CHAPTER 104: CHAPTER 104 :ONE KISS, LIFE WON

Ryan took another sip of the chicken soup. The steam curled up around his face, blurring his vision slightly. The warmth hit his throat and chest like a hug, making him exhale with quiet relief.

"Taste okay?" Chloe asked, perched casually on the arm of the couch, her legs swinging gently.

"It’s amazing," Ryan said honestly.

"You should really rest," Chloe said softly. Her voice was gentle, but her eyes were steady. "Skip tomorrow’s game."

Ryan shook his head without hesitation. "Can’t. If I miss even one, I’m out of the running for Rookie of the Year."

She didn’t argue. She knew what that meant—for him, it wasn’t just about a trophy. It was a door. A statement. Proof that he belonged.

"Just... if you’re not feeling right tomorrow," she said, her tone easing a little, "don’t push through it, okay? Promise me that."

He gave a small, tired smile. "It’s just a cold. No big deal. And thank you—for the food, for coming over."

Chloe tilted her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. "We’re friends, aren’t we? No need to thank me."

Friends.

The word stung more than he expected. They’d only known each other for a little over a month, but he’d spent most of that time trying not to cross a line.

"You always playing nurse for sick dudes?" Ryan asked, trying to steer the conversation, spooning up more soup. "Bringing meals to every guy with a cough?"

Chloe’s lips curved into a sly, mysterious smile. "Only for the special ones."

His heart tripped over itself. He ducked his head, pretending to focus on the soup so she wouldn’t see the flush creeping up his neck.

Then, her voice cut through the air—casual, but with a sharp edge of purpose.

"You know... I’ve been thinking," she said."How come it’s always me tracking you down? You never hit me up first."

Ryan’s spoon froze mid-air, broth dripping back into the bowl. "Uh... you’re always busy," he mumbled, avoiding her eyes. "Didn’t wanna bug you..."

"Ryan," she leaned forward slightly, eyes locked on his, "do you even like me?"

Ryan choked, the soup catching in his throat. "Cough!" He set the bowl down, hacking, his face heating up from more than the fever.

Her blue eyes locked on his, unflinching, bold as a streetball challenge, and he was caught flat-footed.

"I... I..." His throat tightened, drier than the cold ever made it, words stuck like a bad pass.

Chloe leaned closer, her voice sharp but playful. "Don’t ’I, I, I’ me, Ryan. It’s a simple question—do you like me or not?"

Ryan took a deep breath, heart pounding like he was staring down a game-winner.

The room suddenly felt too quiet, too bright, like the world was holding its breath. His fingers tightened around the bowl as if it could anchor him to something solid. This wasn’t a game—but it might be the biggest shot he’d ever take.

"Yeah... I like you."

"Bullshit," she shot back, her voice cutting through the air like a whistle.

Ryan blinked, thrown. "What?"

"If you like me, why don’t you ask me out? Why aren’t you chasing me?" Chloe shook her head, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement, blue eyes flashing. "You’re fearless on the court, Ryan, all grit and guts. But with me? You’re acting like a damn coward."

Her words hit like a fast break he didn’t see coming.

Ryan opened his mouth, closed it again.

She was right—he’d take on any defender, eat any loss, but with her, he’d been dodging, scared to risk the one thing that felt bigger than the game.

His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, gaze darting anywhere but her. His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I just... I guess I’ve always felt like I’m not enough. Like I need to work harder, win more, make a name for myself. And maybe—once I’ve signed a big contract or done something that matters—then I’d be... worthy of you."

"Ryan," Chloe cut him off gently but firmly, placing her hands on both sides of his face and tilting his head toward her. Her blue eyes burned with something fierce. "My father’s money has nothing to do with me. My life is mine. I choose what I want. And right now"—her thumb brushed softly against his cheek—"I’m sure I want you."

Before he could process what was happening, she slid into his lap, knees on either side of his thighs. The world stilled.

Ryan could hear the thunder of his own heart, feel the heat of her breath mingling with his. She was so close he could see tiny dewdrops clinging to her lashes, smell the faint jasmine scent of her hair.

"You... really thought this through?" His voice came out hoarse. "I used to be a nobody. I was literally homeless—"

"And now you’re the rising star of the ABA," she interrupted with a smile, tapping his chest with a playful finger. "Besides..." her eyes scanned his sharp jawline, "this face doesn’t hurt your case."

Something inside him cracked open. He couldn’t retreat now—not when she was looking at him like that. Not when her hand was still resting in his, firm and steady.

Screw it.

He reached out, touching her cheek with trembling fingers. "Honestly... I think I fell for you the day we met."

Then he leaned in, slowly, breath shallow, closing the distance inch by inch. When they were barely a hair apart, he stopped.

"I’m still sick," he murmured, turning his head away. "Might pass it to you."

Chloe chuckled, low and mischievous. "Didn’t you just say it’s just a cold? What’s the big deal?"

And with that, she leaned in and kissed him.

Her lips were soft, warm, tasting faintly of mint tea. Ryan’s eyes fluttered closed as the kiss deepened. The fear, the doubt, all of it dissolved like snow on skin. He kissed her back gently, like the moment might shatter if he pushed too hard.

When they finally parted, Chloe’s lips were flushed, her eyes sparkling like city lights.

"That’s the answer I was hoping for," she whispered.

Ryan was still catching his breath, dazed. "I... I want to ask you properly." He inhaled, steadying himself. "Would you be my girlfriend?"

"Absolutely," she said without hesitation.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, brushing a hand down the small of her back with a tenderness that said everything he couldn’t yet put into words. There was no rush. No need for more than this. Not tonight. This was already everything.

"Now, finish your food and take your meds," she said, reluctantly sliding off his lap and settling back across from him.

"Your kiss worked better than any pill," he said, grinning as he picked up his spoon again.

Chloe rolled her eyes but smiled as she gathered the empty containers and carried them to the kitchen.

She glanced back once, her lips still curled in that quiet, satisfied smile.

It wasn’t long before the doorbell rang.

Two Zero9 staffers wheeled in ten full cases of the drink, stacking them like a mini fortress in the middle of Ryan’s living room. He stared at the mountain of bottles, half amused, half overwhelmed.

Once they left, Chloe tossed him a bottle without warning—clean, effortless, like a no-look pass on the court.

"Drink up. Electrolytes."

Ryan caught it smoothly, cracked the cap, and took a swig. The sharp, cold lemon burst cooled the burn in his throat immediately.

"You expecting me to pay for this?" he joked, wiping his mouth.

Chloe raised a brow, her grin mischievous. "Perks of having an in-house brand ambassador."

She strolled over and tapped a finger against his chest.

"Honestly? Signing you was the best business move I’ve made all year. Sales tripled overnight."

Ryan chuckled, looping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer.

"Any other products your boyfriend needs to endorse? I take payments in kisses."

"Nope," she said, giving his chin a teasing squeeze. "Right now, I’m a one-brand woman. Zero9 only. No side gigs."

They lingered there, wrapped up in each other, until Chloe glanced at the wall clock and sighed.

"Alright, patient—bedtime."

Ryan held onto her hand, pouting like a kid. "Five more minutes?"

"Nope." Her voice was firm, but she leaned down and brushed a kiss against his lips. "And remember—don’t push yourself tomorrow."

"I won’t. Got a check-in with the team doc anyway. I’ll let him make the call."

He walked her to the door.

Just before leaving, Chloe tugged him down by the collar and kissed him slow, long, and deep.

Once the door shut, Ryan leaned back against the wall and slowly slid down to the floor, grinning like an idiot.

Then he punched the air and let out a triumphant, "YES!"

Compared to his old life—the boring, going-nowhere version of himself—this was unreal. He had the ABA spotlight. Sponsorship deals piling up. His bank account looked healthier every day.

And now... now he had Chloe Palmer.

Smart, fierce, stupidly gorgeous Chloe Palmer. Heiress to a billion-dollar empire.

And somehow... she was his girlfriend.

This feels... like winning at life.