“If we must.”
He takes my hand back, and I lean my head on his shoulder, smiling to myself as I dream of what’s next.
CHAPTER 13
CALEB
Asking Malia to be my date to this wedding is the worst idea I’ve ever had. But only because it means I can’t kiss her thoroughly in the middle of the dance floor. Therearechildren here.
When the next song changes to a familiar rap song, and the football players in the room crowd the dance floor, laughing, Malia and I head back to our table. I keep a hold of her hand, though. I can’t be talked out of that.
It’s probably best that we take a breath before diving in. Things with Malia feel as though they’re moving so fast things are blurring around me, and yet it’s so natural. Iknowher. I’ve spent months texting with her, strategizing with her inShadow Heroes, laughing and joking as we play with our team. I was ready to marry Ivy after only a couple weeks. Is it any wonder that my heart, after realizing it wants Malia, has moved so quickly? Maybe it’s just the way I am.
“This song?” Malia laughs over the din of the rap music and the cheers from the team and their wives, girlfriends, and dates.
“A tradition.” I grin at her. “It has something to do with Gabriella Duncan and an influencer who tried to take her down.”
“I think I also want details aboutthat,” she says, chuckling.
“Caleb!” a voice calls over the din, and I see that we’ve walked past the table where my grandma is sitting with Devin and his kids. My brother-in-law glances at Malia and raises his eyebrows. I ignore him.
“You okay to come meet G?” I ask Malia.
“Meeting G? In the middle of the rap song? I’m not sure there could be a more perfect time.”
“Good point.” We turn around and head back. “Hi, G,” I say when we reach the table. I lean over and kiss her on the cheek.
“Is this your girlfriend?” Grandma’s voice rises on “girlfriend,” making me think she’s as suspicious as everyone else. Which isn’t surprising. Jett is Grandma’s bestie.
I tug Malia’s hand so she’s standing closer to me. “This is Malia. She is, indeed, my girlfriend.” I hold Grandma’s gaze and dare her to challenge me.
“Well, then let me get a picture of you two together,” she says, holding up her phone. She waves her hand at us. “Step back. Now hug each other like they do on Insta.”
“Insta?” Malia whispers, choking on a laugh.
“Go with it. She’s hip like that,” I say out of the corner of my mouth.
“Closer!” Grandma yells over the rap music.
Malia is fully pressed against me. There is no “closer.” I raise an eyebrow at Grandma.
“Put your arms around her,” she directs. I obey. Malia is almost shaking from suppressed laughter. “Lower,” Grandma calls, still holding up the phone. I glance over at Devin. He’s covering his mouth and I think he might be crying, he’s laughing so hard. “Lower!” Grandma barks again.
“G!” I cry back, exasperated. “There are children at your table.”
Grandma huffs, but there’s a sparkle in her eye. Puffs of laughter are escaping Malia. I break our embrace before thingsget out of hand and step toward Grandma, leaning over her to hug her again.
“You’re a menace,” I whisper.
She chuckles. “What do you know in your heart, Caleb?” she asks. She pulls back to stare at me.
I glance over my shoulder at Malia, who’s standing a step away, watching us talk, a smitten look on her face. Grandma does that to pretty much everyone. Between her and Ruby, I’ve probably won Malia over completely.
“That she might be the one,” I whisper back.
Grandma pats my cheek and smiles. “Make sure she knows that.”
“I promise.” I leave a kiss on the top of her head, wink at her, and then pull Malia away before Grandma gets any more ideas for “pictures.”
