Page 106 of Fighting Fate

But then his tone shifts, growing more reflective. "It took me just a few hours to change my mind and call Coach back. I realized this night means more to me than most probably realize. It's not just about Coach Kreft's wife and her fight—it's about what it means to each of us, personally."

Miles fidgets slightly, his gaze drifting down before his eyes find mine across the room, locking in a moment of silent encouragement. "I thought this was just another athlete's obligation at first. But then, I understood its deeper meaning, particularly for someone who's battled cancer."

The room falls into a stunned silence, a collective intake of breath filling the air. This revelation, though known to some, is a bold admission in such a public setting. I swell with pride, knowing this is a defining moment for Miles.

His voice wavers but doesn't break. "It felt like the end of the world. But really, it was a lesson in strength, in overcoming. And tonight, I see that same resilience in all of you."

Pausing, Miles draws in a deep breath, his presence commanding yet vulnerable. "Life throws curveballs. Some we think we can't handle. When I faced cancer, I was filled with fear, anger, and was lost in uncertainty. But it was then I found my resilience, the indomitable spirit within me."

His words, heartfelt and sincere, resonate with everyone. "This evening is about more than just raising funds. It's a celebration of our shared humanity, our collective resilience. We stand together, united in our struggles and triumphs."

Pride swells within me, bringing tears to my eyes. This is the Miles who will make an incredible doctor, the Miles who's more than just a football player. He's a survivor, a fighter, and, in this moment, a beacon of hope and strength for everyone in the room.

He steps down from the podium, but instead of returning to our table, he detours somewhere else. Concern flickers in my heart, urging me to follow, but I'm momentarily halted.

"Milli, what's going on with you and Miles?" Luke's voice cuts through my thoughts.

Surprised, I meet his gaze, a hint of defiance in my eyes. Gone is the shy, reticent Milli. With newfound confidence, I retort, "What about you and Payson?" My eyebrow arches challengingly, throwing him off balance.

Without waiting for his response, I pivot on my heel, striding toward the bar where Miles has found refuge. Our eyes meet, a silent understanding passing between us. He's seeking an escape, and I know exactly how to provide it.

"You okay?" Feeling Milli's soft touch on my arm, a sense of calm washes over me. The speech

I just gave was a raw, unscripted dive into my past, something I never planned to reveal, but it felt right in the moment. I wanted the room to understand the true essence of this event, not just as a social gathering or a football talk, but as a support system for people like me who have faced life's toughest battles.

The constant buzzing of my phone with messages and calls I've been deliberately ignoring now feels like a pressure valve about to burst. It's as though everything I've been holding back is yearning to break free, to be acknowledged and confronted.

In Milli's presence, the storm of worries and doubts that usually plague me momentarily quiets down. I glance at her, offering a light-hearted wink and a reassurance. "I'm perfect now." Her gentle touch as she wraps her hand around my arm and rests her head against it ignites a complex cascade of emotions within me. These feelings, deeper and more intricate than anything we've shared before.

You love this girl, no two ways about it.

But these intense emotions bring a sense of vulnerability. The fear of rejection, the uncertainty of our future, and the risk of misinterpreting her signals loom over me. I'm trying to stay in the moment, enjoy our current connection without overthinking. But it's tough not to ponder what all this might mean for us.

As I take another sip of my beer, I softly let go of her hand from my arm. I notice a quick shadow of disappointment in her eyes, but it swiftly changes into a seductive bite of her lip that always drives me wild. In response, she grabs the opportunity and pulls us toward the dance floor, initiating a carefree twirl. The vibe is easygoing, encouraging me to cheekily tap her ass. This surprises her, and she turns around with a defiant look.

Milli turns, her eyes challenging me. "Sunshine, keep touching my ass like that tonight and see what happens," she teases in a low purr.

"Show me, pretty girl," I coax with a grin, twirling her effortlessly, our moves a perfect match with the rhythm of the others around us. As she comes back into my arms, it's like we're two halves of a whole, my hands finding their spot on her lower back as if they belong there. "How did you know I was in the mood for dancing?" I ask, the words wrapped in the warmth of our closeness.

With a sly grin, she responds, "Because who wouldn't want to dance with the best?" Her confidence is infectious, and I laugh, genuinely enjoying this moment.

I pull her even closer, our bodies almost merging into one. Whispering near her lips, I confess, "I am incredibly lucky." The surprise on her face shifts to a look of awe, as if she can't believe I've vocalized my feelings. But I mean every word—I am lucky to have Milli in my life.

The beat shifts, dropping into that slow, haunting rhythm of "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star, and it's like a signal just for us. Without thinking, I pull Milli closer, till I can almost hear her heartbeat mingling with the music. Everything else just...fades away. It's just her and me, in this bubble where the glares and whispers of the world can't touch us. This dance, this moment—it's ours alone.

With Milli's hand gently climbing up my arms to encircle my neck, I respond by wrapping my arms around her waist. Our gazes lock, a wordless conversation unfolding between us, filled with unspoken emotions and questions.

The dimming lights cast a soft glow around us, enhancing the intimacy of our dance. The formalities of the event have given way to a more relaxed and sociable atmosphere, with guests mingling and enjoying themselves.

In a fluid motion, I spin Milli, bringing her back against my chest. As we sway to the music, her head rests comfortably on my shoulder. My hands, starting from her waist, explore the contours of her body through the fabric of her dress. It's a silent declaration that she's with me tonight, a subtle message to anyone who might be watching.

Her body pressed against mine sets off a torrent of thoughts. She's all ease and trust, eyes shut, lost in our dance, and it's downright mesmerizing. Leaning in, my breath hot against her ear, I can't help but murmur, "You got any idea the restraint it takes to not fucking sweep you away at this moment?" My arms pull her closer, hands spreading across her stomach, our fingers lacing together. A quiet moan slips from her lips, and the feel of her, so close, has me on high alert.

I half-joke, "I'm tempted to just scoop you up and end the night on our terms."

Milli's response, her eyes sparkling with a mix of challenge and curiosity, is unexpected. "Then why don't you?" she teases.

The idea is tempting, but the setting isn't right for such a move. So, I lean in and kiss her neck gently, a small gesture of affection that makes her melt into me.

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