Chapter 26 Ian
TWENTY-SIX
IAN
It’s early on Thursday morning, and as I am about to knock on Lilly’s door, she opens it. A bright smile blossoms on her face. Good god, I am so in deep with this woman.
“Ready?” I ask, and she offers a small nod.
We both roll a small suitcase behind us as we wait for the elevator doors to open.
She chews on her lip, excitement and nerves mingling on her features.
I told her repeatedly that my parents will love her. What’s not to love? My sister and her have become tight since she came to visit. Lilly is a steady part of my life; the woman I will spend my life with.
I have kept telling her that and every time I assure her, she smiles with her whole face. We’ll get there.
Once we return, I’ll talk to Coach. Impatience threatens to split my sanity. I’ve given over a hundred percent, but if he keeps me from being with his daughter, then fuck it. Anything is game.
I even talked to Levi about finding me a new team. I am done. But if Lilly won’t come with me, I am screwed. I would rather face a disapproving, moody coach for the rest of my career than not have her near me.
With our arms brushing, our pinkies are an inch apart. The urge to finally claim her as mine roars inside of me. Saying we’re just friends kills my spirit, leaving me a wandering ghost in search of the light.
This will be a great weekend. Not. But at least I will spend it with her.
After the flight to Seattle, we hop in the rental.
She stretches her legs on the dashboard, connecting my phone’s playlist with the car’s speakers. The venue is about three and a half hours from the airport, but I don’t mind. I want to spend more undisturbed time with her.
As we drive, something in me breaks free. The constant pressure of wanting her and not being able to do a thing about it lessens.
Oh love, you really had to throw me a fucking ball that knocked me flat on my back.
I smile as she keeps talking, loving her quirk. She always does that when she’s nervous. I listen to her going on about her bridesmaid dress.
“Would you like to match for Kat’s wedding?” she asks, looking at me from the side.
“I’d love to match.” Whatever she wants. I just care that I get to accompany her.
“My dress is a pale yellow. Do you like yellow?”
I wiggle my brows at her. “I know I’ll like it on you.”
She giggles, slapping my arm, before she rests her head on it. It’s her place, anyway.
“Maybe a tie or a handkerchief.” Then she lifts her face, saying, “I haven’t told you about my biggest goal… should I?”
I glance at her. “Now, you have to.” If that doesn’t include me, I’ll be a total mess. But I am more curious to hear what it is to help make it a reality.
She chews on her lower lip. “You won’t think it’s crazy?”
“No.” All I want is for her to trust that I’ll always support her in whatever she wants to achieve.
“I’m thinking of opening more stores in some major cities,” I hold my breath as she continues, “Where football teams are…”
She injects a dose of happiness that has my blood pumping faster. “I think that’s great.”
My heart beats so fast, I am afraid I might pass the fuck out. I didn’t dream her practically telling me she’s game. She wants us just as much.
The future sounds amazing.
“I thought that too,” she smiles, placing her cheek back on my arm.
Along the way, Lilly states she’s hungry so we stop at a diner. She orders pancakes with so much syrup that I am afraid she’s going to be sick.
As she moans around a forkful, I chuckle. “I think we’re going to break the bed.”
She snorts. “Really? That’s what you’re thinking right now?”
I pin her with a heated gaze. “It’s been five months, ten days, and six hours. Scratch that. I don’t think we will, I know we will.”
She giggles and draws patterns on the table with her index finger. “I’m nervous.”
I find her hand and interlace our fingers. “My parents will love you.”
“Sure?”
I caress the inside of her palm with my thumb, wishing to erase her uncertainty.
“What’s not to love? Nothing. Plus, I am sure they will take one look at me and know the truth.
What I feel for you is anything but just friendly.
” Smiling broadly, I add, “Coach praised me the other day. He’s a hard nut to crack. ”
“You’re holding up pretty well.”
“He’s cockblocking me, and he fucking knows it.” I huff. “He said that I give it my all when I am not sexually active.”
She bursts into laughter while I rake a hand through my hair.
“I’m suffering here.”
“Oh, you poor baby. I’ll take care of your aches,” she coos.
“Oh, you so will with your hand, mouth, and pussy.”
The tension between us snaps with electricity, it could light up an entire city.
I am so in love with her, my feelings for her tug at every fiber of my being. I can’t even describe it, but I know nothing compares to this ineffable experience.
Back in the car, she falls asleep, and I drive unperturbed, glancing at her every few seconds. Chest rising and falling in deep breaths, her mouth parts slightly, and I smile, feeling content.
The resort at the base of the Cascades stretches in front of me as I drive down the paved road.
I shake Lilly lightly awake, and she rubs at her eyes. They open and she gasps. “Wow, that’s beautiful.”
It is. The lush landscape and serene scenery are breathtaking, but not more than her.
We step out of the car and walk toward the main building to check in.
As we step inside the enormous wooden lodge, it’s a rustic, elegant space, with the primary focus being a massive stone fireplace surrounded by overstuffed sofas and chairs.
My parents have rented out the entire facility for their vow renewal, so I’m sure this will be a busy central meeting spot.
After taking in the views and the space, we approach the front desk, and I say, “Ian Weston and Lilly Parker.”
“Welcome. You’re the first guests to arrive,” she informs us.
Good, the more alone time with her, the better. I am not going to sugarcoat my feelings for her. It’s pure need and raw obsession.
After we check in, Lilly points toward the elevator in the corner. The doors open, and we come face-to-face with my parents.
“You’re here,” my mom squeals, wrapping me in a warm embrace. She pulls herself back, checking that I am fine. With an approving nod, she turns to Lilly, who shifts from one foot to the other.
“Hi, I’m Lilly. Nice to meet you.”
My mom has the biggest smile on her face as she hugs Lilly, mouthing to me, “She’s beautiful and a good one. I can feel that.”
“She is,” I mouth back.
My dad and I hug sideways, and then he turns to Mom. “Let the kids settle in. We’ll meet you in an hour for a late lunch, if that’s okay with you.”
I glance at Lilly, and she offers a small nod. They exit as we walk inside.
We’re on the third floor, side by side.
She glances at me from the door. “Let me freshen up and then we’ll see what this resort offers.”
As if I could deny her anything. And she knows that because she doesn’t wait for my reply.
Heading inside the suite, I scowl at the king-sized bed. I am going to sleep alone. Again. I am in deep thought when, from behind me, a door opens.
“Hi there. Our rooms are connected.”
Shoving my hands in my pockets not to grab her, I whip my head to her, sounding dead serious. “You should lock that if you don’t want me to barge through it tonight.”
She doesn’t make it easy for me as she bites her lip, tilting her head in a challenge. Staying strong while dying of pent-up sexuality is the worst.
She disappears from where she came from, not locking her door. Oh, she’ll learn what happens to those who tease. Soon. Very soon. The thought sends a jolt through me, rewiring my system.
I take a shower and dress in a pair of slacks and a shirt. I finish styling my hair when Lilly comes inside from the interconnected door.
My hand remains suspended, my attention shifting to her. I forget everything else around me, including how to breathe.
She wears a coral dress that flutters down her thighs, stopping a few inches above her knees. Her hair is pulled up in a ponytail with a silk, colorful scarf wrapped around it. She looks beyond beautiful.
“Show off,” she says. Blushing, she points at my chest.
I flex my muscles, loving her reaction. “I train hard to look like this.”
“So unfair,” she sighs while her eyes travel over every inch of my abdomen, heating the blood in my veins.
Reaching for her, I cup her chin. “Yes, it is, because you don’t have to do a thing and are beyond beautiful.”
“You want to get in my panties, don’t you?” she tries for a joking tone.
“I desperately want that,” I groan. “Both are true statements.”
She leans into my touch, smiling brightly. “And a charmer. I got lucky.”
I wink at her and ask, “How’s your room?”
“Too big.”
Good god, when she glances at my dick, it takes everything in me not to drag her to the bed and have my way with her already. Every second in her presence tests my restraint. In the face of my greatest desire, there’s no boundary I wouldn’t cross. Gladly. Repeatedly.
Outside, we walk by the side of the lake. The sun caresses our faces just as softly as our pinkies brush before they latch together.
After a short stroll, we sit at a table on the terrace, ordering two coffees. As Lilly reviews the activities and programs the resort offers, my phone rings, and I answer it to talk to Levi.
He moved back to Seattle a while ago, and by the sound of the huff he greets me with, my sister is still mad at him.
“I told you to go back sooner.”
A deep sigh vibrates in his throat. “Fuck man. I did everything in my power to return to her as soon as possible.”
I know that, but I am also aware of how hard it was for my sister. Fact is, I am not taking sides, and they’re old enough to figure things out. Love hard enough to make the right decision.
“So, how are things going?”
“Bad, I told Amelie the truth. But I’m not giving up. I am here to stay, and if it takes years for her to take me back, then so be it. What about you?”