The girl on stage finishes her few songs and another guy hops on to perform.
When midnight comes, Ebba and I are back on the dancefloor. People pop confetti and the colorful pieces of paper swirl around us.
“Happy New Year, Fisher.”
“Happy New Year, Ebba.”
She wraps her hands around the back of my neck, tugging me down to meet her waiting mouth.
I send out a silent wish to the universe that I get to be the man to kiss her for the rest of her New Year’s Eve midnights.
CHAPTER 38
EBBA
The Australian Openis already underway, and it’s been nice to see my brother smash his first few matches. He had a rough go of it for most of last year, but he seems to have his head back in the game this season.
I finish applying my makeup and clean up the mess I’ve made on the counter. Makeup products are scattered everywhere.
When the bathroom is in order again, I make the bed that I’d left a mess. I know I could have the housekeeper do it, but it seems silly to waste their time with something I can easily do. I toss some empty water bottles into the trash and pick up my clothes from yesterday and slip them into my bag to be washed later.
With the room looking tidier than it did before, I rifle through the drawers for something to wear today.
The vibration of my phone on the dresser has me pausing.
Fisher: Come to the courts.
Me: Why?
And why the hell am I grinning at my phone like an idiot?
Fisher: Because I miss you, that’s why.
And now I’m only smiling bigger. Jeesh.
Me: Okay. I just have to get dressed.
I grab a cute fitted athletic shirt and a matching tulle skirt in a purple color. A brand sent it to me in the hope I’d post content, and if I’m going down to the practice courts then I might as well wear it and get some photos.
I change into the clothes and snip off the tags.
My leg is doing well today, but I take my cane with me just in case. I’m trying to get better about being prepared and having it with me.
A bus and golf cart ride later I find myself at the practice courts. I flash my badge that gives me access to most areas and follow the directions Fisher gave me.
I locate the court and find him speaking to Noah. I wave hello to Noah’s other group of coaches. I don’t see my brother, so either he’s on his own court or off doing something else.
When I turn back to Fisher and Noah I find Fisher grinning at me.
My heart stutters at how hot he is. Wavy brown hair, tanned skin, and wearing all white.
He jogs over my way, bracing his hand above the gate I just entered through.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Hi.” I hope I’m not smiling up at him like a lovesick fool, but I probably am.
Not that I’m in love with him. But I am finding it harder and harder to resist his charms. Something changed between us over our Christmas trip. We’ve kissed a few times since then, but he hasn’t pushed me for more than that. He’s waiting for me, I know, but I’m terrified to make that move because I know once I do there won’t be any coming back for either of us.