I knew she wasn’t happy, but it never occurred to me that she was actively looking until I saw the guilt in her eyes. I rubbed my face with both hands and tried to feel something besides relief. I found nothing. She was right. “I don’t think we need to say anything. I just hope you’re happy. You deserve it.”

“Look, I’m sorry but I need somebody who’s present in the relationship. I’m so lonely.”

It stung that she didn’t break up with me first, but I was a coward, and I wasn’t going to do it. My defenses went up and even though I knew I was to blame, I lashed out. “Well, it doesn’t look like you’re lonely anymore.” I patted for Crowbar and marched into the bedroom, locking the door behind me. She could sleep in the guest room for a change.

Chapter Nine—Touchdown

Past

Waking up with Parker tucked in my arms was the definition of heaven. She was snuggled against me and the small hairs on the back of her neck tickled my nose. Her breathing was even and low. I placed a small kiss on her temple and held her closer. School was starting in a couple of weeks and both cheer and football had grueling schedules over the summer. We spent every minute together knowing that once school started, our precious time would become scarce.

Parker’s breathing changed and I smiled when she stretched against me and pulled my arm closer to her breasts. “I could wake up like this every morning.”

I wasn’t used to sleeping next to another person and the excitement of her nearly naked body was too hard to resist. Sleeping wasn’t a thing. We’d make love, take a quick nap, eat food, make love again, fall asleep for a few hours, repeat, and repeat. This was our fourth Sunday morning together, our fourth overnight as a couple, and a month since we both lost our virginity.

I looked at the clock. “It’s almost time for you to leave.” I held her closer, praying just once she’d want to forget about family obligations and several hours of church to stay with me.

“I know. Plus, I hear your dad downstairs. He’s up early this morning.” Her voice was soft and quiet in the early morning stillness. She tapped my leg and slipped out from beneath the covers. I watched her reflection in the bathroom mirror as she brushed her teeth with the red toothbrush she had stashed in my bathroom. She winked when she noticed me watching her.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” I playfully pulled her back on the bed and was rewarded with a refreshing kiss.

“I would love to, but God needs me.” She laughed.