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Ow

My stomach twisted painfully

My brain imploded, and the question was asked quietly, in astonishment, “You want to start your own business?”

He looked at ered, but no response was offered

I tried to dispel the hhitof disconnect “You never talked about it I thought you were happy with us With Bleeding Hearts”

With me

“There’s nothing wrong anting more in life,” he rumbled, and it would have hurt less if he’d just taken his fist and slugged ht in the chest

He wanted more More than me

My mind went around in circles, but one particular question hadyour football scholarship?”

Please, say no Please, say no Say no

“No” He said the word confidently, and my wild stomach settled “I would have had toaway from y—” He cut himself off, then added quietly, “I didn’t want to move”

Okay

My heart pulsed heavily as he stopped hi the words I desperately needed to hear I took his cue, refused to look at hiently, “I would have followed you anywhere”

A heavy silence washed over us It locked us in place, and when I chanced a look at him, his heavy broere marred, but his eyes had softened some

I didn’t knoas going through his head, but when he spoke, his words puzzledHearts” He crossed one ankle over the other and reiterated, “Begged”

My chest tightened I breathed out, “What?”

His brows rose, and he atteot a shitty apartht, but I didn’t care I went hoas Whether I was at college in another state or working for your brother, I would have been in the sa good, you know?”

My stomach flip-flopped

“I had you” His voice changed, got lower, deeper, and held a sentiment I couldn’t name “I stayed for you”

The breath I’d been holding left me in a quiet whoosh

He’d never admitted it, but I always hoped