Or at least speak the same language. A couple of them were even in relationships, so they could have a useful perspective. Maybe even some advice.
“Is it because you live in Australia?” Wade asked. “Because long-distance relationships can work. They’re harder, sure, but if you’re both dedicated enough.”
“No. I actually have a job here now.”
“Yeah?” Wade’s face lit up. “Really?”
“Yeah. I’m talent scouting for Rugby Australia. There’ll be a bit of travel, but they don’t care where I work out of, as long as it’s in the U.S.”
“That’s great, man.” Wade grinned and shook Cole’s hand vigorously. “Looks like we’ll be seeing more of each other.”
Cole smiled. “Yeah, I hope so.” Even if he and Jane never came to anything, he wanted this job. Talking to Ronan Dempsey in Denver had given him such a buzz—much more than the prospect of sportscasting. The idea that he could help shape the Australian rugby landscape in the future by securing the best players from here and around the world was so fucking exciting.
He felt useful—valued—and he was raring to go. But it would be nothing without Jane.
Congratulations over, Wade quickly got back to their conversation. “And what’d Jane say to you sticking around?”
“I didn’t tell her. We got sidetracked by small things, like whether it was possible to fall in love after two weeks.” His lips twisted derisively. “And then you came along.”
“Oh shit, man, I’m sorry.”
Drew clapped Wade on the back. “Good one, dude.”
“Well, what are we doing sticking around here?” Wade stood and quickly drained his beer bottle. “We should get back so you can finish.”
Cole shook his head and stared morosely at his beer bottle. “I don’t think she wants to hear it, anyway.”
“She doesn’t love you?”
“I don’t know.” Prior to this, Cole would’ve said that she did, or she was certainly on her way. They’d been close, even if it had only been for a short time. And it hadn’t been one-sided; he’d lay money on that. “I thought maybe she did, but… She doesn’t believe I could have fallen for her so quickly, so I’ve gotta assume she doesn’t reciprocate—otherwise she’d understand where I was coming from. I mean, I get it…she’s a single mum. She has a kid to think about. Of course she can’t just dive into something headfirst after a couple of weeks. I know that. But I’m okay with taking it slow.”
“Does she know that?”
“I didn’t get around to telling her that, either.”
“Man.” Drew shook his head at Wade. “For one of the NFL’s greatest-ever quarterbacks, your timing sucks. Don’t ever take up couples counseling.”
Wade snorted. “Says the Dr. Phil of funeral directors.”
“It’s okay,” Cole dismissed. “We probably needed to regroup anyway.” It had given him a little time and space to think. He hadn’t expected this much resistance, and it had thrown him for a bit of a loop.
“Well, consider yourself regrouped.” Wade slapped him on the back. “Now, drink up. You got to get back there. You got to explain about the job, about how you’re sticking around and how you’re willing to take it slow.”
“Yep.” Tucker nodded. “You gotta give her all the facts. So she can make an informed choice.”
“And a little begging never killed anyone,” Wade added. “I’d have crawled on my knees all the way to California for CC.”
“Dude.” Tucker shook his head with a laugh. “You practically did.”
Wade grinned. “Right. And now we’re married with a baby on the way.”
Married. Once upon a time, that word had put chills up Cole’s spine. He would have seen it as an impediment to his career. Right now, he wanted to grab it with both hands.
“That’s what I want,” Cole said, although not even marriage seemed like a big enough commitment right now. “Marriage, kids…if she wants more. The whole shebang. If she wants me, I’m in for the long haul. I did tell her that.”
“You know…” Drew tapped his chin. “If Winona was here, she’d say we need a grand gesture.”
“Right.” Tucker nodded. “Talk’s cheap. Actions speak louder than words.”
“A grand gesture,” Cole repeated, chewing that over. Something to prove he was in it for the long haul. That he was committed to her and Finn and to making a life together.
Asking her to marry him would sure accomplish that. It might not change her mind, but at least she’d know he wanted all in. A sudden streak of inspiration hit him. He glanced at Tucker. “I don’t suppose you’ve got a pair of needle-nose pliers somewhere I