If things were different, if I wasn’t about to leave town, maybe we could have found a way to break the news to Derrick that didn’t end in disaster and seen if we could make it as a couple.
But I am leaving. And I can’t keep that from her. No matter what promises I made to Derrick, I have to be honest with Evie. I have to tell her the truth, and if she decides she’d rather not keep our date tonight, then I’ll go to the hotel alone…even though I did spring for the suite with the mountain view with her in mind.
We should talk before we head out, I text back, my stomach balling into a stress knot. There are things you should know. About me and how much time I have left in New York.
My phone rings, making me jump and earning me a dirty look from the woman behind the counter as she pushes my paperwork closer and points to the elevator. “P3. Choose any car from row five.”
“Thanks,” I say before taking the call, “Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me,” Evie says, sounding breathless.
“Yeah, I know,” I say, smiling again as I start toward the elevator. “Your name popped up when you called.”
“Right. Duh. Sorry. I’m a little frazzled,” she says, her breath still coming faster. “I’m running up to grab my suitcase before Harlow gets home so I don’t have to answer any questions about where I’m going until we get back. But I still want to go with you tonight, okay? No matter what. Even if you do end up moving to another team.”
I blink. “How did you know?”
“The writing’s on the wall, Ian,” she says gently, “and I’m not stupid. And you aren’t either. You’re going to come to the decision that’s best for you as a person and a player, no doubt in my mind. But I bet you could use a friend right now, to help you talk through your options. And it just so happens I’m an excellent sounding board.”
“You are,” I agree, touched. “And that sounds great. Thanks, Evie.”
“My pleasure,” she says, before adding in a softer, but still breathy voice, “And it will be my pleasure, buddy. You’re not getting out of that part so easily. If you don’t want your bones jumped, you’re going to have to come up with a compelling argument against sexy times.”
The elevator dings. “Noted. I’ll be at the rendezvous point in twenty minutes. Be ready to roll.”
“I was born ready,” she says with a giggle that’s nearly as cute as she is. “Okay, that’s totally not true, I was born overly cautious and odd but I’m ready now. And so are you. Whatever life has lined up next, we’re going to crush it.”
“We are,” I say, emotion making my throat tight as I add, “Elevator’s here. I’m on my way. See you soon.”
I end the call and step into the elevator, my usual optimism rising inside of me again.
Evie’s right. We’re both ready for whatever comes next.
I just wish we wouldn’t be crushing our future goals on opposite sides of the country while leading separate lives.
Chapter 25
Evie
I’m early to our rendezvous point on Avenue B, but Ian is already waiting for me, leaning against a snazzy silver convertible wedged between a delivery van and an ancient Oldsmobile covered with parking tickets.
I pause, my brows lifting. “Wow.”
“I told you I was renting a car.”
“A car,” I say, laughing as I wander closer, “not a down payment on a house. How much does this cost in real life? Like…a hundred grand?”
“About a hundred and fifty,” he says, nodding toward the duffle bag on my arm. “May I take your luggage, miss?”
“Yikes,” I say, anxiety making my pulse race as he takes my bag and tucks it into the back seat. “What if we wreck it?”
“We’re not going to wreck it,” he says, seeming remarkably relaxed considering his life is about to be turned upside down. “But if we do, it’s covered under my insurance.”
I exhale. “Oh, good. That will make it easier to enjoy, though I confess I struggle with fancy things. I still refuse to eat off the china Harlow inherited from her grandmother. I get so stressed worrying that I’m going to break it that I can’t enjoy the meal.”
He wraps his arms around my waist, drawing me against him, sending a warm rush of gratitude and excitement rushing across my skin. It just feels so good to be close to him—energizing and comforting at the same time.
“It’s probably a good thing you’re leaving,” I say with a wobbly smile. “Before I get hooked on your hugs.” I clear my throat and force an upbeat tone. “So, when do you leave? And where are you going?”
“Not sure on the where yet,” he says. “My agent and I are going to hash it out on Monday. But if I make a decision quickly…I could be out of here as early as Tuesday or Wednesday.”
My eyes bulge and my heart shrivels. “What? That fast?”
His brow furrows but his eyes never leave mine. “Yeah. We’re already so close to the preseason. My new team will want me in practice ASAP.”
I nod and swallow past the lump forming in my throat. “Right. That makes sense.”
“And if that changes your mind about tonight, I get it,” he says. “I already know I’m going to want a hell of a lot more than one night with you, but…that might be all we get. There’s a good chance I’ll end up in Oregon or somewhere else on the West Coast.”
I hitch my chin up, pushing aside the misery inspired by the thought of Ian thousands of miles and a long-ass plane ride away from me. I’m not going to ruin the present by stressing out about the future. I’m going to treasure every minute with Ian, burn every memory into my brain, and make the most of the time we have left.
“All right,” I whisper, “then we’d better make tonight a good night.”
His eyes narrow. “Are you sure?”
I smile. “Yes. There are millions of women in the world who will never know what it’s like to be with a sweet, sexy man who makes them feel like the hottest girl in the city. I’m not going to let them down by skipping out on my chance for one amazing night just because I can’t have more.”
“You’re going to bang me for the sex-starved women in Saudi Arabia?” he asks, his lips twitching.
“Yes. And Idaho and Orlando and Southern California. We have sex-starved women right here at home, Ian,” I say as I wrap my arms around his neck.
He bends his head closer to mine. “Sorry. My mistake. Thanks for setting me straight.”
“Anytime,” I murmur as his lips meet mine. The kiss is a tame one—closed lips, no roaming hands, and just the slightest teasing brush of his tongue against mine—but it still makes my head spin and my body burn all over. By the time he pulls back, my breath is coming faster, and dry panties are a thing of the past. “Shall we get the heck out of here?” I ask. “The sooner we leave, the sooner we’re going to be naked in whatever hotel room you’ve booked.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he rumbles before pressing a kiss to my cheek and adding softly, “I’m glad I make you feel like the sexiest woman in the city. Because you are. And the sweetest. I’m glad you’re in my life, Evie. I hope you always will be.”