Mav and I walk out of the apartment talking about our impending trip. He wants to go visit Jagger and I want to go visit my sister.
“You’re okay with this assignment? Having to see my brother all the time?”
“Yeah.” I sound as surprised as I feel. Mitchell’s and my relationship is something we’ve never openly discussed with anyone. As far as I knew, only my sister was privy to that information, but it makes sense that his brothers would know as well.
“Okay, because if you need other UNC athletes to follow around, you know where you can find us.”
“Thanks, Mavy.” I kiss his cheek when he leans down to say goodbye and I walk into the apartment next door.
Chapter Sixteen
I’m exhausted from yesterday’s overwhelming shift at the coffee shop, and even more exhausted from my mind running all night. I was fully intending to sleep in, but when I hear the doorbell, I immediately know it’s time for the morning run. Not today, Mitchell. It’s what I tell myself over and over as I brush my teeth and get a robe, and what I greet him with as soon as I open the door and find him on the other side of it, dressed in workout shorts and a T-shirt that I can tell he turned into a muscle tank top.
“What do you mean not today? Yes today.”
“No. I’m tired.” I yawn. “Like seriously tired.”
“So am I.”
“I’m not the athlete. You are.” I let go of the door and walk away, not even bothering to stop in the kitchen to make myself coffee. I am not going today.
“So?”
“So, I’m not the one getting paid for my NIL or whatever.”
He chuckles behind me. “Nice. I’m not either. I already told you, it’s not official yet.”
“Just as well. I’m not going.” I climb back into bed, robe and all, and pull the comforter up.
Instead of leaving, he walks to the other side of the bed and plops down with a sigh.
“Seriously?” I turn on my side and look at him.
“Your bed is comfortable. More comfortable than mine.”
“Take it up with your parents. Didn’t they furnish these apartments?”
“Yep.” He yawns, eyes closed. “Maybe we can take a nap and run when we wake up.”
“Maybe you should go run by yourself. I’m not interested.”
“I’m not interested in running by myself.”
“Well, you have two roommates.”
“Nope.” He opens his eyes and meets mine. “I want you to go with me.”
“How’d you get in my bed anyway? I didn’t invite you.”
“You want me to leave?”
“Not really.” I shrug. “As long as you don’t try anything stupid.”
“And get kicked out for good?” He chuckles. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
I wait for him to close his eyes and then I do the same. It’s comforting having him here. Very reminiscent of that summer we shared together, the one that changed everything between us.
Chapter Seventeen
Past
Misty
There was a knock on the door, quickly followed by the sound of the doorbell, that woke me up from a nap. I yawned as I got out of bed, pulling the long, thin robe closed. I was wearing short shorts and a tank top underneath. It wasn’t like I was in lingerie or naked, but still. Through the peephole, I saw Mitchell Cruz. My eyes widened. I hadn’t seen him since last year, and as I opened the door, I swore he’d grown at least a foot taller. He grinned as I came into view, and my heart stuttered.
“Second day here and you’re napping?” His green eyes gleamed mischief as he spoke.
“I wasn’t napping. I was resting my eyes.” My brows furrowed as I stepped back, letting him into the apartment. “How’d you know I was napping anyway?”
“Your hair’s a mess.” He patted the top of my head and walked in with ease and comfort like he owned the place. I shut the door and looked at my reflection in the long mirror beside me.
My loose ponytail had come undone and my long, brown hair was in complete disarray. I pulled the elastic and fixed it. My cheeks were slightly pink and I wasn’t sure if it was from my interaction with Mitch or my nap. I looked like I was wearing light blush on my naturally olive, currently makeup-less skin. I stopped primping and followed Mitch into the living room. He had gotten taller. He was probably six foot three now. At five foot seven, I had to crane my neck to look at him, and for comparison, my father was six foot one, so I knew Mitch had to be right around that height. He’d filled out some as well, his tanned muscular arms a lot more defined. He was wearing a sleeveless workout T-shirt and shorts.
“What are you doing here anyway?” I asked.
“I was going to ask you if you wanted to go for a run.”
“A run?” My eyes widened. “What in the world would make you think I’d want to run on purpose?”
“Aw, come on, Misty. You run.”
“Not on purpose.” I blinked. “I’m not my sister.”
“But you can run, right?” His words were a bit slower, as if he needed to make sure of this before he asked again.
“Yes, but I don’t enjoy it.”
“Not even in Central Park? It’s beautiful there. You’d love it.”
“Can we walk in Central Park?” I crossed my arms.
“Sure, let’s go for a walk then.” He chuckled and I was sure I’d die then.
“When did you get hot?” I blurted out, then slapped my forehead.
Mitchell laughed harder. “When did you?”
“I’ve always been hot.” I shrugged.
“Really?” His eyes were full of mischief. “And I haven’t?”
“Not particularly. You were always lanky and tall, but not . . . not hot.”
“Well, then, I’m glad you think I’m hot now.”
“I mean, I don’t see why that matters. I’m just making an observation.”
“I’m glad you’re making it,” he said, and I could tell he was trying not to laugh at me.
“So, I guess I’ll go get ready for that walk?” I said awkwardly, walking toward the guest room I was staying in.
“Yep. I’ll be right here,” he said. “Where’s your aunt anyway?”
“She’s working on a big case. She told me to go upstairs and knock on your door, but I didn’t want to intrude,” I called out as I changed into the only pair of athletic shorts I brought, a sports bra, and sneakers. It would have to do. I’d only packed this in case I got bored and decided to go to Pilates with Aunt Nini, and even though that wasn’t happening, I was glad to be putting it to use.
“That sucks,” he said. He was facing the window when I walked out into the living room and turned around when he heard my squeaky sneakers. His eyes widened. “You were right.”
“About what?”
“You were always hot.” He cocked his head. “Scratch that. Beautiful. You’ve always been beautiful.”