Chapter 21 Maxford #2
Charged with playing DJ, the Spotify channel I picked started us off with Band of Horses’ “No One’s Gonna Love You.
” She sits on the couch and sets the tray between us.
I pick up a curly fry and point it at her.
“I’ve never done winter sports, and you did not warn me I’d be utilizing muscles I’ve never met before. ”
Her adorable face tries and fails to look sympathetic. “You literally walk with funny shoes on. That’s it.”
“There were hills. A few were even steep.”
A hand flies to her chest. “I’m so sorry for being the world’s worst fake wife and single-handedly ruining your big comeback. I’ll be sure to send thoughts and prayers to your GM as he navigates how to deal with you.”
She reaches behind her to produce a large bottle of ibuprofen from off a side table.
Tossing it to me, she says, “Here. Good thing I’m getting rid of you.
This has been a fascinating glimpse into your pain threshold from the man who calls himself a ball player.
Luckily, you’ll be the Seafarer’s problem soon. ”
I move the tray to the coffee table, wrestling Nola into my arms. “That’s all it takes?
” I nestle my nose into the crook of her neck as she squeals and plant a kiss on her collarbone.
“I’m a little whiny after a day in the mountains and you’re packing me off to spring training without looking back? ”
She levels her gaze to mine. “A little whiny is how Emma behaves when she wakes up five minutes past her alarm because she hits snooze by accident. This is next level. You could barely climb the three-step ladder to change Stella’s lightbulb without grimacing.”
“You know what? I like this. It’s a lot easier to leave my wife when she’s making fun of me.” I unhook my arms from her and start to place her back in her spot when she latches on, arms around my neck like her life depends on it.
“I take it back!” she cries, tightening her grip.
I pretend to push away. “Nope. I know when I’m not wanted.”
Her arms hold on, threatening to squeeze me to death.
“I hate that you’re leaving. I’m being mean because it’s easier than being sad.
I’ve been sad enough in my life.” Her body stills and so does mine.
Her voice goes quiet. “I think saying goodbye to you is going to be the hardest thing I’ll have ever done.
And I don’t mean when you get on the plane tomorrow.
In a few months when we decide it’s time to go our separate ways .
. . I can’t even think about it right now. ”
“Here’s the thing: I’m not going anywhere, Nola.
I don’t have the answers for how it’s going to work exactly.
My schedule is going to be busy, but that’s only part of the year and I’m only playing for five more years.
Then I get to retire on my terms and I’ll go wherever you are.
Here, New York City, Paris. I can live anywhere.
If you look deep into your heart and decide what you really want out of life is to be a Ben Franklin impersonator and move to Philly, I’ll be there with a kite and key. ”
“And what would you do?”
“I have a history degree and a pirate costume. The options are literally endless, Adler.”
“You don’t mean it.”
“I do. There will be no stopping me when it comes to being with you.” I mean it wholeheartedly. I’d go to the ends of the earth for this woman. “What is it going to take for you to realize you’re never getting rid of me?”
“You’re going to change your mind once you’re back on your own. We’ve been living in a curated, make-believe world and once you’re back in reality, doing the thing that makes you most happy, you’ll realize it doesn’t include a mom and a kid.”
I lean my forehead against hers and close my eyes. Lavender shampoo tickles my nose. I can’t get enough of it. “We need to let that crap go.”
She chuckles. “I’m sorry?”
“We both have some deeply seated and, potentially, rightfully earned misconceptions of ourselves thanks to our pasts. We need to let it go.” I feel her relax in my arms. “I need you to trust me when I say I’m not going anywhere. Okay?”
Nola nods against my head. “I trust you.”
I pull away and study her face before tipping her chin with my thumb and bringing my mouth to hers.
Grateful Emma is with her aunt, I can take Nola’s lips greedily without fear of interruption.
She takes what’s offered, her hands fisting my hoodie.
We’ve been tiptoeing around, offering up small kisses to satiate the moment but this is different.
Our hearts are in this now and the timing couldn’t be worse with me leaving tomorrow afternoon.
My hands smooth back her hair as I deepen the kiss, taking it slow so I can memorize the feel of her lips on mine.
The warmth of her body. How her heartbeat races, syncing to mine.
She leans back and pulls me with her, breaking only to kiss my nose, my cheek, the corner of my mouth, before claiming my lips again.
We stay like this until long after the food’s gone cold.