The Game She Hates (A Healing Kind of Love #1)

by Ella Marie

He rubs the back of his neck in that familiar gesture. How I’ve missed every little thing about him.

“No, seriously, your feet are adorable. I bet they could fit in my palm. What size are you?”

Then it hits me—Pearl is like his daughter. By sending me out there, he’s giving me his blessing to pursue her.

“Listen, I think you’re beautiful. Like, out-of-this-world kind of beautiful,” I say, my heart thudding, hoping she hears my sincerity. “The very first time I laid my eyes on you, it was as if time itself paused, just like in those Hollywood movies, and everyone else in that coffee shop blurred.” I reach out for her hand, our fingers intertwining effortlessly. “But that’s not all. You are kind, you are extremely caring, you live out your faith in the way you care about people. You’re a joy to be around, and you have this amazing way of really listening to me without any hint of judgment.”

don’t think this was a good idea,” she breathlessly says. “What wasn’t a good idea? Me kissing you, or you kissing me back with the same fervor?” If not more, if I do say so myself. I had to hold the fort for both of us, to not get carried away in what I now know would be dangerous territory.

Where does one go from here? I’ve fallen for a woman who considers her feelings for me a mistake. Ouch, that stings.

I’m sorry if I forced you into something you didn’t want. I tried my best to respect you, your body, and the boundaries I believe you hold. But you running away made me realize I still failed you somehow. It won’t happen again.

So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.’ Romans 12:18,” Tyler spits out a verse. “Do you always have one of those ready to serve?” I jab him from behind.

“You’d be surprised how much of the Bible you retain if you make it a priority to read it every day. And with my kids, we memorize verses together. It’s become a big part of my life.” “I struggle with reading. I doubt that’ll ever be like me.”

I can easily tell he’ll miss being on the team but he’s chosen his family—a man with his priorities in the right order.

There will be many questions for me, but the first person I want to share this big news with is the one who thinks kissing me was a mistake.

But prayer is not just about asking the Lord for what we want. It’s about presenting our requests and asking for His will to be done in our lives.”

Your wisdom is admirable, but relying solely on it won’t suffice if you’re seeking to honor your Savior. “Coming to Jesus with humility for guidance might seem daunting, but remember, your future isn’t a mystery to Him. While you may believe you’re guarding your heart, God’s care for you surpasses your own understanding. Trust Him. The Holy Spirit will never mislead you. Whether it’s parting ways with Zane or letting him into your life, peace will accompany the path God leads you on, even if you have to make a hard decision.”

Lord, lead me where You will.”

May the trials in my life draw me closer to Jesus, not drive me further away. Help me to fully trust you again, Lord.

Do you think hockey players who bump into other people all day can really want salvation? Especially someone as popular as Zane?” “Pearl!” Now she’s the one who hits me hard with the pillow. “You know Jesus came to save everyone. Anyone who calls on His name will be saved.

I badly want to believe that God won’t ask me to forgive him, considering all he’s put me through and how dangerous being close to him can be. But if there’s anything I’ve learned in the past three weeks about God, it’s that He is a God of many chances. It would be consistent with His character to extend His mercy to my father too.

“I’ll go congratulate the others. That’s why Robyn and I come. We never miss Baptism Sunday.” I give her a full smile. She’s absolutely the one for me.

His sermon challenged everything I had lived for and believed in. I had so many questions, and it turns out Jesus isn’t afraid of my questions.

“I never thought holding hands could feel this way.” “How does it feel?” I ask, meeting his gaze as he takes my other hand. “It feels like I never want to let you go, my Sweet P,” he confesses, drawing me in with his eyes. “It’s like your hands were always meant to be in mine.” He steps closer. “It feels right, it feels real, and it feels promising.”

“I have to stop before I lose all sense. And with you kissing me so passionately, one of us needs to make sure we’re staying in the safe zone.” His words melt my insides. “It feels so good to be on the other side of this conversation. I’m used to being the boundary police in my relationships, and honestly, it was exhausting and never worked out well. I desperately needed someone who could take charge.”

She’s more than just an amazing girlfriend—she’s become my best friend, my rock, and my biggest cheerleader.

I’m always attracted to her, but when she goes to the Father for me, that attraction is almost uncontainable.

“I love you with every fiber of my being, every beat of my heart, and every breath that graces my lips. I can’t express enough how amazing you are as a person. Even if you don’t feel ready and choose not to go in there, my love for you is irrevocable. My heart belongs to you, Zane Ortiz, no matter what you choose to do right now.”

“I feel like God’s favorite right now. I married a handsome, godly man, and now I have a baby that looks exactly like him. I’ve never been happier,” she replies, her voice tired yet accompanied by a serene smile.