Chapter 16
16
Summer
“I don’t want to cause problems for you and Kaitlyn.”
There, I said it. I laid my cards on the table. I like Kaitlyn. The problem is I like Nico more.
“Kaitlyn?” He looks at me like I grew octopus arms out of my nose. “What does she have to do with anything?”
“You were with her last night.”
“So?”
“Aren’t you together ?”
He sighs, looking resigned, then sits and leans his elbows on his knees. “What gave you that idea?”
“At the bar, the way you were with Tim, reminding him in a very obvious way that there’s no intermingling between people in the league. And then you left here late last night and went out with her. That’s what you said.” I remind him in case he forgets and tries to deny it.
“Obvious, huh? Was it obvious that it was you I didn’t want Timmy hitting on?” Me? “And last night, I needed help getting things for you .”
“Things?” I’m confused.
“Toiletries and undergarments. I didn’t know what brands or sizes to get. There’s a generic pack of panties and a couple of sports bras in there.”
“Oh.” My cheeks get so hot I’m worried I’ll set off the smoke alarm. I pick up the bag and sort through it. I look at him, confused. Bikini underwear. A two-pack of sports bras.
The shirts and shorts aren’t new. And they aren’t women’s. In fact, I remember seeing this sky-blue shirt on Nico. It looked good with his dark eyes and hair, and his bronze skin. I’m tempted to smell it to see if it smells like him.
“I bought the other things in a twenty-four-hour pharmacy, so I threw in a few of my things. You can give them back when you’re done with them.”
“Oh.” I don’t want to dress in men’s clothes, but the idea of wearing Nico’s clothes and breathing in his fresh, clean scent makes my belly flutter. But remembering that this truce, and whatever is building between us, comes to an end tomorrow makes me sad.
“Even that’s not good enough?” He snaps, frustrated. “Is there anything I do that you approve of?”
I open my mouth to answer, but it takes me a minute to get my thoughts together.
“You piss me off so much,” he rants, getting to his feet. “I’m tempted to rescind my invitation.”
“What invitation? You can’t rescind it because you never extended it.” I snap back.
“What the hell do you think I was doing? I was inviting you to come stay in my guest room.”
“You were?” How did I get this so wrong?
“Yes. But now I’m asking myself why.” He slides his hands through his hair and rests them on the back of his neck.
“You can’t rescind your invitation; I want to stay.” I raise my voice. “If you came out and asked, I would’ve said yes.” Admitting it makes me feel weak. Maybe it’s the shingles? Doesn’t matter. My chest heaves as if this is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done, and it very well may be. “As long as you’re not dating Kaitlyn.”
“Fine. You’re staying.” Niko says, standing at my bedside with his arms crossed over his chest. “And for the record, I never had an interest in Kaitlyn or anyone else in the league. Until you came along.”
I smile, finally understanding that he likes me. I mean, likes me, likes me.
“Even though I look like something that should be hidden away in a tower?”
“Why? Because half your face is swollen beyond recognition?”
Arrow through the heart, and it’s not one of Cupid’s. I nod.
“It doesn’t matter. You’re still adorable and sexy as hell. Normally,” his voice takes on a thickness. “This would be the part where I take you in my arms and kiss you. It’s driving me crazy that I have to wait until you’re not contagious.” His hand glides over the back of my head where I have no pain, but I feel a very pleasant and alarming sensation down below.
“Do you mean that?” My heart races. I’ve never felt so bad and so good at the same time.
“Every freaking word.”
“What about league and the rules?” I remind him so he can’t use it as an excuse later on.
“I’m the commissioner, aren’t I?”
“Yes,” I answer, uncertain of where he’s going.
He shrugs. “I’ll Take Timmy’s suggestion and change the rule.”
“I know we can’t kiss, but would a hug be okay?” I hate feeling this desperate.
He nods and sits on the edge of the bed with open arms. I toss the blanket aside, lean into him, and close my eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. A heart I hope to touch and fill.
I can’t wait to leave this cold, sterile room and move on to Nico’s home. And life. Even if it means he moves his furniture around for us to practice my serves.