Page 74 of Shot Taker

“We’ll share.”

We’re shown to a private dressing room as big as a bedroom.

“Think she’d wear that ring on her forehead if she could?” Brooke asks under her breath.

My lips curve. “She did seem proud of it. You could buy yourself one if you wanted.”

“I don’t want to settle down. Being tethered to a guy forever is my nightmare. But it drives me crazy how some of the girls from school lord it over other people.” She shudders. “What about you? You and Clay seem to be getting cozy. As much as I’m not the biggest cheerleader for relationships, I’ve never seen him make so much effort.”

My heart skips, and I glance back at my friend. “Really?”

“Oh yeah. It’s the way he looks at you. The way he looks for you when you’re not next to him.”

I shimmy into a dress and check out my reflection. “He wants to tell the world about us.”

“And you don’t want to?”

I turn the idea over. “I thought I did. But maybe I’ve gotten used to the privacy? I like that our relationship is ours and no one else’s business. The other day, I finished painting early and stopped by to see him after the game. There was a line of people wanting selfies and autographs, wanting to just be around him. If we come out to the world, it’s a big deal. Not only for friends and family, but it’s an actual story just because it’s Clay.”

“When you’re in public, people are in your business, but that doesn’t mean they know your business. They don’t know what goes on between you, and they don’t have to.”

I think about making him laugh and smile.

I love how hard he works, how kind he is to those who need help, especially when no one’s looking.

I’ve started imagining a future with him, not just nights and days but birthdays and anniversaries.

“What are you afraid of?” Brooke asks.

My gaze meets hers. “I’m falling for him.”

Her grin is slow and wide. “Obviously.”

Shock slams into me. “It’s obvious to you or to him?”

“To me because I’m smarter than your boy toy.”

I reach for the zipper and work it down. “So, if you’re not a romantic, why are you rooting for this?”

“Because you’re my friend and I want everyone to love you as much as I do. Plus, these guys are used to having control of everything and it’s fun to watch them spiral.”

I toss a shirt at her, and she catches it, laughing.

The more I think about it, the more I like it.

I’ll tell Clay I’m good with announcing us, that he doesn’t have to worry about pressuring me. I trust him.

“I’m not sure we’ll have time after we get back tomorrow. He’s heading away on another road trip.”

Brooke grins. “Then let’s go back early.”

* * *

“Have you seen Clay?” I ask Rookie outside the Kodiaks locker room.

He waves down the hallway toward the court.

Brooke and I got back in record time. Since our talk, all I can think about is seeing Clay.

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