hold my arms open, waiting for her to come to me. Hoping that she will.
“We shouldn’t.”
“Just let me hold you.”Please, let me hold you.
“This isn’t—we’re not together.”
“Just for a little while.”
She bites down on her bottom lip. I can see it in her eyes. She wants to come to me, but her heart and her head are at war with one another.
“We’ll watch a few episodes. Then I’ll go. Come here, Bell. You need rest, and you’ll rest better in my arms.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Fine, I’ll feel better knowing that’s where you are. Come on.”
Slowly, she moves and settles next to me. I wrap my arm around her and pull her into my chest. She brings her legs up to the couch and tucks them under her. I help her adjust her blanket so she’s nice and snuggled. Even though it’s a million degrees outside, the air conditioning is cool in here.
I press a kiss to the top of her head and try to focus on the TV, when really, all I want to do is watch her. This is huge. Not only did she open the door for me, but she also let me inside, and she’s in my arms. This night couldn’t have ended any better.
Chapter Eleven
Bellamy
I’m weak. Not because I’m feeling sick, but because even though I should tell him no and stay on my side of the couch, I cave. I want what he is offering. I want his arms around me. I tell myself that this is it. This is the last time I allow myself to indulge in what this man is offering. It’s not fair to either of us to keep pretending this could be more.
My stomach rolls, and I bury my face in his shirt, breathing him in, hoping it will settle, and luckily, it does. It’s going to be a long damn time before I eat Chinese food again.
“You all right?” he asks, rubbing his hand gently down my back.
“I’m okay,” I whisper. His kindness brings tears to my eyes. Oh, how I wish that things could be different for us. Why does he have to be a damn football player?
“Can I get you anything?” he asks.
Just you.“I’m good,” I assure him. As long as I don’t move or think about food, the nausea stays calm. He continues to rub my back, and my eyes feel heavy. I try to fight sleep, but I can’t seemto stop it. I’m too warm, too comfortable. I don’t know how it’s possible, but I’ve missed being close to him. One night was all it took for feelings to take root, feelings I refuse to allow myself to act on, so I push them aside and give myself tonight as I drift off to sleep.
A soft curse and a thump jolt me awake. “What’s wrong?” I ask, my voice groggy with sleep.
“I dropped my phone. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you,” Reid replies softly.
“What time is it?” I ask, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“After two.”
My mouth falls open. “In the morning?”
“Yeah, you needed the rest.”
“You’re still here?” Why is he still here? He stayed while I was sleeping? Why would he do that?
“Where else would I be, Bell?”
My belly flutters, and this time, it’s not from the food poisoning; it’s from the man. I secretly love the way he calls me Bell. To everyone else, I’m Bellamy or Bella, but Bell, that’s just his, and it’s something for me to hold on to when he’s no longer around. “Home, or at your cookout with your friends.”
Reaching over, his hand lands on my thigh, and he gives it a soft squeeze. “I’m where I want to be,” he assures me.
“You should go. It’s late, and you have to get ready for training camp.” My words sound dismissive, and while they are, I don’t mean them to be harsh. I’m falling for him. Who am I kidding? I’ve already fallen for him, but I can’t act on those feelings. Ican’tlet this happen. I refuse to set myself up for heartbreak.
