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"I'll go and get dressed. You need anything?"
He shook his head, but I could see a longing in his eyes. "I'm good. I have everything that I need."
I thrilled at his words as I hustled to my room. He had managed, in a few short days, to make me feel something I'd never felt before: special.
I searched my closet, looking for a dress I remembered, a dress more beautiful than anything I'd ever seen. I dug until I found it. It was a bright blue, fitted, strapless, with a lace overlay. It looked like something a princess would wear, or an actress. I ran my fingers down the expensive fabric. This dress probably cost more than I made in a year as a waitress.
I tried it on, admiring the way it hugged my curves. Chase would love it. A little thrill ran through me at the thought of being out with him tonight, wearing something so beautiful, so proud to be at his side. I wished that every night could be like this, or rather, I wished that there were more nights like this ahead of me.
I did my makeup and fixed my hair. I put on a little extra lip gloss. There. I looked in the mirror approvingly. I looked as though I belonged in this dress, which, all things considered, was a minor miracle.
Chase put his hand over his heart when I came out to meet him in the foyer. "I'm pretty sure I'm having a heart attack," he said. "You're drop-dead gorgeous."
I basked in his approval. "You look nice, too. I can't believe they make a tux that can fit all your muscles in it."
"Love the compliments—keep 'em coming." He held out his hand, and I took it gratefully. "I didn't want to go to this thing tonight, but seeing you in that dress…I take it all back."
We were quiet on the drive into the city. There was a line of limousines and hired SUVs outside of the aquarium. My stomach flipped nervously. I gripped Chase's hand. "I'm not trying to be needy, but can you help me tonight?"
"What do you mean, babe?"
"I don't want to make a fool out of myself," I said nervously. "I don't want to say anything dumb or obviously not fit in."
He squeezed my hand. "You're going to do great. Please don't be nervous. I'm going to stay beside you all night, because are you kidding me? You think I'm going to leave you alone for two seconds in that dress?" He laughed. "No way. My teammates would try to intercept you in a heartbeat."
I smiled at him warmly, his words calming me down. "Cover me."
"Now you're stealing my football lines?"
I giggled. "I don't actually know enough about football to know whose lines are whose."
"I'll teach you. I'll make you an expert." He squeezed my hand as the car idled at the curb. "Are you ready?"
I swallowed hard. My nerves were gathering as I watch the crowd head into the building. I nodded. "Of course," I said.
"Don't be nervous, babe. Chase has got you." His big hand squeezed mine. "Okay?"
With his hand clamped over mine like that, I felt like everything might actually be okay. Even though he'd referred to himself in the third person again.
"Okay."
Chapter Sixteen
CHASE
I pulled Avery against me, smiling automatically for the press as the flashes went off. As soon as we got inside, I grabbed us each a glass of champagne and scanned the elegantly dressed crowd for Eric, my teammates—and Jessica and Pax. We stopped and chatted with players and other people I recognized. I proudly introduced Avery around; she was garnering lots of appreciative stares from everyone.
I didn't let go of her hand once.
Then thankfully, I saw Reggie. I'd missed my friend. "Hey buddy," I called. "I can't wait to get back to practice with you. I miss your terrorizing ways." Reggie always aggressively blocked for me at practice, often knocking several guys down in the process.
He sauntered up to me, his tuxedo looking as if it was about to burst at the seams. "You know I have to watch your back," he said, and clapped me on the shoulder.
"Not so much for my own teammates," I said, grinning at him. "Who never actually hurt me."
Reggie shook his head. "I can't help it. I see someone going for you, I automatically take them out. Can't wait until you come back tomorrow. It's been boring without you." He turned to Avery and raised his eyebrow. "But I can see you've been doing just fine."
He flashed her a smile and held out his hand. "Well, hello. I'm Reggie."
