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“Yeah,” I said, smiling. “He is.”

Chapter Twenty: Greyson

I’d been to some pretty extravagant parties in my life. Between the NFL and the people I’d met during my career, I’d attended events that cost more than most people made in a year.

But I couldn’t remember the last time I’d enjoyed myself this much.

Maybe it was the setting. The reception was being held in a beautiful ballroom at the resort, with enormous windows overlooking the ocean and strings of tiny white lights hanging from the ceiling. The tables were decorated with tropical flowers, and the music was good enough that people had been dancing almost nonstop since dinner ended.

Or maybe it was the company. I looked across the table at Heather, who was laughing at something Christine had just said.

Yeah. Definitely the company.

“Dad, tell her!” Christine demanded, pointing at me with her fork.

I raised an eyebrow. “Tell her what?”

“That you cried when you watched The Notebook.”

Heather’s mouth fell open. “Oh my God.”

“I did not cry,” I growled, glaring at Christine.

“You absolutely did!”

“It was allergy season. My eyes were watery.”

Christine snorted. “Watery with tears.”

Heather burst out laughing, and I shook my head.

“I’m surrounded by traitors.”

“Come on, Greyson.” Heather leaned toward me, her green eyes sparkling. “You can admit it. There’s nothing wrong with crying during a movie.”

“I didn’t cry.”

She grinned. “Okay, tough guy.”

I narrowed my eyes at her, and she blew me a kiss.

Fuck.

I was so gone for this woman. And I didn’t even mind.

A few hours ago, I’d finally told Heather how I felt about her. I’d been terrified that I’d ruined everything between us, but somehow, she’d found it in her heart to give me another chance. And now I was sitting beside her at a wedding reception, watching her laugh with my daughter like they’d known each other for years.

It was almost enough to make me believe that I deserved this.

Almost.

I still had a lot to prove to Heather. I knew that. An apology and a declaration of love didn’t erase what I’d said about her. But I intended to spend as much time as necessary showing her that I meant every word I’d said today.

Especially the part about loving her.

When Ryan and Jake interrupted us in the lobby earlier, I’d been annoyed as hell at first. I’d finally gotten Heather to smile at me again, and all I wanted was to kiss her.

Instead, I found myself shaking hands with the groom and his brother.