“You need help packing?” Reese asks when we pull back into the house.
“No. I’m all set. I do have a bag for you, though. You want to come in while I get it?”
“Sure.” Together, we exit her car and head into the house. “I’ll just wait here,” she tells me. I nod and race up the stairs taking them two at a time.
My room is packed, the bed is stripped, and most of the boxes are already loaded into my Jeep. Grabbing the CU backpack off the bed, I throw it over my shoulder and head back downstairs.
“Here. This has all of your stuff from my room.”
“Thanks.” She takes the bag and places it on her shoulder. “Why does this feel like we’re breaking up?” she asks. She’s looking at the floor, and I see her wipe her eyes.
“Come here, Reese.” I don’t give her a chance not to. I step into her space and wrap my arms around her. “This is not a breakup. This is a see you soon. This is not goodbye. You are my best friend, and I don’t care what I have to do, I will be seeing you. I’ll spend every dime of my contract to make it happen.”
“You can’t do that. You have a plan, both professional and financial. You have to stick to it.”
“There is nothing that could keep me away from you. You know that, right?”
“I do.” She lifts her head, and her green eyes are swimming with tears. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
My chest heaves as I fight back my emotions. “I’ll call you when I get there. I’m leaving as soon as I round up the guys to say goodbye. Maybe you can come home, or I can come back for a weekend before I move?”
“We’ll figure it out. You need to go be the incredible running back that you are. Show those Defenders that you’re money well spent.”
I smile at her. “You’re going to have to drive up to help me decorate my new place.”
“I can definitely make that happen. We both know you need my help.”
I pull her back into my chest for one more tight hug. “Promise me if you need me, you call me day or night. I don’t care if you need to tell me that you stubbed your toe. You call me. No matter what.”
“Come on, Coop. You’re going to have better things to worry about.”
“Never anything more important than you.” I realize as I say the words, that it’s the truest statement I’ve ever spoken.
“I should go, so you can get on the road.” She pulls away and wipes at her cheeks. “Bye, Coop.”
“Bye, Reese.” With my hands fisted at my sides, I watch her walk out the door. I rush to the window and stare after her until I can no longer see her car. I’ve never been in a relationship to experience heartbreak, but if it’s anything like this, I don’t plan on finding out anytime soon. There is one word that can describe this moment.
Agony.Chapter 22ReeseIt’s hard to believe that it’s been three weeks since everyone left. Work keeps me busy during the day, and at night, Hunter and I usually have dinner and hang out. The more time we spend together, the more he cements how great of a guy he is. He sent me flowers on my first day on the job as an official employee. He brings dinner and gives the best foot massages.
“So, what do you think?” Hunter asks from his seat beside me. It’s Friday night, and we decided to order Chinese food and hang out. Our bellies are full, and we’re lounging on the couch.
“I don’t know. You don’t think it’s too soon?” I ask him.
“Reese, we’ve been dating for months. I really want you to meet my family.”
“What if they hate me?” I’m not just being coy; I’m being real here. I’ve never really dated. Not a serious relationship like this one. I’ve never had to meet the family, and I’m stressing the hell out about it.
“They’re going to love you just like I do.”
I freeze. He cups my face in the palm of his hands. “I’m crazy about you, Reese Latham. You have to know that.” His thumb gently slides back and forth across my cheek. “I’m in love with you. I know you’re not there yet, but that doesn’t change how I feel about you. Please, come home with me over the holiday weekend. Meet my family.”
I nod. “Okay.”
He leans in and presses his lips to mine. “Thank you.”
I’m nervous as hell, but he’s right. We’ve been dating for months, and it’s not that I don’t want to meet them. I’m just afraid they won’t like me or think that Hunter can do better. I know that’s just my nerves talking, and he’ll be there with me every step of the way.