Chapter 17
JAMESON
“So how are we playing this? If you haven’t noticed, we’re not exactly a match.”
“We’re going to make you love football, don’t you worry.”
She laughs. “I don’t mean just football, Jameson.” She grows quiet, and I turn to face her on the couch.
I came here tonight wanting to tell her about the press leak and that an article may come out, but I see worry dancing across her face, and I don’t want to ruin her night. Or our weekend away.
Taking her hand, I say, “Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. I’m not. I’m looking forward to this weekend.”
“You are? I thought you didn’t want to do this?”
I shrug. “I didn’t want to do it alone. I didn’t want to go at all, honestly, if it was going to be me, my dad, and his girlfriend.
” I laugh. “She’s great and all, but she brings out a side of him I haven’t ever seen.
I’m glad for it, don’t get me wrong. I love seeing my dad happy.
But I’m used to him being the grouch. It’s weird to see him in love. ”
She laughs again, and I continue. “His best friend Mark and his girl, Mackenzie, both work at North Pole U, too. He’s something else.
I should warn you about him, but I don’t really know how to explain him.
He says whatever he thinks, most of the time it's bad pickup lines, and it sets my dad off. And when you add in Jackson?” I shake my head.
“I’m just going to apologize now for them! ”
“I’m really looking forward to meeting them. I’d love to see who your people are.”
Taking her hand, I pull her closer to me. “I’m excited for you to meet them, too.” Brushing her wild hair away from her glasses, I tell her, “You’re gorgeous.”
She ducks her head and blushes, and I tilt her chin back up to look at me. “I’m serious, Pip. Don’t look away.”
She shrugs. “I’ve never been told that. I’ve been told my glasses are too thick, my hair is too curly, I’m too short–”
“Whoever told you that is an asshole. And I’m glad I get to be the one to tell you you’re beautiful.”
She leans in, and I meet her halfway, both of us always seeming to not be able to get enough of each other. She gives me a quick succession of kisses, making me laugh. “No way, mister, if you distract me, we’re never going to get packed and be out of here on time tomorrow!”
I stand abruptly, pulling her up with me. I dip at the knees and catch her waist over my shoulder. She shrieks, and I laugh, smacking her ass as I walk us down the hall to her bedroom. “They can wait for us. I need my fill first.”