Chapter 41
Levi
The next month flew by. I’ve spent as much time with Layla as possible, relishing every moment, but today is the day that we both have to leave for preseason in separate states and I fucking hate it.
She clings to me and I hold her tight, neither of us wanting to let go. “I’m going to miss you, so much, Levi.”
“I’m going to miss you too, Layla, but I promise, we’ll talk every day, even if it’s just to say goodnight and good morning, but I don’t want to go a day without hearing your voice. No matter how chaotic training is or what’s going on, we’ll find time to talk. Okay?”
She nods against my chest. “Please, let’s try to find that time, Levi. I know I’ll be busy learning everything about the facilities, the team, the players, the staff…” she trails off and whimpers.
“And you’re going to be amazing. They’re damn lucky to have you,” I insist, pressing another kiss to her lips.
“All right you two, sorry to break it up, but we gotta go,” Gabe says, stepping out of Layla’s house, the sold sign still sticking in the front yard. “The house is clear.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m fucking glad we moved mom out to her new place first. That would’ve been way too much at once,” Gabe complains, smirking at Layla’s back when she doesn’t move or respond. “Are you ready to go, Sis?”
“No,” she mumbles into my chest, her tears dampening my shirt. “I’m going to stay for a while.”
Gabe shakes his head, chuckling.
“You’re always welcome to come with me.”
“Yeah, I know, but I can’t.”
Although I’m already aware, it still fucking hurts to hear it again. Taking a deep breath, I push my own emotions out of my head and attempt to comfort her. “Yeah, I know, and it’s going to be okay. We aren’t going to be apart forever. This is only temporary.”
“We can do this, Levi.” Pushing up on her tiptoes, she kisses me with a hunger that sends a shock of electricity straight through me.
Breaking our kiss, I mumble over her lips, “I’ll see you soon, Layla.” Nudging her back, I cradle her face in my hands and look into her eyes, sharing my vulnerability. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Her voice cracks and she kisses me again, her lips soft, tears salty, and my chest aching. I didn’t know it could hurt this much.
Guiding her towards the car, I open the door, keeping my arm around her until she slips inside. She rolls down the window the moment the door closes. Leaning my head in the window, I kiss her again. Glancing at Gabe, I say as more of a plea, “Take care of her.”
He chuckles, both of us knowing he will. “Bye, Levi.” He waves.
“I love you,” I reiterate, kissing her and hauling my head out of the window as Gabe starts driving away from the curb and taking my heart with him.
Heaving a sigh, I don’t take my eyes off the car. Layla sticks her hand out the window and waves, just before they disappear around the corner. I get in my own car and blink back my tears, practically choking on emotion. Taking a deep breath, I attempt to control my breathing and start my car.
Turning in the opposite direction, I drive towards Las Vegas, when all I want to do is follow Layla. My hand goes over my heart as I drive. Rubbing, I try to take the pain away. I didn’t know it could hurt like this.