“Right back at you.” I can’t help myself. I kiss her again and again until we’re both floating a foot off the ground, eager, needy. When I pull away, her eyes remain closed for a few seconds, and it’s all the affirmation I need. She’s worth the risk.
I cup her face. “Thank you, Priss. This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me in a very long time.”
She smiles up at me. “Are you ready, Champ?”
“Hell yeah. Let’s do this.”
Hours later a half-eaten cake lays on my nightstand as we separate, panting together in a sweaty heap. There’s so much noise downstairs that tonight it was a free for all. We lay on our sides, facing each other as I run my palm down her arm.
“Happy Birthday.”
“Best birthday I’ve had in forever, thank you.” I kiss her temple.
“So, you were quiet on the way home. What did you think?”
“I was still a little shocked about what you did.”
“You’re just a physical away from getting started. He said you’d be eligible for heavyweight and you can bulk up after the season.”
“I haven’t fought since I was eighteen.”
“So, you’re rusty. You’ll get back into it. Tony said you’d be sparring in a month,” she adds as if I wasn’t there soaking up the surreal situation. “Do you like him?”
“A lot more than my other coach at the moment.”
She frowns. “I know.”
“He’s a former heavyweight. He’s got connections. This could be a real thing.”
“I think you stunned him with what you know.”
I grimace. “He said he’s going to have to correct a lot of bad habits I’ve formed training alone.”
“You’ve so got this.” We’re whispering now and the more we talk, the closer we’re being drawn to the other. It’s as if we physically can’t be separated. My head’s a fucking mess full of her. I’m having a hard time keeping my distance, and I’ve just had her. I can’t get close enough.
“You really believe I can do this, don’t you?”
“Without a doubt. You’re the best investment I’ve ever made.”
“Then I’ll do the work. I’ll prove you right.”
“I know.”
I sink further into the bed pulling her to me. “What do you want?”
“I told you, I want to dance. It’s all I’ve wanted since I was a little girl watching videos over and over in my parents’ basement. It’s all I want now.”
“And after?”
“Nothing past that goal. Nothing. I’m good just getting to that point. Making it happen.”
“I get it. Getting drafted is all I’ve concentrated on for years.”
“Are you ever going to tell me why it’s so important? You said it was more than just playing in the NFL.”
“It is.”
“Tell me.”