With a chuckle, she roughed his fur. “You know, I used to … erm …” She cleared her throat. “Let’s just say I’ve seen enough interviews to know you’re a humble guy and you’re really good at speaking in a public situation.”
The fact that she thought he was humble was sweet. But her admission that she’d seen his interviews piqued his interest. “Really?”
“On the news and after your wins, that kind of thing.” Brie’s words tumbled out while her cheeks turned a rosy pink.
Matt turned toward her, stretching one arm along the back of the seat and cocked his head, waiting for her to say more. This was getting interesting. An interview here and there on the television was nothing, but given that her face was changing shades of colour very quickly, he surmised there was something else going on.
“Oh, man. This is so embarrassing.” She lowered her head and continued to pat Rocky. “Okay. I may have had a crush on you years ago and watched many of your races and interviews. As an interested fan, of course.” She straightened her shoulders and huffed out a sigh before turning toward him. “I promise I’m not a stalker.”
Matt couldn’t help but grin at her mortification. “Didn’t say you were.” He held her gaze, his mind skipping about trying to process her words. She’d had a crush on him? Before they’d even met? And she was only telling him now? What was he supposed to do with that information? Had her offer to spend time with him been a ruse to inject herself into his inner-circle? She didn’t seem the type of person to do that, though. Any interaction on her behalf had seemed genuine. He didn’t get any stalkerish vibes off her. Besides, would someone who was trying to get close to him for all the wrong reasons share so deeply about God? He doubted it. Brie seemed to be the real deal. A joy-filled, friendly woman who saw the best in others. “Do you want my autograph?” He eventually asked with a chuckle.
“What? No!” She playfully slapped him on the arm, and Matt feigned a grimace, clutching the place where she’d hit him. “Don’t make this any more embarrassing than it needs to be.”
“I think it’s cute.”
“It’s not cute. I’m absolutely mortified right now.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s not something a twenty-eight-year old woman admits to. Yes, I admit to being a bit of a fan.Beforeyou came to the clinic.”
“A bit?”
“Matt,” she growled.
He held up both hands and laughed.
“I’ve always admired your athleticism and your humility. The way you showed good sportsmanship to your competitors. Those things spoke more about you as a person than any of your victories did. Yes, you’ve probably got a room full of trophies to showcase your success, but when all that’s gone, you’re still the same guy who won people’s hearts with your genuine care for your competitors and your ethics. From what I witnessed, there was never any pretence with you. You’ve always been authentic, and I can vouch for that now that I know you in person. When you actually speak to me,” she quickly added with a wry grin.
Their good-natured jibing had evolved into honest, heartfelt words, and the dynamic between them had shifted. Leaning forward, he steepled his fingers beneath his chin. He didn’t know what to say. His heart soared with the understanding that she saw him for who he really was. That she saw beyond his records and medals. That she saw him in a way he didn’t even see himself. Did other people see him the same way, or just as a guy who used to be able to run fast?
Brie clipped the lead onto Rocky’s collar and stood. “In saying all that, I think you should call your manager and tell him you’ll go. You really have a lot to offer.” She placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “Goodbye, Matt.”
Before he had a chance to reach for her hand, she walked away - her touch imprinted on his skin and her words echoing in his brain. He had a lot to think about. No doubt it would be another sleepless night. This time, instead of nightmares and pain keeping him awake, it would be thoughts of the beautiful brunette, her captivating smile, and whatever the heck he was supposed to make of their conversation.