Chapter 44
Trinity
Five weeks.
That was how long Preston and I had been doing whatever it was we’d been doing.
When we weren’t at the field, traveling for games, or I wasn’t at Laces Out, we were together.
I even had the privilege of joining Throwback Thunder for another epic dodgeball game.
To my surprise, I saw Gregory, who after receiving the death glare from Preston, officially apologized for his shady throw.
We’d been sneaking into each other’s houses through the back door like dirty little secrets.
I knew we had to be. Was very aware of the stakes and the risks when I gave in to my feelings.
Sometimes I allowed my insecurities to claw at me.
Remind me that he could be spending his time with a woman who wasn’t such a hassle.
Take her on a real date. To a real restaurant.
Hold her hand. Kiss her after the winning game.
Those things weren’t impossible. They just were not right now.
In reality, once I graduated, this was no longer an issue.
But that was in six long months. Could we keep this up that long?
Hide our growing feelings? Would he tire of the charade?
He’d made no indication that giving up his job was something he wanted, and even then, I wouldn’t let him.
I could never stand back and watch him give up something he was so passionate about.
Something that saved him. Especially since my father informed me over an afternoon of golf that he planned to retire next year and wanted Preston to take his place.
That was why Preston had been stepping in when he had other obligations.
It was a big promotion, and there was no way he could turn it down.
There was always the option of me transferring, but the sole reason I came here was to reconnect with my dad.
Which had been going really well. We had lunch at his ranch once a week, and even Jodie and I had spent some time alone.
I understood her better now, and after hearing her talk so highly, I truly believed she loved my dad.
Sighing at my wandering thoughts, I shifted in the bed, trying to ignore the pounding in my head.
I hadn’t been able to fall into a deep sleep yet, and my legs ached.
It could be this hotel bed, but I hadn’t felt well since yesterday.
The plane ride here was long, and it didn’t help that I’d barely slept the night before.
At my stirring, a strong arm reached out, tugging me to press against a hard chest.
Preston’s embrace turned rigid before he reached up to place a hand on my cheek.
“Baby, you’re burning up.” He brushed a strand of hair from my face. “Are you sick?”
He pulled away, clicking on the side lamp.
He faced me and furrowed his brow.
“I don’t feel great. I have a headache, and my legs are sore.” I maneuvered around to lie on my back. “Actually, my whole body hurts.”
“The flu.” He tossed the covers aside. “It’s been going around campus.”
My heart dropped, not at the fact I probably had the flu, but at the fact he started getting dressed. I glanced at the clock. It was two in the morning.
“I’m sorry. I understand you need to go back to your room. I don’t want you to catch it and pass it to the guys.”
He stilled, glancing up from his tennis shoes that were halfway on his feet. “I’m not going to my room.” He finished tying the strings before he traveled to my side of the bed. “I’m going to get you some meds. We need to get your fever down.”
This man.
“It’s the middle of the night,” I pointed out.
“I’m sure there’s a twenty-four-hour store somewhere.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my temple.
“You’re going to get sick!” I turned my head, whipping the comforter over my face.
My luck, the whole team would catch it, then we’d lose our undefeated status. Perfect.
He chuckled. “I’m pretty sure I’m already exposed, Angel. You’ve been in my bed for the last three nights.”
He was right. I’d been with the guys at the field too. It was too late now. Hopefully, they’d been taking their vitamin C as directed.
“Try to get some rest. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” His palm squeezed my hip before the bed dipped.
The click of the door sounded, and I peeled back the covers.
This was supposed to be one of our biggest games.
The Bisons and the Stallions were our two rivals.
We were in Bison territory tomorrow, and the guys had been more pumped than in any game we’d played this year.
I didn’t want to miss it, but it looked like I’d have to enjoy it from the comfort of my hotel room.
Guilt slashed through me like a sharp knife. Preston needed to be ready for tomorrow. Rested. Not traipsing around an unfamiliar state in the middle of the night for me.
Love and guilt collided. I didn’t want him to think he had to, but the part of me that longed for that kind of care and love wrapped me up like a warm blanket.
He never said it, but I felt it. His love.
I felt it every time he looked at me. Just like it rushed through me when I looked at him.
Every time I locked in on those blue eyes, I was terrified he would see it written clearly on my face.
I am in love with him. But if I voiced it, it became real.
And I had this gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach that the other shoe was about to drop.