“Yep!” she squeaks. “We’ll meet everyone after the team stuff. I think they already have a plan in place for where to meet, right?”
“I’ll go wherever they tell me to. I’m ready to celebrate though, and I would love it if you were there.” I drop my hands, but I don’t move away, and neither does she.
“Okay, then I guess I’ll see you later.” She points to someone behind me. “Looks like you have people waiting on you, Trouble.”
“Ha! See you later, Brooke.” I wink at her and place my hand on her shoulder. I slide my hand down her arm, then squeeze her fingers before I release them.
I don’t miss the smile and the pink in her cheeks as she walks away.
Today, I got the trophy.
Tonight, I’m gonna get the girl.
Before the elevator doors open, I can feel the music vibrating. XS Nightclub is known for its exclusive parties with celebrities and athletes. It’s a rooftop deck overlooking the Vegas skyline, with a covered section I need to walk through to find my friends. I’ve never been to or seen anything like it. I’m way out of my comfort zone here, but I want to celebrate with my boys, and I really hope Brooke is here.
I fist-bump a few of my teammates as I make my way through the crowd. Girls slide up to me and wrap their arms around my waist, congratulating me, but there’s only one I’m looking for.
I spot my friends hovering near the dance floor, but not dancing. Casey is usually one to get out there and dance, but he’s tipping back a beer and then speaking animatedly to Bo. I think we’re all still on an adrenaline high and ready to celebrate.
And then I see her.
She’s dancing with Chelsea—who’s wearing a white sash withBride-to-Beon it—along with Charlie, Noelle, and a few of my teammates’ girlfriends.
Now, I’ve played in stadiums that hold over ninety thousand screaming fans. I’ve been plowed down by three-hundred-pound linemen. But nothing comes close to seeing Brooke on the dance floor. She just about knocks me on my ass.
Short silver dress.
Backless.
Catching the lights in the room like it was made just to ruin me.
She throws her head back, laughing at something Noelle said. Her long brown hair swings as she dances, and her hips move like they know exactly what she’s doing.
Driving me wild.
Hypnotizing me.
As if she senses me in the room, her eyes meet mine across the club, and she smiles softly. Then it spreads into something wicked. Almost like a challenge.
Game fucking on.
Beck walks by me and hands me a beer. It’s not lost on me that I’m standing here, staring at his sister, and he’s the one who hands me a drink.
I shake my head slightly and smile.
“Cheers, man. Hell of a game.” Beck leans in closer so I can hear him over the noise and taps his bottle to mine.
I tip back my beer and nod. I should be here in the moment. Celebrating our national championship with my team. Soaking in the chaos of the club. “Thanks, Beck. Glad you could make it to the game.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it. Come on. Let’s go over to the rest of the guys.” He starts walking.
I follow behind, but my eyes find Brooke again, and I watch shamelessly as she sways her hips to the music.
As we reach our group, the music gets louder, and Casey clamps a hand on my shoulder. “Dude”—he leans in close to my ear—“are you alive? What took you so long to get here? I thought you were coming over right after dinner.”
“I walked my parents back to their hotel so I could say goodbye. They’re taking an early flight out,” I reply.
“That was nice of you, Boy Scout.” He nudges me with his shoulder and laughs. “Come on. Let’s go dance with the girls. I can’t get anyone else to go with me.” He starts to move closer to the edge of the dance floor.
