We exchanged high-fives and hugs with the patrons, and the energy in the air was infectious, but my focus wasn’t on the fans. I scanned the room, searching for the one person who would make the victory even sweeter.
Sitting at a corner table with Kaylee, Ford met my gaze and a wide grin spread across his face. The world seemed to fade away as I rushed toward him. We collided, and I didn’t care that we were in a room full of fans. I took his face in my hands and planted a quick kiss on his lips.
The bar fell silent, almost like someone had scratched the needle across a vinyl record and brought the music to an abrupt halt. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, but it didn’t bother me.
A moment later, Butcher shouted, “Drinks are on me!”
The silence exploded into a thunderous roar of approval.
“Great game tonight,” Kaylee praised.
“Thank you.” I beamed and slid onto a stool next to Ford. “Glad we pulled it off.”
“Not gonna lie, I was nervous,” Ford admitted.
“Me too,” I sighed.
Butcher walked over with a pitcher of beer, three pint glasses, and a Coke. “Beer anyone?”
“Of course.” Kaylee smiled brightly.
Butcher took the glass of Coke that was stacked in the pint glasses and handed it to Ford before pouring Kaylee her beer. I wasn’t sure how Butcher felt about Ford’s friend, but I was almost positive she wanted Butch and not just for free beer.
“You played a good game too,” Ford told Butcher.
“Thanks, bro. Couldn’t have pulled out the win without your man, though.” Butcher punched me playfully on the arm.
I was given the assist on Nyström’s goal, but all of us were just happy he had made it past Baylor.
“Yeah, I’m proud of him.” Ford nudged my shoulder with his.
I leaned over and whispered into his ear, “You wanna go home?”
He raised a brow. “We just got here,” he said in a low tone.
“Fine. One drink and then we leave.”
“All right. Deal.”
I sipped my beer as Ford drank his Coke and then he bent over and said, “You know, I think you might have set a record for the quickest post-game victory kiss in history.”
“Well, when you’re in love, timing is everything,” I teased.
“I don’t mind. You can kiss me any time you want.”
“I just might.” I winked.
After finishing our beers, I said to Butch, “We’re gonna head out.”
“Already?” He frowned.
“Yeah.” I didn’t elaborate as to why. “Can you make sure Kaylee gets home, okay?”
“Of course.” He winked at her, and she blushed.
We said our goodbyes and then stepped outside into the cool night.
“I parked in the alley,” Ford stated.
