Daphne
Awhile later, we’re each devouring a plateful of lasagna, and I consider how open we’ve been with each other. I feel closer than ever to Micah.
“Can I ask you a favor, Daph?”
A smile twitches at my lips as I look into his eyes. “Sure. But that’s not an experiment or a bet or even a condition. Now we’re getting into the really serious stuff—something given with no expectation of anything in return. Favors can be interesting.” I wink.
“I don’t know if interesting is the right word, but I wanted to ask if you’d come to the home game next week.”
I stop with a forkful of pasta halfway to my mouth. “Oh. Um …” My gaze roams over his face, looking for the answer and finding it before he even speaks. For whatever reason, he’s anxious about this game.
“It’s important to me.”
My heart thrums in my chest as he reaches out, taking my left hand in his. “Then I’ll be there.”
He blinks and I’d swear he’s surprised at my automatic answer when he asks, “Don’t you want to know why I want you there?”
I shake my head, dropping my gaze to our joined hands. “I don’t need to know. If you say you need me, I’m there.” I raise my head to meet his gaze, my smile stretching across my face.
He takes a deep breath. “I want to share something with you. And I also need for you to understand that I’m trusting you the same way I trust Beau and Xander.” His corded neck works a hard swallow. “I’ve finally decided I can’t let my parents affect what I want for myself. I need to put it all out there and see if I’m good enough.”
“Micah, I don’t claim to be a football expert, but by all accounts, you’re talented. And just like you believe I’ll get a scholarship and be able to go to college—I believe in you.”
He leans in, claiming my lips in a soft kiss. “There will be scouts there. I’m nervous. But I’ll feel a whole hell of a lot better if I know you’re there cheering me on.”
“Your own personal cheerbunny?”
He chuckles. “My what?”
“Max calls the spirit squad cheerbunnies.” I laugh. “I don’t know why.”
He snorts, eating it up. “He’s a funny guy.” Shaking his head, he smiles. “I’ve never quite known what to make of him, but I appreciate the way he takes care of you.”
Out of the corner of my eye, a flash of movement near the window catches my attention. When I turn my head, though, whatever it was is gone. Maybe a car? It’d seemed closer than that, but I guess my mind is playing tricks on me.
Not long after, Scarlett and Xander arrive, and I put it out of my head.