She giggled as he grabbed her ribs and tickled her. “Garrett!” She squirmed in his embrace. “Stop!”
He let her go, easing himself from the bed. “While we’re on the subject, I know you have a life and a job here. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want you with me. This last month was torture, Jessa. If we have to be apart, promise me it won’t be for long periods of time.”
He tossed her top to her and she wiggled it on. “You want me to travel with you?”
“Of course I do.” He shoved a leg into his jeans.
She wrinkled her nose at him. “Are you sure you aren’t trying to get out of traveling with the other players?”
He frowned. “You think I’d try —”
“It was a joke, Garrett.” She scooted from the bed, found her shorts and pulled them on. “I’m not sure I could travel with you all the time, but I’d love to be there with you when I can.”
He nodded, seemingly content with her answer as he finished buckling his belt. “You’ll be there tonight?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. How’s Sandquist looking to take over for Tyler?” She knew the stats, but she wanted to hear from Garrett firsthand what his thoughts were.
“He’s not Tyler, but he’ll get the job done. We’ve played well together the last few weeks.”
“They’re going to be gunning for you tonight. Malone is famous for trying to show up the rookies.” She bent to pick up his shoes. “With your record, he’ll be even worse. He’ll want to make an example of you.”
Garrett laughed and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Nervous, baby?”
She tilted her head, giving him access to her neck. “Maybe a little. If he throws at you, I may not be able to hold my tongue.”
He squeezed her. “My little fireball. Let me worry about Malone.” He nipped at the muscle between her shoulder and her neck. “And your tongue.”
“Ha ha.”
“It’ll be fine, Jessa. Stop worrying.” He reached in his pocket. “I’d be able to concentrate better if I knew you were gonna be waiting for me after the game.” He dangled a key from his finger. “What do you say, princess? Meet me at my place after?”
“Let me guess.” She took the key from him. “You want me waiting, naked and in your bed?”
He shrugged. “Or fully clothed at the kitchen table with a beer. Or curled up on the couch watching a movie. As long as you’re there, that’s all that matters to me.”
Tears formed at the sincerity in his voice. She swallowed hard. God, she loved this man. He was almost too good to be true, and he was all hers. “I may even make you something to eat.”
“Don’t get your hopes up, princess. I’ve barely had time to settle in, let alone stock the fridge. I’ve gotten the necessities, but you may want to bring any extra stuff that you need.”
“Stuff? Like what?”
He kissed her nose. “You know, like that delicious smelling shampoo you use. Toothbrush. Clothes. Shoes. Whatever else you need.”
He teased her mouth with his lips, driving her to distraction. They’d never make the game if he didn’t stop touching her. “That’s a lot of stuff, Garrett. How long are you planning to keep me?”
He gifted her with a wicked grin. “Forever, Jessa.” He pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that left her breathless. “I’m keeping you forever.”