She lifts her head to look at me. "Promise?"
"I promise."
She kisses me softly, then settles back against my chest.
"What time do you leave in the morning?" she asks.
"Six a.m. We won't be back until Sunday afternoon."
"Come back to me in one piece."
"Always."
There's a loud crash from downstairs, followed by shouting and laughter. The guys are definitely getting rowdy.
"Should we go down there?" Sutton asks.
"Absolutely not. I want you all to myself for as long as possible."
She smiles and kisses me. “I like the sound of that.”
Chapter Ten
SUTTON
The restaurant is busy tonight.
Every table is full, the kitchen is backed up, and I've been on my feet for six straight hours. My lower back is screaming, my feet are killing me, and I've smiled so much my face hurts.
But I need the tips. Desperately.
So I keep refilling waters, taking orders, and pretending the couple at table seven didn't just leave me a three-dollar tip on an eighty-dollar check.
My phone buzzes in my apron pocket. I sneak a quick look between tables.
It's a notification from ESPN. The men's team won their away game.
Relief floods through me. Declan played well, then. He must have.
I wanted to be there so badly. Wanted to see him play and cheer from the stands. I would love to be one of the women down there congratulating their boyfriend.
But I needed this shift. The money from tonight will cover groceries for the next two weeks.
So here I am, serving overpriced pasta to entitled college kids while my boyfriend is four hours away celebrating a win.
I send him a quick message.
Me:Congrats on the win! So proud of you! Call me when you can.
The rest of my shift passes in a blur of orders, complaints, and fake smiles. By the time I clock out at ten, my feet are throbbing, and my phone is still silent.
I check it in my car. The game ended two hours ago. He should have texted by now.
Maybe he's still doing press stuff or celebrating with the team.
I tell myself there's a reasonable explanation.
But a small, anxious voice in the back of my mind tries to fill my head with negativity.
