Page 56 of The Player

“I know. But you left my bed without much of an explanation, and then I didn’t hear from you. I thought maybe . . .” Nicole shrugged. She didn’t want to stand here asking whether Saturday night had meant anything to him, but she’d spent too much time wondering.

“I got in my own fucking head,” Drew said. “I was busy, yeah, but I could’ve found five damn minutes. Truth is, waking up with you scared the shit out of me. I wanted to stay. I almost turned around twice before I made it to my truck.” He shook his head. “Every time I thought about calling, I knew I couldn’t act like Saturday was casual, because it wasn’t. Not to me.”

Nicole reached for his hand, and his fingers closed around hers.

“I want more of this,” he said. “More of you.”

“I want more of this too.” Nicole brushed her thumb over his hand. “And I get it, stuff happens and plans fall through. If you’re busy, tell me. If you get in your head and need a minute, tell me that too. Just don’t disappear on me and leave me guessing. This can’t become a habit.”

“It won’t.”

She glanced toward the hallway, then back at him. “It’s late, and I’ve had a shitty day. Let’s go to bed.”

Drew let out a long breath. “Yeah. Please.”

He grabbed his bag without letting go of her hand, and Nicole led him down the hallway.

In her bedroom, Drew set the bag beside the dresser while she pulled back the covers. He kicked off his shoes, dragged his shirt over his head, and stepped out of his pants, leaving the clothes on the chair. Nicole watched him cross to the bed in his boxer briefs. On any other night, she’d have had a hard time remembering they were only going to sleep.

Once he’d climbed in, he lifted an arm for her. Nicole switched off the lamp and slid in beside him, resting her head on his bare chest as he gathered her close. With one hand across his stomach and his skin warm under her cheek, she finally relaxed. Drew stroked her arm while she listened to his heartbeat.

“I’m glad you came over tonight,” she said.

“Me too.”

She traced her fingers over his abs. “I’m falling for you.” Saying it was easier than she’d expected.

His arm tightened around her. “I’m falling pretty fucking hard myself.”

Nicole smiled against his chest. “Good.”

Drew gave a tired laugh and kissed the top of her head.

Her hand stilled on his stomach. “You know people are going to have a lot to say about us.”

“People have a lot to say about everything.”

“I’m serious, Drew.”

“So am I.” His hand moved along her arm. “What are they gonna tell me? That you’re Black? I noticed.”

Nicole laughed softly. “You know what I mean.”

“Yeah. I do.”

“And it’s not just that you’re white. It’s you. People are already in your business all the time.”

“Doesn’t mean they get a say in who I’m with.”

“No, but we’re still the ones who have to deal with it.”

For a moment, Drew was quiet. Nicole ran her fingertips up and down his arm while she waited.

“They’ll say you’re distracting me,” he said. “I have a bad game, and somehow it’ll be your fault.”

“Exactly.”

“Then I throw four touchdowns the next Saturday, and they forgive me.” His hand stopped against her shoulder. “They won’t forgive you that easily.”