Page 26 of The Pact
I can tell she doesn’t believe me, but I’m not ready to tell her that I slept with Saint and that it’s been on my mind today. I know she wouldn’t judge me or anything, I just don’t know that I can admit to someone else that what I feel for him might be more than friendship. Especially if I can’t admit it to myself.
The locker room is empty when I walk in. The players and coaches haven’t started to come back in yet.
I move to the supply room to look for a special line of KT Tape for Alonzo. The door to the locker room opens, but I don’t hear anyone talking, so I peek around the corner and see Saintwalking to his station with his head down, a slight limp to his walk.
He hasn’t seen me yet when he takes a seat. One elbow braces on this thigh, and the other hand rubs his knee.
My chest tightens.
For just a second, I watch him. Not the player, but the man I know. I think about our conversation the last time I was at his house, his honesty, and the truths he shared with me. I know that wasn’t easy for him to do.
I clear my throat. “Knee bothering you?”
He doesn’t look up.
“A little, but I’m good,” he says.
I walk toward him. “Saint?—”
“I’m fine.”
“If you’re rubbing it, it’s not fine. That knee isn’t cleared for anything strenuous.”
“Strenuous?” he echoes, amused. “You’re really sticking to that?”
“Yes. Doctor’s orders.” I put my hand on my hip. “Don't distract me with your charm by trying to get out of completing your rehab. You have two more weeks.”
“Funny,” he murmurs, eyes dropping to my mouth. “Last time you said I was a distraction … didn’t seem like you wanted me taking it easy.”
My breath catches. “That’s not?—”
“And if I remember right,” he adds, softer, “you were the one who stopped fighting it.”
I turn my back to him because I don’t want him to watch me unravel.
“You’re getting some ice,” I say as I walk away.
“I didn’t ask for ice.”
“I’m not giving you the choice.”
I walk over to the freezer and reach in to grab one of the packs. When I turn, he’s standing right behind me. I don’t know how he moves without me hearing him.
He steps in closer, crowding me till my back hits the freezer door, one hand flat against the metal beside my head. Immediately, for the second time today, my thoughts go back to the day we had sex.
The way his hands felt on me. The way he kissed me. The way he made me come like I never have before.
My breath catches when he leans in close to my ear.
“Presley,” he says lowly, “have you been avoiding me today?”
I can practically feel his body heat wrap around me.
“Of course not. It’s crazy out there today. I’m just busy trying to keep track of everyone.”
He’s too close. I need to get out of here.
“Here, take the ice and put it on your knee,” I say, holding it out for him to take.
