Melting the Ice(139)

            “You don’t have to sit here with me while I eat.”

            He cocked a brow. “Trying to get rid of me?”

            “Not at all. I just know you’ve all eaten already. I’m sure you’re busy, too.”

            “No game today. I’m all yours.”

            She leveled a smile at him. “Thank you.”

            “About that. I have to apologize to you.”

            “For what?”

            “For bailing on you.”

            Confused, she frowned at him. “You showed up today. Even with a car accident. My God, Drew, you ran three blocks.”

            “Not that. The advertising campaign.”

            “Oh.”

            “I was in my own head about the road games, trying to figure out what was going on and looking for something, anything—anyone—to blame.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “I blamed you.”

            “Me? Why?”

            He shrugged. “Because you were as convenient an excuse as anything else. Sometimes, in sports, they say dating a woman during the season is bad luck.”

            “Oh. And you think I’m your bad luck charm.”

            “Something like that.”

            “Okay.” So this was his breakup conversation. At least she was getting honesty from him, a reason behind his recent behavior. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense to her, but it was better than a disappearing act with no explanation.

            “The problem was, it wasn’t you. It was all me.” He pointed to his temple. “It was all in my head. Still is. Whatever problem the team is having winning road games, it isn’t you causing it.”

            “Good to know.”

            He grasped her hand. “I’m sorry I let you down, Lina. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. I acted like a selfish jackass and I hope you can forgive me.”

            Oh. So it wasn’t a breakup conversation. It was an apology, and one she hadn’t expected from Drew.

            “There’s nothing to forgive.”

            “I know you had to scramble to find someone else to do the photo shoot.”

            “Drew, I—”

            “I know it came in the middle of you preparing for the biggest debut of your life.”

            “Drew, really, I—”

            “And that makes me the shittiest boyfriend in the world.”

            Boyfriend? He’d called himself her boyfriend? They’d never once defined their relationship.

            “You’re my boyfriend?”

            “I don’t know. Lover? The guy who’s in love with you. Whatever you want to call me, I suck at it.”

            She shuddered in a breath. He loved her? “You love me?”

            “Shit. I told you I suck at this.” He took her hand. “Yes. I love you. I should have told you sooner, Lina. Not that I deserve to have your love after what I did to you. I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. And I promised you I wouldn’t let you down again. I’m not a guy who goes back on his promises. Can you ever forgive me for that?”

            She was so overcome by his words that all she could do was stare at him.