“Coop,” she grunts. “Alarm.”
Pulling away from her, I roll over and smack at the nightstand until the offending beeping stops. I roll back over and wrap my arms back around her. It’s wrong, but I can’t help it. I’ve missed her.
“I don’t want to get up,” she says over a yawn.
“We can lie here a little longer.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, there’s a pounding on my bedroom door.
“Get your asses out of bed!” Trey says. “We got some ass to kick and some names to take!” he yells loudly, before tromping down the stairs.
“So much for a little longer.” Reese chuckles and throws the covers off her before climbing out of bed.
Just like that, my moment with her is over, and I don’t know if I’ll ever have one like it again. I hate that I feel so off-balance when it comes to her. When it comes to us, it was always easy. I never questioned anything, and now that seems to be all that I do. I need to get my head screwed on straight before people start to notice.
“Time to get up, lazybones.” She grins. “I need to run downstairs and grab my bag. I forgot that I didn’t have anymore clothes here.”
“You do. They’re in the bottom drawer,” I tell her.
“Oh.”
I watch her as she bends over and pulls open the bottom drawer. She pulls out a pair of leggings and a long-sleeve CU T-shirt. Then her bra and panties. She always leaves a full outfit here just in case. There are even pajamas in there, but I pretended to forget that from last night. I’d rather see her in my clothes.
“Looks like I have what I need.” She turns to face me with her clothes in her hand.
“Your bag with all your bathroom stuff is in the bottom of my closet.”
“Perfect. Thanks, Coop.” She grabs the bag and leaves the room.
I took my shower last night before she got here, so I climb my ass out of bed and get dressed. By the time I’m done, Reese is back with a towel on her head. “I didn’t want to hog the bathroom, so I’ll just get ready in here.”
That’s not an issue. She’s done her hair in here before. What the issue is is that my room will smell even more like her. I’m struggling as it is. The only saving grace is that we’re going to be gone a week.
“I need to piss and brush my teeth,” I say, giving her shoulder a soft squeeze as I pass her to leave my room. I shut the door behind me and force my legs to move away from her. I don’t know what’s going on with me. Reese seems fine. Sure, last night she was sad, but today she’s just my Reese. I need to get past this.
Thirty minutes later, the Expedition my parents rented is loaded, and we all pile in. Reese and I are in the front as I’m driving the first leg of the trip. Hell, it’s only three hours, I might just drive the entire way. Lord knows my long-ass legs would be more comfortable up front than squished in the back.
“Combine here we come!” Trey calls out, and we all cheer.
I’ve waited for this moment as long as I can remember. I can’t believe it’s finally here. Glancing over at Reese in the passenger seat, she’s singing softly to the radio, taking in the scenery. Without a doubt, there is no one else in this world I’d rather have on this journey with me.It’s been a long, grueling week. The Combine was an experience I will never forget. Meeting the professional players, getting their advice and wisdom. Competing with the best of the best. If I never get drafted, I’ll still be glad I came. It was definitely a good experience. It helped to know that Reese and our parents were here to cheer me on. You don’t realize what the support of loved ones means until you are in this kind of situation. I know that they are here for me and no other reason.
“How do you feel about it?” Reese asks from her spot in the passenger seat.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, I see that everyone else is already asleep. They’re all exhausted, and I am too, but I’m too amped to sleep. Maybe it was getting so much time with Reese and our parents? “Good. I’m feeling confident.”
“As you should.” She swats at my arm. “My best friend, a professional football player. I know this has been your dream. We’ve talked about it countless times, but to witness this past week… the hard work paying off… it’s a sight to see. I’m really proud of you, Coop.”
“Thanks. I’m glad you were there. It felt right, you know?” I have the urge to reach over and hold her hand, but I know that’s crossing a line that I’m not allowed to cross.