“It’s me.”
Weston. Warmth and adrenaline surge through my body, and I sigh. Only this time, it’s not in frustration. It’s from contentment. It won’t do me any good to pretend I don’t want to get to know him better. I’ve gone from lust-filled distaste to smitten within days. “What’s up?”
“Would you be interested in meeting my sister?”
“Sure.” He wants me to meet his family. I jump up and pace the room from my desk to my dresser and back. I think better when I’m moving. Does this mean he wants to ask me out?
Do I say yes? Don’t be stupid. Of course, I’ll say yes.
Tara’s right. I want to see where this goes. Where should we go? I know the town better than he does. Italian? A bar? He’s already been to Callahan’s and the café. Jules’ Italian Restaurant has some of the best food in town. And it’s a romantic, quiet, out-of-the-way place.
“Great. She’s looking forward to meeting you. Okay…,” he groans. “I had to bribe her with money, but she’s willing to come into the studio and talk with you about your rehab experience. I think she’d get a lot out of hearing your story. I know I did. It gave me hope for her for the first time since her injury.”
Oh my God. I’m an idiot. My face fills with heat as I close my eyes. He isn’t asking me out. He wants me to convince his sister to keep pushing for her recovery and not give up. Way to go. There’s nothing like dreaming up a big fantasy of living happily ever after, and he’s reading out of a different book. “When do you want to bring her in?”
“Tomorrow would be great. Watching her wallow in self-pity is killing me. I want to see her eyes light up again.”
As I tilt my head to the side, my shoulders sag. God, he’s swoon worthy. He might not be interested in me, but he’s ticking all my stupid boxes. Loves his sister. Wants amazing things for her. How can I blow that off? “Tomorrow morning works great for me since we’re already training.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it so much. I’ll never be able to repay you.”
“It’s fine.” It’s time to put on your big girl panties and stop fantasizing.
“Are you okay?”
Seriously? He can tell I’m having my own pity party? Gr-r-r-e-a-a-a-t. I straighten my shoulders. “I’m good.”
“No ill effects from almost getting run over this morning. I think that took ten years off my life.”
“I’m fine.” I walk from the bedroom to the kitchen. Maybe if I eat, I can get my head clear.
“I’m glad. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”
What does that mean? As in me personally or anyone in particular?
Please, he’d hate to see anyone getting hit by a vehicle. His sister was almost killed by a drunk driver. “Thank you. I appreciate your concern. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Hey, before you go, I have some good news.”
“What’s that?” I grab a carton of eggs out of the refrigerator. If my brothers can live on eggs, so can I.
“I gained a half-second in speed during my drills today.”
“That’s great, Weston. I’m so happy for you.” Happiness swells through me, leaving me feeling giddy. I’ve never wanted to lose a bet to my brother so badly in my life.
“Me, too. If we keep this up, you might end up winning that bet. I might learn to like dance and do those dishes at your parent’s house.”
“That’s a deal. I can’t wait until that day. My dad will be thrilled.”
“I couldn’t do it without you.” The husky tone of his voice causes goosebumps to scatter along my arms.
“I’m not doing anything special. It’s all you.” I open the carton and survey the eggs for cracks. None of them show any imperfections.
“Yes, you are. You’re helping me get my edge back and to secure a contract. Hopefully, one that will last through my playing years and keep me in one location.” The implication of what he’s saying rests heavy in the air.
I lean against the hard surface. “Do you like it here?”
“Yes. It’s a nice city, and so far, I like the people I’ve gotten to know.”