“What if it’s you?”
Her lips part and I know that I mean it. Fuck, I’m falling for this girl.
“We do this and we’re going to have to hide it until the season is over. This is more than just about ball. This is a lot more.”
She draws her brows. “What do you mean?”
“I mean if this was just about me, it would be one thing. I’d face coach, I’d try to make it right between us now, but it’s not just about me. It’s about a lot more, and I can’t take a chance on it knowing the outcome might not go in our favor. This season is a life changer for me. I need to get drafted.”
She rolls her eyes. “Every player does.”
“No,” I shake my head and catch her gaze, “this is serious.”
She swallows. “I would never do anything to jeopardize ball for you.”
“I need your word that you won’t tell anyone.”
“I wouldn’t, but, my sister already knows. And my best friend. He lives in New York and doesn’t give a shit about football.”
“Damn it, Harper.”
“You want me to trust you? Well, you’re going to have to trust me. These are my people. They would never hurt me or anyone I care about.”
“Fine. That’s it.”
“Swear.”
“No Snapchatting my dick.”
She rolls her eyes. “It was your ass and—”
I grip her chin and crush her mouth with mine. I kiss her as deep as I can before pulling away.
“That’s the first and last kiss I can give you in public until December. You okay with that?”
“So, what does this mean?” She’s glowing, and it does something indescribable to me.
“I’m yours for the season, whatever that means.”
“No other girls?”
“Are you serious? I can barely handle you.”
She grins. “Tell me why the draft is so important.”
I lean in and press a kiss to her temple. “One day I’ll explain, but for now you’re going to have to trust me and believe that this secrecy isn’t about me.”
“I trust you.” She hesitates, and it puts me on edge.
“What?” I ask, pushing her hair behind her shoulder.
“This isn’t an ass thing, is it?” I see her pride overtake her features. This girl is a force.
“No, it’s not an ass thing.”
“You have feelings for me?”
“You’re asking for a lot of confessions in one day.”