The Romantic Pact (Kings of Football)(84)

I don’t know the future. I don’t know my own future, but I do know that Hazel is part of it. And the farm? Surely Pops wouldn’t leave Haze jobless and homeless. She was like a grandchild to him. Mom and Dad wouldn’t either, so how do I convince her that she’s not alone? That even if I don’t see her all the time, she’ll still be my girl?

I love her.

It’s as simple as that.

And I’ll work our future out.

So we’re together.





Crew: Something has happened.

River: Dude, what time is it there?

Hollis: Aren’t you six hours ahead or something like that?

Crew: It’s the middle of the night.

Hollis: So, something happened in the middle of the night?

River: Did you pull a David Rose and have a nighttime oopsie-daisy?

Hollis: I just cackled. Please tell us you wet the bed.

Crew: I didn’t have a nighttime oopsie-daisy. Jesus. I’m trying to tell you two idiots that I . . . fuck, I’m in love.

River: WHAT?

Hollis: Uh . . . in love with a German pastry?

Crew: No, with Hazel. I fucking love her.

River: Call me crazy, but you haven’t been on your trip that long. How could you fall in love with her?

Hollis: They did know each other before the trip.

Crew: I think I’ve always loved her. No, I don’t think it, I know it. And being with her again, it showed me how goddamn happy I am around her. This past week has been monumentally different. It’s as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I’ve returned home. I love her.

River: I did not expect this, but I’m happy for you, man.

Hollis: Last thing I thought you’d say, but seriously happy for you. What are you going to do when you get home?

Crew: Don’t know. Tomorrow is our last full day in Germany. When we get home, there’s a lot of shit we have to sift through, but I’m determined to make it work between us.

River: Let us know how we can help.

Hollis: Yeah, we’re here for you.





Chapter Fifteen





HAZEL





“I can’t believe this is our last day in Germany,” I say, holding Crew’s hand as we drive to Füssen.

After getting ready this morning, we had a quick breakfast and read where we’d be ending our trip. There wasn’t much to the letter, just Pops telling us where we’re going, but there was another letter we need to open when we get to the Neuschwanstein Castle. There were strict rules set by Pops that we’re to park at the base, to not bother with tickets, but to walk up the long driveway together and experience the nature around us. If we felt inclined to go inside, we could buy tickets, but Crew and I both agreed, we were more interested in listening to Pops.

“I know. I felt like it flew by. I’m going to miss how simple this has been.”

“Simple?” I ask.

“No outside factors, just you and me on this trip. When we return, there will be a lot more we’re going to have to face.”

I nod, even though his eyes are on the road. Last night, it felt like we were making love. Our connection felt deeper, more intimate than before. And the entire time he was inside me, slowly pumping, drawing out every last ounce of pleasure, I kept hearing his voice, promising me I won’t lose him. And this morning, when we woke up and he lowered his head between my legs, languidly bringing me to climax, only to slowly enter me, it felt real. Not like a fantasy, but that this could actually be my life.

That when we get back, we’ll be able to work this out.

“I have a question,” I say, feeling nervous but curious about the answer.

“Hit me.”

“Are you going to tell your parents about us when we get to New York?”

“It might be awkward if they see us holding hands, and they ask if something is going on and I deny it, don’t you think?”

His answer pulls a smile out of me. “So, just like that, huh? You’re not going to hide it?”

“Why would I hide you?” He shakes his head. “Nah, you’re someone I want everyone knowing about.”

“I mean, I am pretty awesome,” I say as a joke.

“You are, Haze.” He glances at me and his smirk nearly melts me into my seat. “Now that our trip is coming to an end, tell me what your favorite part was—well, besides the sex, because I know that’s chart-topping for you.”

It is.

Sex with Crew is easily the best sex I’ve ever had. Hands down, Crew knows how to pleasure me without even fumbling. It’s almost as if he can predict what I need before I need it.

But I’m not going to tell him that and inflate his ego more.

“Sex was subpar.”

He laughs. “Oh, okay. It’s cute that you try to lie about it.”

“Who says I’m lying?”

“Uh, the echoes of your moans that are still playing in my head from this morning. Or the scratches on my back from last night when you were begging for more.”

I fold my arms, removing my hand from his. “I was not begging.”

In a girly voice, Crew says, “Oh, Crew, please. Please, I need more.”

I playfully whack him. “Stop that.”