My shoulders relax. I glance back at Hugo and offer him a smile. His hands land on my hips and he smiles in return.
“Yeah,” I say. “Okay. Thanks.”
Noah nods, smiling. “Cool. Hugo knows where Atty lives. You riding together or do you need me to text you the address?”
“We’re riding together,” Hugo says. “We’ll be right behind you.”
“Kay. See you there. Winny’s on the grill, so we’ll be out back.”
Hugo grins. “Awesome. It’s been forever since he grilled.”
“It really has,” Noah agrees on his way out. “I think we’re all looking forward to it.”
As soon as the door’s shut, Hugo kisses the side of my face and then takes a step back. I turn as he leans against the table to wait for me. “What do you need to do? Want some help?”
I shake my head. “No. I just need to be back here at some point over the next few days to take care of some things and prep for our next game. It can wait.”
“We’re in no hurry. They won’t eat all the food.”
Smiling, I shake my head. “I’m good. Just need to hang up my suit.” I’d let it pool at the ground when I stepped out of it since Hugo came in. Picking it up, I adjust it so it stays on the hanger and add it to the bar with the rest. There are more bodies, or ‘outfits’ than there are heads. I’ve already put my Surry the Seal head on the shelf with the other two. Two are identical. One is different since it was used for a special event.
Slipping back into my sneakers, I grab my bag and turn to him. Hugo smiles and offers me his hand. He’s always so quick to smile. It’s breathtaking. I’ve never known a more attractive man; even better, it’s not just his physical appearance, but everything about him.
Placing my hand in his, I grab my bag on the way out the door. We’re going to his house tonight, so I’ve started to bring overnight bags with a couple changes of clothes. There’s more in my car, which is staying here at the arena tonight. I’ve already spoken to security and they’re fine with me keeping it here.
Hugo opens his trunk and tosses in his gear bag. I add my bag, too. Then he opens the passenger door for me. It’s such a little gesture, but it makes my heart race every time.
He climbs behind the wheel and drives out of the parking lot. “Atty lives closer to the water. Coach Ajo is his neighbor. He’ll probably be over for dinner, too. He’s not our coach at home. Just a neighbor.”
I grin. “That’s cool.”
He nods. “I don’t know if I told you, but I told Atty and Toby about us.” I look at him with surprise. “Actually, Atty asked about you. I guess I look at you in some way.”
I’m not sure why, but my heart jumps into my throat with anxiety. “Really?”
Hugo glances at me with a smile. “Yep. So I said, yes, you’re my boyfriend. And proceeded to talk about you for the next hour.”
“Oh, my god.” I cover my face with my hands.
“It’s all good things. Nothing private. Promise.”
I nod.
“They already knew. All of them. I’m apparently not good at hiding how I feel. But we can pretend to just be friends if you want to. I’m sorry I?—”
“No,” I cut him off, reaching for his hand and squeezing it. “No. I don’t want to hide. I’m just… nervous.”
Hugo, this sweet man, brings my hand to his mouth and kisses the back of it. “It’s okay if you want to. I can be embarrassing sometimes.”
My heart squeezes in my chest. “I’mnotat all embarrassed by you. You’re amazing, Hugo. I hate that anyone has made you feel otherwise.”
He shakes his head. “No, no. It’s just… I know sometimes I say things wrong when I get excited.”
Sighing, I adjust in my seat and lean my head against his shoulder. “You’renotembarrassing,” I repeat. “I’m so damn proud to be your boyfriend, and I want to show you to the world. I’m nervous for every other reason—people looking at me. Talking to me. Asking me questions.”
“We don’t have to go.”
“I want to go. Your friends are important.”
