Chapter 14 - Royce
ROYCE
Istare at Kinsley’s retreating form, my shirt soaked from being pummeled in the goal and trying not to die with the ball flying at my head. Because she aimed every shot at me.
The pain and fury was unmistakable on her face as she unleashed it all.
I’d been unfair to her, but it had all become too much.
I’d been insecure when I’d come at her in my apartment, but after she stormed out, that insecurity had turned into anger at unworthy douchebags showing her off just to get ahead.
Because she’s so much more than that.
And I hadn’t been able to say any of that.
Because I’m an idiot.
I berate myself as I pick up all the balls, tucking them into the discarded bag and placing them next to the bench.
Flowers and chocolate are definitely not gonna cut it.
But the longer I stand here, the more an idea starts to take shape.
I just hope it works.
“What are you doing here? I told you I don’t want to see you tonight,” Kinsley says, her face devoid of makeup and her hair piled in a messy bun on the top of her head.
“Yeah, well, I suck at listening sometimes.”
“Love that for you. I have my period and I’m dying now, so I need you to go so I can get back to my date with a heating pad.”
“I brought snacks,” I say, holding up the two bags.
“Don’t you have witches and dragons to play with your Internet friends?”
“I’m not even going to dignify that with a response,” I say, shaking the bags at her, silently thankful that she’s teasing me and hopefully a little less irate. “Let me in so I can take care of you tonight.”
“Why? I’m still really pissed at you,” she says, using the door frame to keep her upright.
Dropping the bags inside her door, I shoulder it open and scoop her up into my arms as she yelps before wrapping hers around my neck.
“I was an ass. I wasn’t thinking, and I hate that I hurt you.”
“A lot,” she says into the crook of my neck.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur, setting her gently on the couch before cupping her face. Running my thumb gently over her cheek, I make sure she’s looking at me as I say, “I won’t ever give you a reason to doubt me like that again, Kins. I’m so fucking sorry.”
“You said fuck,” she says with a small smile.
“You taught me well.”
She snorts and then winces, her arms wrapping around her middle before grabbing the heating pad and sagging against the couch.
“My reaction may have been a little over-the-top and hormone related,” she admits a little sheepishly. It’s adorable, but I shake my head.
“You were right. I was a dick and apparently acted every bit of my twenty-four years.”
“I know it’s hard to see it from where you are,” she says, “but what I do—what I’m doing helps.
It gets girls excited about sports, seeing that they can do it too.
We visit high schools and do clinics with their teams. Our fanbase has exploded and people are excited about the game.
Really excited. I have to believe I’m making a difference,”—she waves her hand toward a pile of products she’s probably tested and reviewed—“otherwise none of this matters.”
“You matter,” I say firmly, “and you’re absolutely making a difference.” Leaning forward, I kiss her forehead. “Ice cream, tacos, candy, popcorn, chips, or cookies?”
“Yes.” She grins as I sit back and meet her gaze. “But tacos first.”
I hand her the container and tuck the ice cream into the freezer before holding out my phone. “Look.”
She takes it, hesitantly scrolling before looking up at me. “What am I looking at?”
“It’s an update on every fundraising event you’ve attended in the last year. I requested media updates, boosted visibility, and shared the links anonymously to a couple of groups that like making charitable donations.”
“You what?”
“I’m not just a pretty face, you know.” When she stares at me, I sober, wetting my lips as I say, “These things are important to you, and you’re not a flowers and candy kind of girl, Kins.
I wanted to make sure the things you’re passionate about are still being seen. I was listening and I heard you.”
“You…” She looks down at the screen again, scrolling slower as she brushes a few tears from her cheek. “Jesus, Roy, how will you top this the next time you screw up?”
I laugh, leaning in and waiting for her to meet me halfway. She does, her lips curving up in a sly grin. “I figure streaking through Times Square has potential.”
“Bold,” she muses.
“Worth it.”
And it is, because Kinsley slants her mouth over mine and kisses me until the tacos have gone cold.