The Guy in the Middle (The Underdogs 3)

“Yeah, but you’re speaking so casually about this.”

She frowns. “I know, it’s just…I think when you’ve been through possibly the worst thing that will ever happen to you, it changes you a little. I feel for other people, like really feel for them, I can empathize, but that incident kind of made me, I don’t know, tougher…harder to hurt? Less quick to bruise.”

I lift her to lay on my chest and thread my fingers through her hair.

“I’m sorry that happened to you,” I whisper to her temple.

“It was just a mistake, you know? Something that I could’ve lived with and learned from, but Dad said modern technology made it impossible. At least that’s his take. And that’s why doing what I did to you makes me a frigging idiot.”

“That’s different, you didn’t mean to take a picture of my ass.?

?

“Different, but I’m still guilty.”

“Let it go,” I nudge her with my chin, “I have.”

“Promise?”

“Swear.”

“Thank you.”

She lifts my hand and measures ours in size against my palm, and I lace our fingers. “Since then, Dad’s kind of watched me like a hawk in that respect. He just doesn’t want to see me hurt like that, ever again.”

“Understandable.”

She smiles up at me. “And since then, I’ve been afraid to pull the trigger with guys. Until you. That’s why I was hesitant to walk away from this but knew I had to. That we both needed to.”

“This is a mutual decision.”

“I know. And you should know you’re the first guy I’ve ever really trusted. And I know,” she says softly resting her chin on my chest. “I just know you won’t hurt me. Not like that.”

“I won’t.”

She smiles. “I said I know.”

“How?”

She shrugs. “With you, things are just different. I’m not afraid of you, even though you’re a mammoth meathead with a nasty temper.”

“Nice.”

Lance

I hate surprises. They give me anxiety. Being put on the spot is a fear of mine. I always end up freezing, making a fool of myself or lashing out. So, when my girlfriend asked if she could plan my birthday, I was hesitant, but gave her permission. I glance over at her as she drives, my knee bouncing. For the last month and a half, it’s been smooth sailing. With the season underway, it’s been a tough gain for every win. Coach hasn’t let up much at all, and we’ve all been paying for my secret relationship. My resentment for him is growing, but I leave Harper out of it.

Our days at the gym have been cut down to one, and we utilize that day, and every other I’m not out of town for a game. I’m always eager to watch her dance while we’re at our gym and she’s always at my feet while I’m boxing, quick to point out whatever YouTube advice she’s learned on the sport the night before. I humor her, though it’s not much help. We’ve hit a groove. Our bond only growing as we spend endless hours learning each other, and not just physically. The more we stay together, the more I’m convinced we made the right decision. Even with all the time we’ve spent exploring the other, she’s not wearing on me a bit, my need for her only grows.

“At least give me a hint.”

Harper exits onto the interstate and shakes her head. “Is it, or is it not, your birthday?”

“Yes.”

“And did you, or did you not, agree to let me plan something tonight?”

“I did.”