“Who said I was coming?” she sassed.
I grinned. “You’ll definitely be coming tonight, baby. But I also want you at the game. I want you in the stadium, screaming for me as your whole world depends on it.”
She flushed. “You think I’ll be able to focus on the game now?”
“Probably not,” I murmured, dragging my mouth over her jaw. “But I’m okay with that. As long as your focus is on me.”
She clutched the jersey tight to her chest, then looked up at me through her long lashes. “Okay.”
I kissed her, showing her my gratitude and giving her a taste of all the promises I hadn’t made yet out loud.
But I would.Soon.
Because this woman was everything. And she was mine.
15
RYLIN
The black cab finally pulled up to the stadium, and I wished Reese were climbing out beside me. Instead, she texted me a heart emoji, promising to watch the highlights later between tables.
She’d refused to miss her shift at The Tight Line, arguing that it would look bad if the assistant manager’s sister bailed on game day. Especially since she’d only been on the job for less than a week.
Finally free from our mother, her stubborn side was coming out in full force. And I loved it.
As I stepped onto the sidewalk, my phone buzzed.
Reese
You’re the best sister ever. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong.
It was exactly the message I needed right then.
Me
Love you.
I smiled, tucking my phone away as I joined the stream of people heading toward the entrance. The fans in the nosebleed section were more my style, but Micah had gotten me a pass to the VIP suite, where the wives and girlfriends of players watched the game.
I tugged lightly at the hem of the jersey Micah had asked me to wear and fought the urge to smooth my hair for the hundredth time. I had no idea what to expect since I’d never attended a pro football game, let alone in a fancy suite. And without Micah at my side, I felt like I was stepping into his world alone.
I was worried they’d treat me like a temporary distraction for Micah. The woman before the one he was meant to end up with. Even though I loved him with every ounce of my being. But those three little words had caught in my throat more times than I could count. Because a part of me was still terrified that claiming it out loud would ruin everything.
But that was a worry for another time. I drew in a steadying breath and straightened my shoulders. Micah believed I belonged here, even if I wasn’t sure yet. So I took a deep, steadying breath as I showed my pass to get through security.
The suite doors opened onto what felt like a whole different world. I hesitated just long enough to take in the soft leather seating, the panoramic view of the field below, and the low hum of conversation layered with laughter and the distant roar of the crowd. Every instinct I had told me to brace myself, but I’d barely taken two steps inside when a woman smiled at me as she’d just spotted a friend, even though we’d never met before.
“There she is,” she greeted brightly. “You made it!”
I blinked. “I—hi?”
“It’s great to finally meet you, Rylin. I’m Finley.”
Before I could even reply, someone gently took my elbow and guided me farther in. Another woman asked, “What are you drinking?”
“Oh. Uh—ginger ale is fine.”
“You can take mine. I’ll grab another,” she offered, handing me a full glass.
