“I guess you and Bentley sorted out your differences.”
“Guess so,” I say, my cheeks heating.
He chuckles. “Glad to hear it. We’re going to miss you on the pitch next year. I don’t suppose we can convince you to sign up for another degree like your boyfriend so we can keep you too?”
My lips tug into a smile. “No chance, Coach. But thanks for everything.”
I hold my hand out, and he grins as he shakes it.
“No doubt we’ll be seeing you in the stands cheering us on.”
“No doubt.”
He claps me on the shoulder, walking away as Noah approaches. “Well done, captain.”
“Thanks, Coach,” Noah replies. He wraps his hands around my waist, resting his forehead against mine. “We did it.”
“You did,” I agree, but he shakes his head, tightening his grip on me.
“Wedid it, Zac. You helped us get here.”
I brush my nose over his, kissing him. “We did it.”
The stadium’s sound system crackles, and we move over to join the team for the presentation. I cheer when Noah’s named man of the match, and even louder when he holds up the championship cup. I’m so fucking proud of him.
The cheersof the crowd are deafening when the team enters Carter’s, freshly showered and wearing their Beckford U training tops, their championship medallions hung around their necks.
The owner cleared a section of booths and high-top tables, roping them off for us like we’re celebrities. I guess we are. Or they are—Noah and my teammates. Back-to-back champions. A tray of shots gets passed around, but I wave it off. I still can’t drink with the medication I’m taking.
I lost track of Noah when we arrived, letting him enjoy his moment in the spotlight with everyone congratulating my man, but he appears by my side with a wide grin and passes me a bottle of water.
“I lost you,” he says, kissing my jaw.
“Tonight’s your night,” I say, nodding at the crowd. “Don’t worry about me.”
He frowns, but before he can say anything, a group of guys approach us, and he’s pulled into a conversation.
“Hey,” Hannah greets me with a hug, then slides into the booth across from me. “What a game.”
“It was intense.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Tired,” I admit, rubbing my temple.
“Let me know if you want a lift. I’m not drinking.”
“Thanks.” I smile, shifting over in the booth as Noah and Jasper join us.
The din of the bar makes it difficult to follow conversations, but I’m content to sit back and soak up the vibes. Noah’s hand rests heavy on my thigh, and he laughs and jokes with everyone without a care in the world. It’s so good to see him so happy and free.
We receive more than a few curious glances, especially after the kiss earlier. We’ve held hands around campus, but we’ve kept the PDA behind closed doors. Until now.
Noah catches me watching him and smirks. Swiping his tongue over his bottom lip, he grips the back of my neck and rests his forehead against mine.
“You keep looking at me like that, I’m going to take you home and fuck you,” he warns.
“Promise?” I tease, sliding my hand up his thigh, brushing against his hardening dick.
