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“You won’t want to miss Knox’s goal. Keep your eyes on your boyfriend.”
Blowing out a shaky breath, I nodded. “I know. I won’t hide. It’s just that this is so stressful. I can feel his tension from here.”
“You can help him work it out after the game.” She smirked at me, and I laughed.
“Mmm, I’d love to, but we’re having dinner with his family tonight, celebrating JoJo’s third birthday. But after that, I amdefinitelyhelping him to work it out.”
“The car is always an option. Or sneak down to the crypts after everyone leaves. Or there’s the tower…” She trailed off, glancing down at the field.
“Really?” I raised my brows. “Is this based on personal experience?”
She shrugged, miming zipping her lips shut. “I don’t kiss and tell. But you’re right. Family comes first.” There was a pause, and then she added softly, “Or they do, if you’re close to them. And if they’re nice people.”
I didn’t reply to her comment straight away because Knox was drawing closer to the goal. It felt like the whole crowd was collectively holding their breath, willing him to score. Or miss, for the fans of the opposing team.
He suddenly moved to the right, his body a fluid line as he flung the ball, sending it sailing straight past the goalkeeper and into the net.
The crowd went wild, and I went wild with them, shouting and cheering, so proud of the man that I loved. His teammates piled on him, and from my position close to the edge of the pitch, I watched a wide smile spread across his face.
He emerged from the pile of players, running across the field, and then he stopped close to the stands. He pointed directly at me with a gloved hand, placing his other hand over his heart.I love you, he mouthed.
My jaw dropped, my breath catching in my throat as I stared down at him. Helovedme? Swallowing hard, I blinked back the sudden tears in my eyes.I love you too, I mouthed back, meaning every word, placing my own hand to my pounding heart. He smiled widely, his eyes sparkling up at me, and then jogged back to his teammates to continue the game. I watched him go, my heart swelling, overflowing with everything I felt for him. How did I get so lucky?
“Who knew Knox Ashcroft had a sweet side?” Will peered around Katy, who stood to my right. “It’s weird.”
“It’s not weird.” Katy elbowed him in the ribs. “It’s sweet.”
I laughed, knowing how much it riled my boyfriend up when anyone referred to him as “sweet.” I’d definitely have to tell him later. Turning back to Aria, I picked up the thread of our earlier conversation. “I’m lucky that they’re nice people, and they’ve accepted me. Is…” I trailed off, unsure how to voice my question, but luckily, she seemed to understand what I was trying to ask her.
“I meant in general, it’s good to have family to support you. People who aren’t assholes. Especially with all the shit you went through. I’m happy for you, even if your taste in men is, uh, not the best.” A grin spread across her face, and when I shot her a mock glare, she laughed. “Kidding.”
“My taste is amazing, in fact. But thanks. They’ve been so good to me, even after everything, and I just feel so glad they gave me a chance. Same with you guys. You’re the best.” I’d given Aria, Katy, and Will a condensed version of my story, and despite my fears, they hadn’t judged me, hadn’t even treated me any differently than before. “It should be a good weekend. We’ve got Knox’s older sister, Cora, coming down tomorrow for a little family party, plus a load of their other relatives. I’ll be meeting the rest of the family, which is quite daunting, I can’t lie, but I hope they like me.” I was also due to have my second therapy session over the weekend, which Maria had set up for me, but that was something I wanted to stay private. Everything was still too raw, and I had a lot of unresolved grief and trauma to unpack.
Aria gave me a reassuring smile. “We’re friends for life now. And don’t worry about Knox’s relatives. Of course they’ll like you. You’re impossible not to like, and it’s obvious to anyone with eyes that you make Knox happy. He actually smiles now. It’s weird.” We both laughed, and she continued. “You call it a little party, but I bet Knox’s mum has hired caterers, right?”
“Yep. And children’s entertainers. Hopefully no clowns, though.” I shuddered.
“I agree with you. No clowns.” She pulled a face. “Tell me all about it on Monday. That reminds me—on Monday, you can officially meet my new roommate and old friend, Quinn. You’ll like her, I know it.”
My gaze tracked Knox jogging down the field, his gaze intent behind his helmet. He was so gorgeous in his lacrosse uniform, clinging to his body after his exertions, his muscles shifting and rippling as he moved. With an effort, I refocused my brain on my conversation with Aria. “Um. Sorry, got sidetracked for a second. Quinn…yeah. What’s the thing between her and Roman?”
Aria sighed. “It’s not my place to say, and I really don’t know the details. But long story short, Quinn used to board at Hatherley Hall. She moved away when we were fifteen, and Roman refused to talk about her afterwards. I know they used to hang out, and…I don’t know. There are rumours. There seems to be quite a bit of animosity surrounding them.”
“Like there is around you and Tristan?” I nudged her with a grin, and she rolled her eyes.
“He may be one of your boyfriend’s best friends, but that doesn’t mean I have to like him. His ego knows no bounds. Seriously, he actually believes he’s a god. I’ve got no time for people like him.”
“Hmmm.” It seemed to me like she enjoyed riling him up. Maybe she was in denial. “If you say so.”
“I do say so. Now, concentrate on the game. It’s almost over, and you don’t want to miss the end.”
With a smile, I returned my attention to the field, my gaze fixed on player number 26.
When the game was over, Hatherley Hall had won, 10-8, and two of the goals were thanks to Knox. I was proud of the team and so proud of my boyfriend.
After saying goodbye to Aria, Katy, and Will, I wound my way through the dispersing crowds, along with the partners and groupies of the other lacrosse players. When we reached the changing rooms, I fixed my gaze on the doors, my heart beating faster as I waited for Knox to come out.
As soon as he appeared, dressed in navy sweatpants and an oversized Hatherley Hall hoodie in royal blue, I ran for him.
