LOST ON YOU

40

"I can't believe I'm in bed with a European champion," Leah whispered.

I shot my head up. "Leah!" I sighed. "You literally won the Euros before me!"

"Yeah, well, but I wasn't the best player of the tournament and the top scorer like someone..." she hummed, teasing me.

I chuckled, pulling her closer. "You were still amazing. I'm just trying to catch up to you."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Okay, Mr. Humble. Let's see how you handle all the media attention tomorrow."

I groaned. "Don't remind me. I just want to enjoy this moment."

She smiled, running her fingers through my hair. "We will. Tonight is just for us."

"Mmhmm..."

"Why didn't you want to stay at the party? It seemed fun..." Leah said, her curiosity evident.

I smiled at her, "Because they're drinking until morning, and I don't want to," I said.

"Well, it's more fun than sleeping," she teased.

I laughed, pulling her closer. "Not when it's with you," I whispered, kissing her neck softly.

She shivered slightly and giggled. "Flattery will get you everywhere."

"Is that so?" I murmured, continuing to kiss her neck. "I guess I'll keep at it then."

She playfully pushed me away, but not too hard. "Seriously though, you deserve to celebrate. You've worked so hard for this."

I nodded, understanding her point. "I know, but right now, this is what I want. Just us, away from all the noise."

Leah smiled, her eyes softening. "Okay, I get it. But promise me we'll join the team for brunch tomorrow."

"Yeah, have you been looking at house options?" I asked. "Because I was clearly too busy winning the Euros..."

She chuckled, "I've been, but then again, I don't know what you'd like. I feel so bad. I keep looking at these million-pound houses and then remember I would have to save up like ten years to pay half of the price..."

"Leah... I've told you more than a million times, don't look at the stupid price. It's just numbers. I'll make sure we pay even hundreds of millions if we like it..."

"No, it feels like I'm not contributing at all," she said, her voice tinged with frustration.

I sighed, pulling her closer and kissing her forehead. "Leah, you contribute in so many ways that money can't measure. Your support, your love, your presence—that's what matters most to me."

She looked up at me, her eyes softening but still a bit uncertain. "I know, but it's hard not to feel like I'm not pulling my weight financially."

"Hey," I said, tilting her chin up gently so she looked into my eyes. "You're worth more to me than any house. You're my everything. I wouldn't have gotten through this tournament without you. The way you stand by me, cheer for me, hold me up—that's priceless. We'll find a house together, something that feels right for us. It's not about the price tag; it's about creating a home together."