Sara Wilkinson

@swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social

607 Followers 560 Following

✨Contemporary romance author currently querying ✨Baker and lover of all things chocolate ✨Rugby lover and former second row ✨MSU Grad

Stubborn Dreams and bottled love EXCERPT: The offer, now that was a larger, more menacing beast. Sweet, yes. Probably one of the sweetest things any man, any person had ever suggested. As ever, Matt amazed her with his kindness, his valiantness. But that didn’t make his offer, or her acceptance, right. No matter how shiny, how tempting, how…breathtaking, accepting wouldn’t be fair. To her, yes, but mostly to him. It would only prolong the inevitable—one of them giving up their dream for the other. Nat by moving back to Lakeside Heights for his pediatrics practice or, more likely, Matt staying in Chicago, or wherever her soccer career curved, and practicing medicine away from the very people he sought to help. And Nat doubted she could make a relationship work while living in the same city any more than if they lived in separate cities regardless of their nearness. Somehow, she’d disappoint Matt as she had her dad, and he’d leave.
“How dare you?” Nat poked his chest. The tip of her finger bent back from the solidness of his chest and the force of her indignation. Outrage better directed at the other two, but this gatecrasher was an easier target. “I had the situation under control.” “I think we have different definitions of control.” “Don’t be cute.” “Can’t help it.” The man’s seemingly casual shrug incensed Nat more. Her finger rose to poke him again, but he grabbed her hand with his soft one, holding a heartbeat too long. The touch, the connection was more intoxicating than the one beer and more welcome than she dared admit. Dangerous almost. She hadn’t time for any man, let alone one that gallantly rescued her. Which better explained this unreasonable disruption of her pulse. “Women do not need rescuing.” Nat’s anger flatlined after that too brief connection. “It’s the 21st century, not the Middle Ages.”
Bingo card with 'Slow Burn', 'Found Family', and 'Friends-to-Lovers' X-ed out to show tropes in my novel.
With a huff, Nat slipped from her no longer cool sheets and sat on the edge of her bed with her head in her hands, smothering her sobs. Tears of sadness and anger. Once depleted, Nat stood and shuffled downstairs for tea. Fuck it. Cheat day. Nat filled a small saucepan with milk for hot cocoa despite the continued warmth of the day. As she stirred, she swore a hint of peppermint wafted over her.
“You’d risk permanent injury for a pipe dream?” Now Nat reared back. Had she so misjudged him? “I didn’t mean that.” Matt stepped forward with raised hands. The horror on his face seemed genuine, but Nat couldn’t process it, couldn’t hear his words over the buzzing in her ears. All her hard work. All the hours she put into practicing and playing. The closeness of her realized dream. And now someone, someone she started caring for despite her hesitations, slapped her with the idea of it being all for naught.
Even if she didn’t, she wouldn’t miss this ceremony any more than his last one. Nat flopped on the suitcase and zipped it around her chest rather than grabbing a larger bag. What she stuffed in there she couldn’t even guess. An outfit for all seasons. An outfit for all emotions more like. Sexy or sweet, casual or dressy. She wasn’t sure which tone she wanted to set when she saw Matt again. And it wasn’t as if she hadn’t seen him. Often. Too often?
“There’s bushes and…wait, did you see Hilary?” “Where?” Matt crouched and swiveled his neck like an owl. That’s all he needed. Hilary hadn’t believed his excuse for ending things. And he hadn’t told her the full truth. He focused on the part that would hurt the least, his busyness, not his belief they had nothing in common and zero chemistry. And he knew chemistry. He wouldn’t survive med school without such an understanding. Nor had he mentioned he hadn’t sought the relationship to begin with.
Nat watched Tess leave as she tried controlling her breathing, her raging emotions, too many to name, before returning to Matt and his…gulp…girlfriend. “Hungry?” Nat tried for calmness, but her voice registered an octave too high. “Starved,” Ashley said. Oblivious or too polite to notice the tension strumming between the other three. “Maybe we should stop at our hotel first?” Leslie threw Matt a look that said they needed a good, long, private talk. AKA argument. Apparently meeting Nat was as much a surprise for Leslie as meeting Leslie was for Nat. Fun. Fabulous. Fantastic. Fuck.
Stubborn dreams and bottled love EXCERPT: “I’m not ready for this to end.” Nat searched his eyes with eyes full of understanding. Too much understanding. As if she too knew this, whatever this was, had to end. Every time he held her, he wanted more from her. Something Nat couldn’t, wouldn’t give. Not yet. Maybe someday. An improbable idea, not an impossible one. Where’s there’s life, there’s hope. But that hope dwindled with each passing semester, each passing season. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could or should wait. With his all-encompassing residency starting in a few weeks and Nat playing in the Olympics later this year on top of her already grinding schedule, such hope died a slow death.
Using that untapped energy, Nat threw off the comforter and slipped into running shorts, a tank top, and her newest pair of running shoes. She checked the other bedrooms as she walked toward the bathroom and kitchen. Each of her roomies slept in varying poses—Lucy wrapped tight in her sheets like a mummy, Priya half in-half out of her blankets, and Charlotte, well, she looked like a beached starfish.
Since she learned of his invitation, his mom asked backhanded questions disguised as info gathering whenever they spoke. But the past eight hours took the cake. She hadn’t stopped talking about Phyllis or Nat since breakfast. More fool her. Matt knew her game all too well from past antics when Georgie brought home gal friends. Hence why he hadn’t brought anyone home before now. Yeah, that was the reason. Not his nerdiness. Not his dedication to academics.
“Setting that aside for a minute, let’s discuss whether you consider us friends…in the making.” Matt waited with his fork and knife hovering over his decadent breakfast, a sugar coma in the making right before his next class. “Friends share.” Nat blurted. A laugh burst from Matt’s chest as he took in Nat’s scrunched nose and eyes pointed downward like a raccoon at a closed dumpster. “Are you coveting my breakfast?”
He noticed a small sad smile before Nat glanced away. A few steps later, she asked, “If your sister pulled such a scene, what would you do?” “Retaliate. But not right away.” Matt leaned in, inhaling her freshly mown grass and summer breeze scent as he added, “Fair warning.” He straightened before he did something he’d regret. “Oh, I’m so scared.” “You should be. My sister won’t even look at Lucky Charms after I switched the cereal pieces with cat food.”
And Phyllis should know. She had Nat at a young age with a man that couldn’t bother sticking around until Nat reached the double digits. She repeatedly assured Nat that she wouldn’t change a thing. Yes, the relationship ended with his desertion, but it gave her Nat. Her happy little accident. And for that, she’d make the mistake again and again if ever stuck in a Groundhog Day loop, a movie they watched every February 2nd even when apart.
“Only if you make enough for the class,” Charlotte said. “You cook the best meals. I feel like I’ve lost five pounds since classes started. I bet I could lose another ten if I followed your exercise regime.” Priya snorted. Quickly apologizing for Charlotte’s hurt feelings. “None of us could keep up with the Ball Queen—” “Eww. That brain of yours couldn’t do better.” Nat ignored Priya’s wink and focused on Charlotte. “And you don’t need to lose weight, Char. You’re beautiful, inside and out, and lovely and sweet.”
Confused about the connection, but intrigued all the same, Matt tilted his head and contemplated Nat’s eagerness. “I guess it depends on the options. I like flavors with different textures, but sometimes—” Before he could enjoy her brightening demeanor, a honeyed voice behind him cooed, “Is that…Nat?”
Whatever he called it, he couldn’t help thanking divine intervention. He hadn’t stopped thinking about her since she entered her apartment building. Once he reached his own, he barely slept as he replayed their interaction. Granted the noise of Devin returning hadn’t helped. The man blew in like a tornado when a gentle breeze would suffice. He banged and clanged as he heated a breakfast sandwich, cracked a Coke, and watched a horror movie. By the break of dawn, Matt rolled out of bed exhausted, slipped into running gear, and ran down the three flights of stairs and out. Retracing those steps an hour later, tired, sweaty, and hungry.
Nat wrapped her arms over her chest and stood tall in a show of defiance she couldn’t muster. Her five and half feet had nothing on their six feet. Twelve if she combined them. Stupid really, but she wasn’t thinking clearly as she analyzed the situation. “That is such a kind offer,” Nat said with a surprisingly steady voice after a deep breath. “But I’d hate to impose. And my friends are waiting.” “The same friends you were just looking for.” Damn. They weren’t as stupid or inebriated as she hoped.
Once safely inside the lobby, Nat watched him walk away with a final wave over his shoulder. Deeply regretting her choice of not inviting him upstairs. For all of five seconds. She started on this course way too long ago to diverge now. Especially for a path lined with freshly planted annual flowers that would wither and die by the first frost.
Stubborn Dreams and bottled love EXCERPT: The offer, now that was a larger, more menacing beast. Sweet, yes. Probably one of the sweetest things any man, any person had ever suggested. As ever, Matt amazed her with his kindness, his valiantness. But that didn’t make his offer, or her acceptance, right. No matter how shiny, how tempting, how…breathtaking, accepting wouldn’t be fair. To her, yes, but mostly to him. It would only prolong the inevitable—one of them giving up their dream for the other. Nat by moving back to Lakeside Heights for his pediatrics practice or, more likely, Matt staying in Chicago, or wherever her soccer career curved, and practicing medicine away from the very people he sought to help. And Nat doubted she could make a relationship work while living in the same city any more than if they lived in separate cities regardless of their nearness. Somehow, she’d disappoint Matt as she had her dad, and he’d leave.
Once sure the two blockheads remained neutralized, as evidenced by raucous laughter and the pungent scent of something smoked, Nat pushed away from the wall and darted downstairs. The third man turned at the sound, wide eyes flashing and lips rising in recognition. “How dare you?” Nat poked his chest before his lips parted. The tip of her finger bent back from the force of her indignation and the solidness of his chest. “I had the situation under control.” “I think we have different definitions of control.” “Don’t be cute.” “Can’t help it.”
“Isn’t that…sweet,” Leslie said as she read over Matt’s arm. The tone held a hint of bitterness only Matt, he hoped, noticed. It hurt. He couldn’t lie. Nor easily forget it. He tried reasoning it away as discomfort from his family’s cool reception and their obvious warmth for Nat. Being the new addition was always hard, and it would only worsen as the night progressed. Maybe inviting her to the wedding and Christmas party wasn’t one of his smartest ideas.
The waiter arrived with the dessert menus and Nat used it as cover to glance at the time. Over two hours had passed and yet she swore they had just arrived. “Wacky idea,” Dwayne said as he lifted the menu from Nat’s hand. “You and me, my place, dessert and a mini marathon of favorite Gilmore Girls episodes.” “Done,” Nat said without thought. They reached his place much like they reached the restaurant—Nat clambering into the SUV clumsily and exiting much more demurely with Dwayne’s help before he led her inside with a massive hand on her lower back.
Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love Details: Tropes: -Strangers-to-Friends-to-Lovers -Sworn Off Love -Found Family -Slow Burn Comps: People We Meet on Vacation-Emily Henry When Harry Met Sally Slow Dance-Rainbow Rowell Every Summer After-Carley Fortune Details: -Cont. Romance -86,200 words -Dual POV
Ten minutes later, they had another opportunity to score when Nat battled two defenders for control of the ball in front of the net. She almost had it when her arm and foot tangled with one of the defenders. Her knee twisted one way as her body twisted the other. A pop reverberated before an excruciating pain started behind her knee and spread like wildfire in a heavy breeze. The ground rose to meet her when a different pain shot through her skull and the green grass turned black.
“The first thing we need to do is get you to bed.” Matt’s groan started before he finished the last word. “That came out wrong.” Maybe so, but hadn’t Nat just thought the same thing? “I meant you need sleep. Rumor has it you have practice tomorrow for a big game on Sunday. And you already fell asleep. Normally I’d be offended.” Nat’s groan surpassed Matt’s. She still couldn’t believe she fell asleep at the bar. Thank the gods Matt stood behind her and not some random stranger. A repeat of the party was the last thing she needed. Thank those same gods that her friends hadn’t noticed. They’d never let her hear the end of it. Nor should they. Party pooper thy name is Nat.
“Yeah, Nat,” Bianca added, now at Nat’s other side. “Live to fight another day. There aren’t any scouts, and this isn’t a super important game. We’ll need you in perfect health if we want to make it past the Sweet Sixteen this year.” Dammit. Nat’s head fell back as she realized Bianca had a point. Better to make a good impression during the national tournament than make her injury worse against a non-ranked, non-conference team.
When Nat refused his offer, she figured that was the end of their brief interaction. But when he followed, albeit fifty paces behind, she had to smile and give him props for perseverance. That didn’t mean she’d go easy on him. She took it upon herself to have a little fun by seeing how far he’d walk before giving up. Unworried about another objectionable situation since his vibe communicated overprotective big brother rather than predator. Unlike the two Idiots. Or so she guessed as an only child. But now she was tired. Nat glanced at the Union, wishing the Dairy Store inside was open. She’d enter and see if he followed, then judge his ice cream selection.
And yet, the one person she worked so hard to impress remained in the wind. Nat played on the national stage, on the world stage and still her dad hadn’t reached out. Hadn’t even followed her on any one of her numerous social media accounts. His continued silence was a curse, yes, but also a blessing. She couldn’t disappoint him again if he hadn’t stopped being disappointed, clearly true given his radio silence, and how could she explain his reappearance without devastating her mom. Not only by rekindling the hurt of his unbelievably, unforgivably awful departure, but by making her think she wasn’t enough.
“Were you in Caleb’s room?” The heightened color of Priya’s cheeks was all the answer Nat needed. “Objection!” Lucy hit the island counter with her palm. “No changing the subject, Natalie.” “Seriously,” Charlotte added around a bite of frosted donut. “We aren’t surprised by Priya and Caleb, and neither should you be. They’ve only circled around it for the past year. Tell us more about your rescuer.” Nat shrugged with upturned palms. “I’ve got nothing else. Tall, not dark, but handsome. He smelled nice. Stubborn as an ass.” “Hmm, who does that remind us of?” Charlotte tapped her pink frosting coated lips.
Outside the large room with the equally large sign announcing the Wilson-Schafer engagement, Nat stopped. Peeking around the opened door, she recognized a few faces, but not most. All had similarly open smiles and bright, inviting eyes, renewing Nat’s belief that she should leave lest her presence kill the mood. No. She came here to see and be seen by one person and one person only. Even if only for a simple hello. Even if for a final goodbye.
Luckily, Jordan recognized a fish floundering on sand. She and Tess took Nat under their fins and helped her focus, helped highlight her positive additions to the team while correcting her negatives, helped, in truth, secure her spot on the final roster. Even helped her find a nice apartment near hers in a good nice, hip neighborhood. Now she glanced over Nat’s shoulder at the phone still in Nat’s hand. “Boyfriend?” Tess asked from the other side. “Best friend from college. Sends a text before every game since we met.”
Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love Details: Tropes: Strangers-friends-lovers Sworn off love Found family Slow burn Inspired by: "Kids in Love"- Pink feat. First Aid Kit Details: Contemporary Romance 86,500 words Dual POV Comps: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry When Harry Met Sally Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Stubborn Dreams and bottled love EXCERPT: The offer, now that was a larger, more menacing beast. Sweet, yes. Probably one of the sweetest things any man, any person had ever suggested. As ever, Matt amazed her with his kindness, his valiantness. But that didn’t make his offer, or her acceptance, right. No matter how shiny, how tempting, how…breathtaking, accepting wouldn’t be fair. To her, yes, but mostly to him. It would only prolong the inevitable—one of them giving up their dream for the other. Nat by moving back to Lakeside Heights for his pediatrics practice or, more likely, Matt staying in Chicago, or wherever her soccer career curved, and practicing medicine away from the very people he sought to help. And Nat doubted she could make a relationship work while living in the same city any more than if they lived in separate cities regardless of their nearness. Somehow, she’d disappoint Matt as she had her dad, and he’d leave.
Then again, she refused his repeated offers of reconciliation after she graduated college. She brushed away those olive branches as if nothing more than a nuisance while hiking in a dense forest. When he played the ultimate trump card, a stage four pancreatic cancer diagnosis, she stuffed down the hurt of being left behind and agreed to a meeting, discovering, in the process, she had a half-brother, a half-sister-in-law, and twin niece and nephew. Her family nearly quadrupled with one answered phone call.
Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love EXCERPT: “I’m not ready for this to end.” Nat searched his eyes with eyes full of understanding. Too much understanding. As if she too knew this, whatever this was, had to end. Every time he held her, he wanted more from her. Something Nat couldn’t, wouldn’t give. Not yet. Maybe someday. An improbable idea, not an impossible one. Where’s there’s life, there’s hope. But that hope dwindled with each passing semester, each passing season. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could or should wait. With his all-encompassing residency starting in a few weeks and Nat playing in the Olympics later this year on top of her already grinding schedule, such hope died a slow death.
Love on the Vine Agents Guide
Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love Agents Guide
“No.” Becca was too quick with an answer given the spark in the woman’s eye and tilt of her body closer to the counter. “He gets that all the time. Up close you would never mistake him for that actor.” “Ouch,” a soft, but distinctly husky male voice said. Becca laughed to cover his slip while waving a finger behind her back as a warning for him to shut up. “Oliver is a regular customer and sweetheart, but he’s getting a big head with all the confusion.” She swore she heard another chuckle, as enticing as his smile, but she quickly covered it by asking again if they wanted samples.
“What did he mean?” Ashley asked halfway down the concourse. Of course she picked up on the vibe. The girl was smart, a mini-Nat according to Matt. Oh, wouldn’t Leslie just love such a moniker. “Are you and Dr. Matt in love?” “Oh, Ashley.” Nat wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “It’s far more complicated than that. And not something you or your sister need worry about.”
The force, the speed should’ve been a warning, but Matt ignored his inner, blaring tornado siren. He wanted back in her good graces and that meant playing the role of a proper goalkeeper. Stretching his arms wide, he thought he had it, but he misjudged the arc, the spin. Direct hit to the face. Pain radiated from the center out. Iron flavored liquid ran down his lips. Matt’s hands flew to his nose as he fell to his knees.
For half a second, Matt considered lying. The reason behind the signal was one of the things Nat refused to discuss in interviews, along with her dad. She merely said it was for a friend before moving on. Like Noah’s role in Matt’s life, Matt assumed only a few select people knew the truth—Nat’s mom and her closest teammates, possibly Chelsea and his family. But he could trust Ashley.
“Uh-oh,” Devin stopped midsentence. Reaching over the table, he slapped Matt’s arm and nodded toward the door where a medium-height blond stood looking around. “She must have a sixth sense or something.” Matt’s head fell to his chest as his torso subtly shifted until his back faced the door. “I wouldn’t be surprised.” Priya looked between the group and the door. “Why do I feel like the temperature dropped twenty degrees?” “Matt’s ex at three o’clock. Brace for impact, we have incoming.” Devin slouched on his stool and wrapped his arms over his head as if a tornado approached rather than a pleasant looking woman.
“Friends, Lakeside-ians, visitors, lend me your ears.” The room, and Nat, groaned except for one deep-throated laugh near the stairs. A laugh Nat would recognize anywhere. She caught Matt’s eyes as they found hers, as they always found hers whether in a large stadium or a deserted college campus. Those sparkling gems held as Georgie announced the first half of the celebrated couple. Unlike his older brother, Matt casually walked on stage, the dimmed lights highlighting the raised color of his cheeks as he puffed out the held breath before good naturedly grimacing at Nat. Clearly, he’d rather be anywhere other than in front of this crowd, but the things we do for love.
“Okay, ladies, good half. Far from perfect, but good. Morris, nice goals.” She paused for cheers, then dampened her praise. “But the second was lucky. You should’ve passed to Gonzalez. She was in a better position.” Nat caught Maria’s eye. “Sorry,” she mouthed. Maria waved the apology away and mouthed, “I wasn’t ready.” Even so, Nat apologized again as they exited the locker room for the second half. She knew too well what it was like when a teammate kept the ball for their own brilliance rather than allow a player in a better position to shine. It happened to Nat in high school, but, thankfully, the girl graduated, and Nat shone during her remaining seasons, earning her a scholarship to MSU.
Ashley remained silent with her arms crossed around her bent right knee, too peeved for words. As he reached the nurse’s station to order an X-ray, the laugh Matt held back finally escaped. He almost sent Nat a text, patient confidentiality and another patient stopped his hand. Thirty minutes later, he reentered the curtained room, X-ray in hand. When Ashley caught sight of it, her cheeks drained of color as her eyes widened and her body stiffened. “My sister wants to ask you out, but she’s scared,” Ashley said as a deflection.
The anger dried the hint of tears. Any residual drive to confront the men, boys, idiots really, died when her so called rescuer brushed past with the same freshly laundered cotton and peppermint she whiffed when she grabbed his hand. A smell that redirected her anger. Who did he think he was? She had the situation under control.
Stubborn dreams and bottle love EXCERPT: “I’m not ready for this to end.” Nat searched his eyes with eyes full of understanding. Too much understanding. As if she too knew this, whatever this was, had to end. Every time he held her, he wanted more from her. Something Nat couldn’t, wouldn’t give. Not yet. Maybe someday. An improbable idea, not an impossible one. Where’s there’s life, there’s hope. But that hope dwindled with each passing semester, each passing season. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could or should wait. With his all-encompassing residency starting in a few weeks and Nat playing in the Olympics later this year on top of her already grinding schedule, such hope died a slow death.
Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love Agents Guide
Matt’s mom hadn’t stopped talking about Phyllis or Nat since breakfast. Since she learned of his invitation, she asked backhanded questions disguised as info gathering for the party rather than the fishing expeditions they were. But the past eight hours took the cake. More fool her. Matt knew her game all too well from past antics when Georgie brought home gal friends. Hence why he hadn’t brought anyone home before now. Yeah, that was the only reason. Not his nerdiness. Not his dedication to academics.
When they returned to the house, Nat suggested they enjoy the nice evening out on the deck. She offered wine and poured Leslie and Matt healthy glasses in the hopes the alcohol and beautiful weather would continue the fragile truce. Matt held Nat back as the others stepped outside. “I’m sorry about dinner.” “It’s not for you to apologize.” Nat moved away, but stopped when she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Matt. “Not for that anyway. You have other things to apologize for.”
“Speaking of drive,” Matt started. “When did Nat leave?” Phyllis checked her watch. “About five hours ago. She should be here soon.” She placed a hand on Matt’s cheek with a small smile. “Don’t worry, I taught Roo well. She can drive through any snowstorm.” “It’s not her abilities I’m worried about.” Glancing at his clutched phone, Matt debated calling, but he hated to distract Nat almost as much as he hated the wrathful look Leslie threw him. “Really, Matthew, I’m sure Natalie will be fine. You can’t live in Michigan and not know how to drive in the snow.”
While she had him on the phone, Nat couldn’t help asking, “Did you threaten Matt, Dwayne?” “If he boohooed to you, then he isn’t worthy.” “So, you did threaten him.” “Nope. I merely told him to walk away if he isn’t serious rather than toy with your emotions. If he hurt you again, he’d have to face me.” Nat smiled at the audaciousness and rolled her eyes at the proudness. “That’s big talk coming from a commitment-phobe.” “If anyone could cure me, it’d be you, baby.” Dwayne lowered his voice and added, “But your heart isn’t in it either.” “Touché,” Nat said before ending the call.
Nat’s eyes prickled, but she swallowed the oncoming storm when she noticed the despair fighting a wan smile on Maria’s face. On Bianca’s. On poor Gracie’s. Together they huddled near their goal as Nat acted as the voice of reason. They played hard. They played amazingly. Look how far they made it. Blah. Blah. Blahhh! Bullshit. All of it. If only she had played better. If only she took more risks. What pro team would want her now? She couldn’t even help her team move past the Sweet Sixteen. Hadn’t made more than a handful of shots on goal. And lost the ball more times than that for fuck’s sake. The strikers on the other team deserved a spot more than her.
Once safely inside the lobby, Nat watched him walk away with a final wave over his shoulder. And deeply regretted her choice of not inviting him upstairs. For all of five seconds. She started on this course way too long ago to diverge now. Especially for a path lined with freshly planted annual flowers that would wither and die by the first frost. And a relationship wouldn’t show her dad what he missed by leaving. Wouldn’t attract his attention like being a top pro athlete and national player standing on a podium for all the country to see as she accepted a future medal, preferably gold, as the national anthem played. A relationship wouldn’t bring him back so she could hug him. Or slap him. The fantasy changed given the day and her mood.
“Matthew James Wilson, where the hell do you think you’re going? You can’t teleport so sit the hell down. You’re not the only one who loves her.” Crickets. He swore he heard crickets. She hadn’t used his full name since…shit, before Noah’s death when they did something stupid as usual and nearly broke a bone. Like then, Matt bowed his head and mumbled sorry. When he reentered the living room, he noticed Phyllis’ paleness and settled beside her. His medical training kicked in, and he checked her over while assuring her, and himself, that everything would be okay.
“It’s not fine, Roo. What can I do?” Nat shook her head with a sad smile. “Just vocalizing my fears is helping. I can’t stop worrying I’ll be replaced. Not only on the national team, but here too. Or, worse, traded to a team further away. I’m not sure I can restart in a new city. Or that I want to.” If this didn’t complicate matters by raising his hopes. Could he wait just a bit longer for that family? “It’s a problem for another day. I’m playing close enough to my younger self and think I’m safe. And I can’t stop. Not just yet.” Matt’s spine collapsed as the momentary hope melted away. He needed to stop being gullible like Charlie Brown when Lucy promised to hold the football. He and Matt fell for it every time. But no more. Time to fully commit to Leslie rather than thinking of her as a backup plan even if he wasn’t fully in love with her yet. It would grow with time. Right?
“I’m stealing you away and I doubt we’ll have time to come back,” Heidi added. “Take your time, I need a word with Ian. Birthday stuff.” The snarling of his name sent a shiver of fear down his back. It increased when Heidi shoved him into the pantry off the kitchen, slamming the folding doors behind them. She peeked through the slats until satisfied Becca stepped away. “What did Michel do?” She slapped his arm, and again before crossing her arms over her chest. Her foot tapped a tattoo on the tiled floor. A sure sign she hadn’t the patience for his bullshit. “He saw a photo of us having dinner and made it clear Becca is not the woman to further my career. And he’s bringing Sabrina tonight.”
“Shit, Matt.” Nat slid to his side and grabbed his face between her palms as she looked him over. “I didn’t think you’d—” Matt patted her arm, unable to speak with her hands on his cheeks. The pressure, yes, but also the softness, the coldness despite their activity. She turned his head this way and that as she peered in his eyes and examined his nose. “How does it look?” Matt’s voice nasally as if he had a head cold. “Swollen. How does it feel?” “Swollen but not broken. I think. I haven’t broken anything before so I’m going strictly on painfulness.” Nat’s guffaw was one of the sweetest sounds he’d heard in recent memory. “I’m so, so sorry, Matt.” “It’s my fault for putting my face between the ball and the net.”
That tear nearly undid him. As did her sweetness with her neighbor’s daughter and her kindness and honesty with Ashley. He hadn’t realized the toll trolls took from her every game and almost jumped over the pub’s table and pulled Nat into his arms, damn Leslie and damn Nat’s thick skull. But Nat burned him too many times. Raised his hopes only to dash them with a no. Now he had Leslie. A woman who said yes. Yes, to coming here. Yes, to him. To them. Was he ready to lose this sure thing for a woman that led him by the nose, no, wrong body part, for nearly a decade. Okay, not that long, though it felt like it some days.