Page 159 of Floored By Love

I hadn’t noticed the countdown on the wall was already at zero. This was it. The closing ceremony had started.

“I’ll see you in a little bit,” I said.

He leaned in to kiss me goodbye. “Not soon enough.”

“I’m curious to see this harness.”

Luke shook his head and laughed as he jogged off, following the clipboard woman.

We were in the same arena as the opening ceremony, and like before, large screens broadcast what was happening in the stadium next door.

My memories of Brisbane’s closing ceremony were foggy, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but so far, it seemed similar to the opening ceremony. Theatrics, music, a huge production. Then the procession of flags started, and I had my phone in hand, ready to snap a pic if they showed Luke on the screen.

I kept my eyes glued to the broadcast, trying to figure out which side he’d be on as we entered. The flag bearers had formed a corridor that the athletes were going to walk through.

“I reckon he’s on the right side,” Colton said.

“You sure?” I asked. I was watching, but hadn’t seen him.

“I think Colton’s right,” Alex confirmed.

“Good.”

Soon enough, it was our turn to enter the stadium. We all began shuffling toward the exit to begin the march over to the stadium.

It was a crystal clear night. Despite the city lights, I could see the moon in the sky between the two venues. I shivered.

“We shoulda brought the jackets. It’s dang cold out.”

“Maybe it’s warmer in the stadium?” I said.

“Well, you’ll have Luke to keep you warm. What do I got?”

“It’s not that cold out. You’ll make do. Keep your eyes open for Luke.”

“Ten-four,” Colton said, saluting me.

“Are you going to kiss him again on live television?” Orion asked.

“Do you even have to ask?”

Orion laughed, and we kept moving closer to the stadium.

“I see him!” Colton said, pushing me in front of him. “Pucker up, Cam.”

I rolled my eyes, but inwardly smiled. If we couldn’t walk in together, this was the next best thing. We could have a moment together. It would just be in front of the whole world. Again.

I saw him before he saw me. I slid my fingers into his before he even knew I was there.

“You snuck up on me.”

“Not the first time, is it?”

Luke blushed. “No, sir.”

“Come here,” I said, wrapping my arms around his torso.

With one hand on the flag, his other was free to pull me close.