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“You’re not being lazy. You’re slowing down.” I kiss the top of her head. “It’s good to do that from time to time.”

Her laughter is light and sweet. “Says the guy who’s always treated every practice as if it’s Game Seven.”

I hum. “That’s different.”

“How?”

I push her hair aside and press a soft kiss to the sensitive spot below her ear. “Because I earned this moment with you. This quiet.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe.” I rest my chin on her shoulder. “And I’m still not leaving.”

She covers my hands with hers. “You’re going to be sick of me soon.”

“Never.” I tighten my hold. “I’ve waited for this, for you, for years. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

If it were up to me, I’d never leave Isla’s side. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work like that. She looked at me as if I’d suddenly grown another limb when I joked that maybe she could sleep in and skip morning practice. I knew she wouldn’t, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. Sleeping with her in my arms is the best sleep I’ve had in years.

Asher is sitting beside me now, talking my ear off about what he did after the Halloween party while we eat lunch. Diego is in the dining hall too, mixed in with the group of guys at our table. I’m playing it cool, because as long as he stays away from Isla, I’m okay with him.

The skin on the back of my neck tingles, like I’m being watched, so I look up and scan the open space. When I find Isla looking at me, my heart expands, and I smile.

With a deep breath in, she makes her way to our table.

My pulse takes off, and pride settles in my chest. For her to join me at my table like this is huge.

She wants the world to know I’m hers.

I have no complaints about it.

She stops beside me, head lowered, worrying her lip. “Hey. Can I have a seat?”

“Of course.” I turn to Ash. “Do you mind?”

He rolls his eyes. “I don’t have a death wish, so no, I don’t mind at all.” He shoves the guy beside him, and they both move down a seat, leaving room for her to sit between us. “It’s good to see you, sweet Isla.”

“You too.” She nods and slips into the seat.

My skin buzzes when she’s this close, and my hands itch to touch her. The urge to jump onto this table and scream at the top of my lungs that this girl is mine is nearly overpowering. Instead, I once again play it cool.

I wrap my arm around her shoulders. “Most of you already know Isla, but I figured I’d introduce her for real.” I look around the table at my teammates. “This is my girlfriend, Isla. Be nice—or else.”

The guys rumble in response, keeping their greetings respectful.

“Likewise.” She nods, blushing. “Such a show-off,” she mutters, side-eyeing me.

Chuckling, I turn toward her.

She lifts her head, her blue eyes sparkling like sapphires. There’s no sight of anger or annoyance in the way she looks at me.

I hover closer and peck her lips once. Then again, and again, and again.

She giggles, trying to wiggle out of my embrace. “Michael, stop,” she murmurs.

“One more time,” I whisper against her lips.

It’s a lie. One more time will never be enough. She’s in my very bones, in every fucking cell of my body, and that’s exactly how it always should’ve been.