“That was before I saw her.” I haven’t felt this alive off the football field in ages. Maybe forever. “She’s the one. I’m taking her to Arizona with me next week. I need a date for the team event, or else the charity is a bust. And that woman is the only one I want.”
Colton breaks into laughter. “Well, good luck with that, Dyl. She was pretty clear that she doesn’t have any interest in Dylan Wild the star.”
“Exactly. And that’s exactly why she’s perfect.”
Colton shakes his head and turns to Sky. “While my cousin’s figuring that shit out, you want to get out of here?” He whispers something into her ear.
She kisses his jaw and whispers back to him. I smile to myself. I don’t need to hear what they’re saying to know their plans. They’re about to get married.
Colton turns back to me. “Let’s round everybody up, man. You don’t want to miss this.”
I grin. “No, I’m sure I don’t.”
He slaps my back. “Nobody I’d rather have gone through a big game with, dude. You’re the best.”
“We’re world champs right?”
“And you’re MVP.” His eyes brighten. “I’m proud of you.”
“We should have been co-MVPs,” I say. “You caught the winning touchdown pass.”
“No fucking way.” Colton shakes his head emphatically. “You earned that trophy, Dyl. Four hundred passing yards and four touchdowns? That’s all you. That’s why you have that mega contract because we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.” His face breaks into a grin as he wraps his arms around Sky. “But now Sky and I have a surprise planned.”
“Hey, lovebirds.” I reach for my wallet. “Let me call a private plane. For your secret trip that you won’t tell anyone what it’s for.”
Colton’s eyes flash with appreciation. “Thanks, man, but we’re staying right here in Sin City.”
“And I’m involved? But I was about to…”Go find the woman I can’t stop thinking about.
Colton cuts me off. “Of course you’re involved. You’re my best man.”
I swallow. “I’d be honored.”
Colton’s already calling to his mom. I’m about to follow behind them when the hair on the back of my neck stands up. For what reason I don’t know, but that’s always a cue for me, a sign that I should pay attention.
I crane my neck around, checking my surroundings. What I see makes my blood boil. I clench my jaw and nod at Colton.
“I’ll meet you guys outside in a few.”
* * *
Jasalie
After fleeing from Dylan Wild like an idiot, I enthusiastically ask a small group of players if they need drinks. They all hold up their nearly-full beverages to show me they’re fine, and I curse myself, realizing I should have glanced at their cups before offering refills.
I grab a nearby tray of empty glasses and head for the bar. My plan is to drop off the glasses and then maybe find Lilla to ask her for some serving advice.
I step around another group of guys, but in my hurry to push past them, I trip over an errant chair tipped on its side.
And…
I wipe out.
Oomph.
I’m flat out on my stomach, reaching frantically for my tray a few feet in front of me when someone touches my ass.
“Grabs” my ass is more like it, and doesn’t let go.
