“I’d be disappointed if she didn’t,” I muse. “She’s fantastic at her job.”
Freya nods. “I’m getting that impression. She thinks that tonight might come with drama.”
As much as I hate the idea of dragging Freya back to a place she doesn’t want to return to, I also know that if we’re going to do this, try this relationship thing, then it’s inevitable.
I refuse to live our lives in the shadows. I’m proud to have her standing by my side, and I want the entire world to know she’s mine.
“Whatever it is, we’ll ride it out together,” I rasp before dropping my face to her neck and breathing her in.
“B-but what if?—”
Spinning her around, I press her back against the railing and stare down into her eyes.
“There are no buts here, Whirlwind. Whatever it is, we’re in this together.”
“Y-you don’t even know?—”
“I don’t need to know to stand and fight with you,” I say, cupping her jaw gently and grazing my thumb across her cheek.
Her eyes fill with tears, and I kick myself for ruining our night.
“I’m sorry, I?—”
“It’s okay. They’re happy tears,” she says, smiling. “I’ve never had anyone willing to fight for me before.”
My teeth grind as fire shoots through me. I fucking hate that he never treated her right.
“Well, hold on, because I’ll fight to the death if need be.”
Her hands press against my chest as she stares up at me.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” My smile grows. “I like watching you play hockey too much for you to go to prison.”
A laugh bursts out of me. “Damn, you’re right. Maybe I’ll call someone in to do the dirty work.”
She shakes her head, lightly laughing. “We’re trying to minimize the drama here, not fuel it.”
Leaning forward, I rest my forehead against hers.
“We’re gonna handle it, whatever it is. Together. You got that?” I say, staring deep into her eyes.
She nods, the movement so slight that I wouldn’t notice if I weren’t touching her.
“Now, do you still fancy that dance?”
“I do,” she breathes before wrapping her arms around my neck and stretching up on her toes to kiss me.
Behind me, some asshole—I’m putting money on Linc—cheers, but it’s not enough to stop me, and for a few seconds, I lose myself in my girl.
Then I grab her hand and lead her away.
“We’re going to dance. You guys joining us?” I ask the couples who are standing around the table I abandoned earlier.
“Hell yeah,” Linc announces before forcing Parker to put her drink down and dragging her away.
“Come on,” Casey says, tugging on Kodie’s arm. He stands there like a statue, not budging an inch.
“I don’t dance,” he complains.
