“This jersey that isn’t mine covering your perfect body.”
“It technicallyisyour jersey,” I countered. “It came from your closet, which is why I’m drowning in it.”
He grunted in response, and I felt his hand slip beneath the jersey so he was palming my hip, tucking his finger in the waistband of my pants. And then I watched his eyelids flutter shut as he breathed, “Your smooth skin and these jeans that I’d really like to take off.”
“You must be feeling better if you’re getting horny.”
He gave his head a tight shake. “I am, in fact, horny for you in every state of being.”
“Okay,” I acknowledged. “Three things you hear, then.”
“Theo being afraid of Janie.”
“Youcannothear that.” I swatted lightly at his chest. “I’m trying to help.”
“I know you are, I’m sorry.” Exhaling, he opened his eyes again, and they looked clearer. “But I’m feeling better. Just got a little overstimulated there for a second. I could feel my clothes on my skin, and I could justsensestrangers touching you, and it’s so fucking loud in here after the quiet of Rosewood.”
“I know,” I said softly. “It is. Do you want to do the rest of the exercise?”
“Maybe.” His gaze drifted to my mouth. “Is one of them taste?”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“I thought you were trying to help me, Eleanor.” His thumb came to my chin, tilting it. “I think tasting you would make everything better.”
“Would it now?” I breathed against his lips.
“Mhm,” he murmured, and then his mouth pressed to mine in a slow kiss.
It was a kiss that made everything fade away—the crescendo of fans in the stadium, the laughter of his family behind us, the bright, flashing lights. Everything vanished until it was just him and me in a chair that was too small for one of us, let alone two of us. His tongue slid into my mouth, tasting me the way he wanted, and I shivered with delight.
“Yeah,” he said when it ended. “That’s much better.”
And there wasn’t an ounce of my being that could argue with him.
The Knights won the game, much to the disappointment of many Minnesota fans. The eruption of cheers that came from our suite garnered a lot of stares throughout various plays that Noah dominated, but I think people started putting it together at some point, considering the number of phones and cameras that were pointed our way by the end.
By kickoff, Sully had relaxed. I’d stayed in his lap for a few extra minutes, but eventually, he gave my hip a little tap, like he wanted me to know it was okay to get up. I moved to the seat next to him—between him and Theo—and Sully got to his feet to cheer for his brother, his grin wide and genuine.
Something about that moment made my throat tighten with emotion, and it stayed that way for most of the game, all the way until we were welcomed onto the field for a photo opportunity after the crowd had dissipated. I watched as Gemma skipped up to her fiance´, and Noah’s face lit up the second his eyes landed on her. Sweat trickled down his temples and decorated the lines of his tattoos, but Gemma didn’t seem to care, letting Noah sweep her into his arms for a kiss.
I stood there with a silly grin on my face as a few whistles and hollers echoed around us, the clicking and flashing of cameras punctuating the kiss, and when Noah finally released her, Sully said, “That’s going to feed the tabloids formonths,” making everyone laugh. Noah included—though he didn’t really seem like he cared. His gaze drifted to his brother and then to his arm, which was draped over my shoulders, and then the football player was crossing the field to pull us into a sweaty hug, too.
“God, a part of me didn’t believe this was real,” he said, words muffled by the hug. It made my throat do that thing again. “This makes me so fucking happy. Hey, can you do me a favor and, like, never break up again? That would be great, thanks.”
“Typical famous quarterback shit,” Sully tsked. “Out here trying to make our relationship about him. Can you believe it, El?”
Noah rolled his eyes as he pulled back, and a laugh squeezed through my constricted vocal cords.
“Ellie, I’m so glad you’re back,” Noah said, looking at me. “He’s been a fucking menace for the last five years.”
“Don’t worry.” My eyes skirted to Sully to find he was already staring at me, gaze bright. “I’ll keep him in check.”
“I know you will,” Noah laughed before adding, “Nice jersey, by the way. Sul, don’t you think that’s a nice jersey?”
My boyfriend’s eyes flashed. “Did you know that I actually hate you?”
Noah laughed harder, shaking his head. “I love you, man.” He launched another hug at us, squeezing a little tighter this time and speaking a little softer. “Love you both. Thanks for being here.”
