Right into the end zone.
The roar of the crowd swelled and hit my ears like a tidal wave. I didn’t even remember moving, but suddenly, I was screaming, laughing, crying—maybe all three at once.
Mateo was swallowed by his team in the end zone, bodies piling on top of him in celebration.
He did it.
My body was yanked in multiple directions as arms wrapped me in hugs. First Evelyn, then Josie, and Erin from behind me as her arms went around my neck.
The next bit was a flurry of motion. One second, I was in the stands, the next, my hand was around Josie’s as our entire group worked our way onto the field to find Mateo.
The field was chaotic. Titans hugged one another andshook hands with the other team, jumping around and yelling as confetti rained down.
A bodyguard I hadn’t noticed stood in front of me, shoving his way toward the center of the field. My hand slipped from Josie’s, but I knew Wyatt had her. I quickly dodged an oncoming player, trying not to fall on my ass in the crowd of people.
I stayed close to the security guard, eyes darting around for number eleven. We broke through a small opening where the press stood with giant cameras. I paid none of it any attention, not when I finally found the person I was looking for.
As if sensing I was there, Mateo whirled around. His hair was dark with sweat, sticking to his forehead, the most dazzling smile on his face. A sound left my lips before I took off running.
Mateo closed the distance between us within a few strides, reaching for me. I jumped into his arms, legs around his waist as everything around us faded. I pressed my lips to his without a second thought. I didn’t even hear the clicking of cameras as I kissed my boyfriend with everything I had.
When I pulled back, I had tears streaming down my face.
“You did it!”
His smile was blinding. “I did.”
“I’m so proud of you.”
Something in his expression softened, like my words meant more than the win. His arms tightened around me.
“I brought home a trophy,” he said quietly. “Now it’s your turn to win gold.”
41
MATEO
1week later…
“I take back ever making fun of you for being so nervous watching Wyatt at The Cup Championships,” I said to Josie, who sat on my right. Nerves wrecked my stomach. My legs urged me to get up and pace, but I couldn’t exactly do that in the stands at the Olympics.
“Aw, I love seeing you like this.” Josie put her hand on my knee and squeezed.
“Too cute,” Tasha echoed from behind me.
“Nervous Mateo is adorable,” Mila added as well.
“Geez, thanks for making me feel better, guys,” I deadpanned.
Josie just grinned. “You’re welcome.”
“Hey, you can’t be mad at a pregnant lady,” Tasha remarked. I turned in my seat to look at her, still surprised she was pregnant.
“Shocked Trevor let you fly to come watch them play.”
“Oh, he tried to tell me I couldn’t.” Tasha shook her head. “But I wasn’t about to pass up going to the Olympics to seeboth Emmie skate and the guys play. Plus, I’m carrying his child, the least he can do is let me do what I want. I’m only thirty-two weeks along, I’m just fine.” She waved it off.
You’d think after this many years of being together, Trevor would have learned that Tasha did whatever she put her mind to. And that included being here to support everyone.
