Page 119 of Unexpected Forever
She jumps slightly, reaching for a bottle of water before closing the door and turning to me. Even in the dim lighting of the lamp from across the room, I can tell her smile is forced.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” She takes a long pull from the water bottle and doesn’t elaborate anymore.
I raise a brow and cross the room to her. With a finger I lift her face to mine and search her eyes.
It’s the first time I haven’t been able to tell what she’s thinking. She’s holding back on me and I don’t know why.
What happened between the time before the game to now?
“You don’t seem fine. You hardly said a word in the car all the way home.”
Her lips quirk into a half grin. “Well, I may have been dozing.”
“Don’t lie to me, Charley.”
Her eyes dart away before meeting mine. “I’m not lying, Nate. I’m just tired. It’s been an exciting day.”
She gives me that smile that makes my heart soar before she continues speaking. “I want you to know that I think you’re amazing. I’m so proud of you. I’m honored to have shared such a huge moment with you.” She blows out a shaky breath, her eyes locked on mine. “You’ve turned my world upside down too, Nate Gentry.”
It’s like she reached into my chest and squeezed my heart. My throat thickens with all the emotions I want to say, but the words just won’t pass my lips.
Instead, I go with something safe.
“Thanks for being here with me, Charlotte. It means everything to me that you’re here.”
She smiles. “I also loved meeting everyone. You guys are like brothers.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, they’re a pain in the ass like siblings at times.”
“You love them.”
I blink and my stomach quivers. “Yeah, I guess I do.” I steer the conversation away from all that. “You and Darcy seemed to hit it off. I was barely able to talk to you at dinner afterward.”
She chuckles. “She’s pretty great actually. Reminds me of Emma in a lot of ways.”
“I can’t tell you how many times I heard I was a lucky bastard tonight.”
I expect a smile but instead, she swallows and her eyes are intent on mine. “They all have such respect for you, Nate. I could see it in their eyes.”
“I have the utmost respect for them as well. You have to respect and trust your teammates or it won’t work.”
Her eyes sparkle as she watches me. “It’s sexy seeing you in your element.”
I wrap my arms around her waist. “You like that, huh?”
“Well, you know, I have watched you on TV for years. And I may have had a tiny crush on you for a while.” She holds her fingers the slightest bit apart.
My brows rise and certain parts of my body start to throb. This is news to me. “You did?”
“Oh, yeah.” She gives methatsmile and runs a hand up my chest. “Still feeling an adrenaline high?”
I search her eyes, and whatever shadows were there before have passed.
Something is bothering her, but for now, I leave it alone.
One thing I know about pregnant Charley. Once she gets sex on her brain, there’s little she thinks about until she gets the relief she craves.
“Adrenaline? Oh yeah.” I turn her and back her up against the island. “I’m revved up. Same buzz I used to have after a great game.”
