If I leave Barnett now, I’m not sure how we’ll make a long distance relationship work. This whole thing between us is still relatively new. Finn and I were together for a lot longer and he certainly wasn’t willing to stick it out. And then there’s Lexie and the apartment we rented together. I would feel awful about ditching her halfway through the year.
Although I’m probably getting ahead of myself. Even if I audition, the chances of me actually getting offered one of the positions is slim. Inhaling a deep breath, I slowly force it out. My mind is spinning right now.
“Hey, babe.”
Roan materializes out of nowhere before pulling me into his arms. Or I’m just really out of it and not paying attention to anything around me. My heartbeat feels as if it’s thumping so hard I can’t help but squeak out a response. “Hi.”
A big smile moves over his handsome face. “Did I startle you?”
The look has my lips turning up at the corners. Even though I feel conflicted about what I should do regarding the audition, I’m always happy to see Roan. Always happy to be nestled in his big strong embrace.
“I guess you did. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
He squeezes my body to his before planting a soft kiss on the crown of my head. He winces as my arm slides around his ribs. The smile falls from my lips as I glance up at him in concern.
“Are you hurt?”
He gives a little jerk of his shoulders. “Not really. I took a few hits today in practice. Nothing to be concerned about.”
Pulling away, my fingers immediately skim under his sweatshirt finding the warm flesh beneath before I slide it up. I can’t help the surprised gasp that leaves my lips as I stare at the ugly bruise already starting to form on the right side of his ribcage.
My eyes flick to his again. He gives another little shrug. “Big game this Saturday. Bowling Green. Everyone wants to knock us from our number one seed.”
The Barnett Bulldogs haven’t lost a single game this season. Bulldog fever has officially reached epic proportions around here. And Roan has been working out more than ever trying to get ready for each and every game.
I never realized that playing football, or any sport at the college level, is more like a job. Especially when you’re attending a division I school. It’s not just showing up for the games. There are practices, sometimes two of them, every single day. Film to watch, plays to go over, and strength training. Between football and classes, Roan has very little in the way of free time.
Every once in a while I catch a fleeting glimpse of the stress he’s under and the toll it’s taking on him. In those moments I just want to make everything better for him. I want to be the safe place where big strong Roan King can let down his protective armor.
Slanting my eyes up at him, I whisper, “How about I kiss and make it all better when we get home?”
A wolfish grin tilts his lips upward before he gives me a little wink. “Only if I can do the same.”
I can’t help but smile. “Deal.”
Soothing my fingers gently over the fresh bruises blooming their way across his flesh, I gently tug his shirt down before we start walking towards the parking lot where his truck is parked. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him about the audition. I really need his advice on this. But I also know he has a lot on his mind right now with the big Bowling Green game coming up this weekend.
The last thing he needs to worry about is me.
Glancing over at him, I notice the faint smudges under his eyes. He’s working so hard. Up and out the door before I even wake in the morning to work out in the gym before practice. Then its classes, studying, watching game film, and yet another practice before falling exhaustedly into bed only to do the same thing all over again the next day.
But I also know saying something about it won’t do any good. He isn’t going to stop pushing himself until he achieves what he’s set out to. It’s part of what I admire about him. He’s so dedicated and focused.
So it’s lightly that I comment, “You look tired.”
Again he smiles. Then he’s pulling me in close right before his lips sweep across mine. “I am.” Something sparks to life in his gorgeous turquoise eyes as they crinkle at the corners. “But not too tired, if you know what I mean.”
I can’t help but laugh as I roll my eyes. Yeah… Roan is never too tired for that.
The only time we don’t have sex is the night before a game.
He’s superstitious. Some ridiculous bullshit about sex sapping his strength and all that mumbo jumbo. Whatever…
“Yes,” I reply drily, “I know.” But he’s more than aware that my tone is just a big act. I love what we do in bed together. In fact, I’m pretty damn obsessed with Roan and his big gorgeous body right now. I could literally spend hours in bed exploring all those hard bulging muscles. Even the thought of it has my panties dampening with excitement.