Page 86 of Buzzer Beater

He laughed. “So, you’re moving for them?”

I nodded. “Yes, that’s it.”

He wrapped his arms around me and drew me in. “Thank you, Lucy.”

I tipped my head up enough to kiss him. After a few seconds of dizzying bliss, I pulled back. “I love you, Colin. You’re what matters most.”

“I love you more.”

I shook my head and burrowed into him. Now I just needed my boss to approve my request. I doubted there would be any issues. Lehi had an opening, and this was the first thing I’d ever asked for. It would work out. It had to.

24

Colin

I was doing everything I could to drag this morning out. I was slow to pack, slow to get down to breakfast, and slow to accept this was it.

“Perk up, Brassard. We’re heading home.” Hartman walked back and smacked me in the back of the head as he took a seat at the table.

The plate of food in front of me sat untouched. Not even the bacon could tempt me.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Lucy sounded concerned.

“He’s lovesick.” Erik said with a laugh.

I glared at him but turned to Lucy. “I’m a little nervous about leaving.”

“Why?” Her eyebrows knit together.

“What if you get back to your real life and you change your mind?”

She smiled. “What if you get back to yours and realize you’re better off without me?”

“That’s crazy. That’s not going to happen.”

“Exactly.” She winked and took a bite of watermelon.

I leaned back, giving up on eating which was not something I normally did. “I’m going to miss this place.”

I got a few nods in return. Emma looked around at the table with a content smile. “This was a really good idea. Thanks for making us all come.”

The others said thanks, but Grant just rolled his eyes. “If I’d known you’d leave with a girlfriend I might have put my foot down. I don’t like being outnumbered by you guys.”

Kendall cocked her head. “By us girls?”

“No, by guys I mean relationships. What happened to all the bachelors on the team? That’s what we used to be known for.” He shook his head. “Now we’re the family team.”

Reese laughed. “Why is that a bad thing?”

Olli nodded. “It hasn’t hurt my endorsement opportunities.”

“Or mine.” Erik squeezed Madeline’s shoulders. “I’ve gotten more. Companies think I’m more dependable now or something.”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “I believe one of them used the term lower-risk.”

Grant shrugged. “I don’t want any part of this. I’m not ready to settle down.”

Olli laughed. “Famous last words my friend.”