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“It’s true. You gave him the strength he needed to get the job done tonight.”
“Thank you.” I gave him an appreciative nod. “But I still need to talk to you.”
“Talking can wait.” He grinned, as if he knew exactly what I wanted to say. “It’s time to celebrate.”
I slipped inside and surveyed the bar. The place was crammed full, a sea of Raiders blue and white. Music blasted out of the speakers, people laughing and drinking and celebrating their beloved team’s victory.
“Coach, get over here,” Kaiden beckoned me over.
“What’s up?” I said.
“I just wanted to say thank you, for everything.”
“Like I said before, it was all you, Kaiden.”
“Yeah, well, we still wanted to show our gratitude.” Bryan and Gav burst through the crowd with a yard of ale.
“What the—”
“It’s on us,” Kaiden grinned.
“Guys, I’m not sure—”
“Chase, Chase, Chase,” they all started chanting.
“Is this okay?” I mouthed to Jase who had joined us, along with my brother and Asher.
“It’s one night,” Jase shrugged, wearing a smug grin, “and technically school’s out for the holidays. Besides, last time I checked, you’re old enough to—”
“Fine. But just one.”
The guys erupted as I positioned myself with the yard glass. “Three, two, one… Drink!” they yelled and I tipped it back, gulping down the beer as quickly as I could.
Done, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and rolled my eyes. “You’d better be lining up Coach Ford, Huckley, and Macintosh for their turn?” I said.
“Already on it, Coach.” Gav and Bryan disappeared into the crowd again.
“Was that really necessary?” I asked Jase, breaking away from the guys to stand with the adults.
“Let them have their fun. They deserve it.”
A flash of blonde caught my eye and I looked past my brother and his friends to find Peyton across the bar. In the middle of her friends, she smiled and chatted, but I saw the shadow over her face.
I always saw it.
As if she felt me watching, her eyes lifted to mine, and for that single beat I was ensnared in eyes so blue, the noise, the crowd, and the music all melted away until there was only her and me.
Two lost souls twined with grief and pain.
Her breath hitched but then her lips curved into a full luscious smile.
Fuck.
She was beautiful. Like a beacon of golden light in the dimly lit bar. I wanted to go to her. It pulsed through me, a steady heartbeat I couldn’t ignore.
“Xander?” someone said.
“I… I need to go smoke,” I replied to no one in particular, making my way toward the back of the bar. I didn’t expect her to follow, but my heart stuttered in my chest when I felt her behind me.
