My voice carries just enough that a few people nearby hear it.
There’s a ripple of laughter.
McMurray’s face goes red, and he disappears into the crowd.
Noah watches him go, then turns back to me—and does something that steals the air right out of my lungs.
He leans down and kisses me.
Right there.
In the middle of the ballroom.
No hesitation.
No secret.
Just his mouth on mine like the entire room can watch and he doesn’t care.
Like he wants them to.
When he pulls back, his forehead rests lightly against mine.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?”
I shake my head, a little breathless.
“Well you do,” he murmurs.“You look like an angel, Chiara.”
My cheeks warm.
“Thanks,” I say.“You clean up pretty nice yourself.”
He laughs softly, and when the music shifts to something slower, his hand slides into mine.
“Dance with me.”
He leads me onto the dance floor like he’s done it a thousand times.
One arm wraps around my waist, the other holding my hand as we sway gently with the music.
Around us, I spot the others.
Finley and Koa laughing together.
Coach Dane with Carolina, surprisingly graceful for a man who yells for a living.
Annabeth tucked against Luca.
Tank and Dani looking like they’ve forgotten anyone else exists.
Watching them, something warm settles deep inside my chest.
These couples.
This team.
This strange little family they’ve built.
