Page 16 of Full Court Love

“Oh, great. That makes me feel so much better.”

I laugh because the alternative is crying again.

“Seriously though, Lucy…”

Man, I love the way he says my name.

“Do you often have guys call you out specifically? Like, know exactly who you are and still yell things? Stuff like that?”

I get a sick feeling in my stomach as I answer. “Oh…yeah. Most times, I’m in a group so I can hide, but if I’m by myself…let’s just say I have my guard up.”

He’s shaking his head with his eyes closed, like all this information is too much for him to bear. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay, really. I mean, it’s not okay… but like, I’m okay, I guess.” I nudge him with my shoulder, an excuse to get even closer. “And if you hadn’t noticed, I’m very strong and intimidating.” I flex my bicep, and he rolls his eyes with a laugh so beautiful it could earn an angel its wings.

“I know you said you can take care of yourself, and I believe wholeheartedly that you can. But…”

Where is he going with this?

“What?”

“I just don’t think you should have to.”

This knocks the wind out of my lungs.

I can’t speak. We turn up the walk to our little house, and I’m mute. Jordan’s arm is still holding my body against his until we stop at the front door. I use the only words I can find.

“Hey, umm… thank you.”

Again, I turn my head up to look at him, and I hope he can tell how much I mean it. In response, he pulls me into his chest, engulfing me in a hug. I close my eyes and wrap my arms around his waist. I breathe in his cologne and listen to his heartbeat and feel his breath against my forehead. I’m holding on to him way longer than what would be considered normal, but I can’t bring myself to let go.

I feel safe.

At long last, I drop my arms and step toward the door. Glancing back, I see a small smile playing on the edge of his lips. He’s just watching me, patiently waiting until I’m safely inside my house.

As I come to a realization of the night’s events, I feel a little frazzled. Or maybe exposed. He just saw me in a super vulnerable state, and he barely knows me.

As I step inside, he calls out through the closing door, “See you Monday, Lucy! Or hopefully sooner.”

I shut and lock the door. Then I proceed to sink to the floor with my back against it like a swooning debutante.So much to unpack and no one to do it with, I think as I look around the empty house.

He doesn’t think I should have to take care of myself?

Does that mean he might be the one who wants to do it?

CHAPTER 8

JORDAN

Imeant it when I said she shouldn’t have to take care of herself. I desperately want to take on that position if there’s a vacancy.

I also meant it when I said I hoped I would see her sooner than Monday. Even though it would only mean spending Sunday without seeing her, it feels like a waste of a day.

I walk out of my room feeling more refreshed than I typically would after a night out. Probably because I barely drank anything and was in bed by midnight, thanks to my romantic stroll with Lucy. She’s already making me better by ensuring I didn’t have a hangover.

What a saint.

I wanted to see a new side of her last night, and I certainly did.