Page 63 of Boone

Boone’s hands are faster than mine as they go to my face and he pulls me across the distance between us and kisses me hard. I’m so dizzy from the beauty of his mouth on mine and the very public display of affection that I can’t even stop him from stealing another piece from my plate.

We resume eating, chatting and periodically talking to others who come up to ask about Aiden. I’m slightly intimidated when Brienne Norcross appears before us to introduce herself. I’d met her fiancé, Drake, who is very down-to-earth, but this woman is a multibillionaire. On top of that, she’s stunningly beautiful and powerful.

She’s so sweet and warm and before she’s gone, I not only have a sincere invitation to sit in the owner’s box when Aiden gets out of the hospital, but she wants to know if I would like to have lunch with her soon. Of course, I would. I mean, who wouldn’t? I think I manage to even sound slightly cool and sophisticated when I accept.

When we’re alone again, Boone says, “I wanted to ask you about next week.”

“What about it?” I mentally review my schedule. Should be another normal week in the hospital with Aiden. While his marrow continues to recover, it’s still not strong enough for him to leave. At least, that’s what the doctors are saying as they continue to estimate a discharge plan.

Georgie and Charles are on board to cover another few weeks at the deli for me and I’ve been able to run things smoothly from the hospital. My father will be released from his two-week rehab stint tomorrow, provided he’s feeling strong, and I’ve already budgeted time to pick him up. A busy week, but I’m prepared for it.

“I know you have a lot on your plate but the second round starts and I was hoping you’d come to the first two home games to watch me.”

A forkful of my pasta salad is halfway to my mouth when I pause to truly analyze Boone’s tone of voice and the expression on his face. I see he feels horrible even asking me to attend because he knows how busy I am.

Normally, I’d have to do a recalculation of my schedule to see if I could budget time. I’d also have to reflect on my feelings of guilt and responsibility where Aiden’s concerned.

But that’s not me anymore. It can’t be me because Boone is now a part of my life and he has to fit into my totem pole of priorities. He’s earned a spot near the top, just under Aiden and Dad.

I smile at him, hoping he hears the excitement in my tone. “I’d love to come to both games. I’ll be screaming the loudest for you.”

His eyebrows shoot up, delight in his tone. “Really?”

“Really. You’re my guy. I’ve got to be there for you.” I eat the bite and mentally pat myself on the back because it’s pretty damn good. When I swallow, I add, “I need a jersey. Can we go somewhere today to get one?”

“I’ll get you one.” He sees me starting to object and glares. “It’s required that I get my girlmyjersey.”

“Who said I wantedyourjersey? Maybe I’m a Highsmith fan like Aiden.”

Boone smirks. “Oh, you’re totally my number one fan. It’s my name you’re screaming out in bed.”

My face flames so hot I feel a sheen of sweat on my forehead because he’s not wrong. Boone doesn’t hold back on being straight up regarding sex. I drop my head to concentrate on my food. When I look at him again, he’s still smirking, although wisely not teasing me anymore.

“One more thing,” Boone says, his smile leveling off to seriousness. “My family is coming and I want you to meet them. I know your time is limited, so I was thinking maybe after the game Tuesday night, we could all go over to Mario’s for a drink. I don’t want to interrupt your days.”

Reaching across, I touch his wrist, then slide my hand down to take his. “I’d love to meet your family. However we need to make it happen, we’ll do it.”

“I know they’d love to see Aiden if he’s up for it.”

I pull my hand back, covering my mouth while I laugh. “Are you kidding? He’d love that. You know he’s taking full credit for hooking us up?”

“He is kind of responsible, you know… cancer and all.”

I shake my head vigorously. “No, I mean he told one of the nurses the other day that he orchestrated it all, from how we met to giving us both pep talks about dating each other.”

Boone barks out a laugh. “What a ham. But you know what, let’s give it to him. Full-on credit. We’ll add a postscript on our wedding invitations thanking him.”

I laugh right along with Boone and there’s not even a single awkward moment that he just so casually mentioned wedding invitations. Not that we’ve talked about it or that it’s even a realistic expectation this early in our relationship, but it speaks solely to the fact that I think we’re both committed to a long-term future.

“How are you feeling about your dad coming home tomorrow?” Boone asks somberly.

This is the third time he’s asked the question. The initial time was a week ago when I’d gotten a positive update from Dad’s counselor that it was looking good for him to transition to outpatient. I told Boone I was really excited. The second time was just two days ago when we were lying in bed and I was fully replete and boneless from orgasms. It seems our deepest talks happened on those evenings.

I’d admitted I was nervous because I’m not prepared to handle it if Dad slips up. Things have gotten so good the last few weeks that I don’t want to have to deal with anything bad. Boone reassured me by validating my strength and reminding me that he’s by my side.

Now that my dad comes home tomorrow, I can’t say the answer is much different from the last.

“Nervous,” I say truthfully. “Obviously, happy to have him home. I miss him but more than anything, Aiden has been so sad while he’s been gone.”

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