***
"Thank you, Grangewood Creek, for coming out tonight,” Avery says, his voice clear and confident just like I taught him. "Public speaking’s not exactly my thing,” he continues, "but tonight’s a special occasion. Last time I was on a stage like this, my now-wife was bidding on a date with me.”He chuckles, and the crowd laughs along with him. "Tonight, I’m proud to announce the re-opening of the Grangewood Creek basketball stadium.”
He smiles, and the cheers that follow almost rival the roar of twenty thousand people cheering me on all those months ago.
He passes the mic to Orlando, who shares their plan to bring the Youth Basketball Association to Grangewood Creek—open to all ages.
They want to help any kid chase their dream.
Scholarships, housing, clothing, tutoring… even meals, thanks to Wingrove Estates.
That earns another round of applause.
I glance over my shoulder to see Cassandra beaming at her husband, who waves a hand in thanks.
"None of this would’ve been possible without all of you. Grangewood Creek welcomed me with open arms, and I'll forever be grateful. Sign-up sheets are at the back, along with information on everything we offer. Tryouts start next month. And please, help yourselves to food and drinks.”
He raises his glass, steps off the stage, and heads straight for me, the crowd’s applause still echoing in the background.
"Last time you were in front of a mic, you looked like you were going to throw up,” I tease, brushing a kiss to the corner of his mouth.
"And last time you wore that dress, I begged to rip it off you.”
He quirks a brow, then leans in and kisses me.
It’s soft, but just enough to make me want to drag him to his new office and let him bend me over his desk.
"I thought it was one of a kind?” he murmurs in my ear, voice low and sinful.
"This one’s a replica. Had it made just for tonight. You can rip it off, if you feel so inclined.”
His blue eyes darken, and I feel that familiar tingle run down my spine. One I haven’t felt in months.
But I don’t fear it anymore.
I know why my body reacts that way.
I know what triggers me.
And I know what calms me.
Avery does both, in the best way.
"Sorry to interrupt,” Lizzie says from behind me, nose scrunched like she just overheard everything and wants to bleach her eardrums.
"I wanted to introduce you to someone,” she says, her voice calm but playful.
I glance past her, but no one’s there.
Until a small throat clears below.
He can’t be older than five.
Shaggy blond hair nearly covers his eyes until he flicks it aside and reveals the darkest shade of green staring up at me.
I crouch down to his level.
"Hi,” I say with a smile.
