I never thought I’d see the day when Cal Finnigan would stutter. I stroke his cheek with my thumb, gently asking for his attention and his gaze homes in on me.
“Do you know what a point of release is?” I ask.
He nods. “It’s when the puck leaves the stick during a shot. It’s critical to scoring a goal.”
“It’s a term in cricket as well,” I add. “That defining point when a bowler decides to let go and, suddenly, this ball that’s been trapped inside a fist is flying toward a wicket with incredible focus and energy.”
I turn to look at him. “You’remypoint of release.”
Cal studies me, listening intently.
“There was mebeforeyou. I was tired and run down, but I would’ve eventually figured my life out. Then, there’s meafteryou. I’m more confident, learning to enjoy my life without being bogged down by old mistakes. I’m happy and cared for. You did that for me. But that’s not even the best thing.”
“No?”
“No,” I answer. “The biggest, most important change is you expedited my healing. And, along the way, I found who I wanted to be.”
“Who’s that?” he asks indulgently.
“A woman who isn’t afraid to admit she’s in love with you.”
Mossy eyes flickerbetween mine, dropping to my mouth then back up. I see his throat bob around a swallow before he lets out a sharp exhale.
“How am I supposed to let you go when you say things like that?”
“Would you let me go if I’d never said anything?”
He leans his forehead against mine with a sigh. “No.”
“I know it’s too soon to feel this way, but—”
“I’m not letting you take it back,” he says decisively.
“I won’t take it back.”
“Good. Because I love you too.”
For the longest time, I felt like I was traveling miles in worn shoes with blisters decorating my soles. Even then, I was getting nowhere. Hearing Cal admit he loves me feels like I’ve finally reached my destination.
“You’re supposed to be the player who cuts it off before things get serious,” I tease, reining in the burn crawling up my nose. “You’re not doing your job right.”
That delicious smirk I love graces his face instantly.
“But you see, that was me before you. Turns out, you’re my point of release as well.”
I sigh, leaning my head against his shoulder. His heart beats steadily under my ears as his hand draws comforting circles on my arm.
“I didn’t say yes,” I eventually mumble.
“Hmm?”
“When my coach offered me to come work with her, I didn’t say yes,” I confess. “I asked for time to think about it. I had second thoughts because I didn’t want to leave you. But. . .”
“But you want to go,” he finishes for me.
“I owe this to the girl who lost her dream.”
My voice is soft, but my words are heard. Cal nods once, like he understands, but his smile is dimmer.