A player from LA scrambles toward the ball and attempts to make it to the other side in time, but the buzzer goes off—securing our victory.
“Fuck yeah!” I shout, pumping my fist inthe air,
“We’re going to the conference semifinals, baby!” Andrés cheers.
Elijah does a celebratory dance and removes his jersey, twirling it in the air, which elicits excited screams from several women.
My eyes land on Annalise and my stomach does somersaults. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and she’s wearing my jersey and a massive smile on her face. It takes all my willpower not to run over and kiss her in front of everyone.
Seeing her in the crowd, cheering me on while I play, gives me strength. I feel invincible.
“You played well tonight,” a deep voice says from behind me.
I turn around and come face-to-face with the legend himself—Kyrie Lyons.
“Mr. Lyons, w-what an honor. Thank you.”
Kyrie has been in attendance at some of the regular-season games and all the games during the playoffs, but this is the first time he’s approached me.
Back when I was in high school, I had the chance to meet him during a meet and greet, and I was a complete nervous wreck—which is exactly how I’m feeling now.
I no longer feel like the confident shooting guard who just won a big game.
“You can call me Kyrie. Calling memistermakes me feel old. I may be retired, but I’m only in my forties.”
He lets out a chuckle and I join him, relaxing a little.
“You made a lot of noise during your rookie year,” he says. “I remember when I saw you on TV. I was like hey, I know that kid!”
My eyes widen in shock. “Wait—you remember meeting me?”
He nods. “Sure do. Your ambitious nature made quite theimpression on me.”
“I can’t believe you remember me. That was so long ago.”
“I’ve been rooting for you ever since. Your talent will take you far, and the Dragons are lucky to have someone like you on their team.”
The corners of my mouth lift into a big grin, and prides washes over me.
I can’t believe I received a compliment from Kyrie freaking Lyons.
“Wow. That means a lot coming from you.”
“Keep up the good work and bring home that championship.” He pats me on the back.
“I will, sir.”
We reserved Blackout tonight to celebrate our win. The entire team is here, joined by their closest friends and significant others.
The only person that’s missing is Lucas. I think he knows better and chose to stay away—especially after what happened with Annalise. If only I could have been there to witness her slapping him across the face.
Annalise walks in with Mazikeen following closely behind her. She looks absolutely ravishing in her tight black dress.
“Hey, Rosie.” I wrap my arms around her, pulling her into an embrace while resisting the urge to kiss her. The other guys on our team suspected we were together when they saw her at the first playoff game, but I have neither confirmed nor denied it.
“Hey, Dimples.” She flashes me a smile, causing my heart to skip a beat.
“Hi, Maddox.” Mazikeen gives me a small smile and waves.
