The Game Changer(9)

Just in case what?

You cannot call her until you have your shit together. Until Chrystle is out of your life for good. No calling or e-mailing Cassie until you’re rid of all your baggage.

I glanced at the clock on my DVD player. Eight p.m. That made it eleven in New York.

I thought we just covered this?

Desperation coursed through me at the very idea of hearing how she sounded. I suddenly needed to hear Cassie’s voice. Convinced there was no way she’d still be in the office, I dialed her work number, my heart thundering in my chest with each ring.

“You’ve reached the desk of Cassie Andrews, junior photographer.”

My abs contracted as the sound of her voice coursed into my ear.

“I’m sorry I missed your call, but please leave me a detailed message and I’ll return it as soon as possible. If this is urgent, please press zero to return to reception. Thank you.”

A beep played, and I quickly pressed the End button on my cell, my breathing ragged. She sounded happy… cheerful, even. My heart pinched with pain at the realization that she could be just fine without me. I longed for her happiness, but in all honesty, I wanted to be a part of it. She had become a permanent fixture within me. I struggled to remember what it felt like before she burrowed herself into my soul. I couldn’t remember existing without her. Every part of me had become tied to her. It was in that very moment I realized how fucking desperate I was for her to feel the same way about me, and how I honestly had no idea if she still did.




“You called my work phone and hung up? I love it.” She leaned her head against my shoulder before pressing her soft lips against my cheek.

“I did that a lot.”

“How much is a lot?”

“Almost every night,” I admitted, reaching my hand through the open space in the chair and resting it on the small of her back. I hoped she’d think my actions were cute instead of creepy.

“You called my work voice mail almost every night, but you never called the real me?”

Shit.

“Not while I was still…” I paused, not wanting to say the word “married.” I shuddered.

“You’re so stubborn sometimes,” she chastised.

“I know. But I swear my heart’s in the right place.” As if I hadn’t asked her to understand enough already, I longed for her to understand this part as well.

“Your heart and I are going to have a chat later. Get on the same page.”

“I look forward to it.” I raised my eyebrows, and she swatted my shoulder.

“So, once your season was over, did you move back home with Gran and Gramps in California? I think I remember Melissa telling me that you were back there.”

I pushed my chair back from the table, grabbed both of our bowls, and placed them in the sink. I’d wash them later. And for the record, I do not do dishes. But for Cassie I’d do the whole city’s dishes if she asked. “Yeah. I flew back to stay with Gran and Gramps right after the season ended. I really missed them.”

“I bet they missed you too.” Her green eyes twinkled with her words. I love how they do that sometimes when she’s excited or reminiscing.

“It was nice being home, you know? Surrounded by people who actually give a shit about you and your future.”

I wiped my hands on a dish towel before leading her toward the living-room couch. I pulled her head onto my chest and sighed as she wrapped her arm around me, her fingers gripping my skin.

“Is it weird that I miss your grandparents more than I miss my own parents?” She giggled against my chest.

“Nah, your parents sorta suck.”

“So do yours,” she shot back defensively, her body tensing.

“No shit.”

“Well, aren’t we a pair?” She relaxed her shoulders and my nerves eased.

“I think so.” I kissed the top of her head, breathing in her shampoo. She always smelled so damn good.

“Were Gran and Gramps freaking out about everything?”

My stomach tightened at the memories currently flooding my mind. “They were really sad, mostly. I think Gran took it the hardest. It hurt her knowing something was happening to me that she couldn’t fix or make better.”

Cassie’s head nodded into my chest. “Poor Gran.”

“Yeah. It sucked. I felt fucking horrible. I still do.” My breath hitched.

She arched her neck, pulling back her head to look at me as cold air filled the now empty space on my chest. “Don’t do that to yourself, Jack. It’s over now.” Her mouth formed into a smile, and I tried to smile back but failed.

“Do they know you’re here? With me?” she asked, her voice trembling. What the hell would Cassie have to be nervous about when it comes to my grandparents? They adore her. She had to know that.