Page 38 of Rush

The reporter chuckled, “Spoken like a true husband-to-be. What are your thoughts on your upcoming season?”

“Win or lose, I’m always excited to get back on the field.”

“Spoken like a true athlete.” She chuckled again.

The line moved up so she ended the interview. “Enjoy yourselves tonight.”

Linc nodded and a man in a suit directed him and Nora to stand in front of a large white billboard with the Phantoms’ logo printed on it. Pictures were taken then they were able to make their escape into the reception room.

“You can breathe now.”

“I’ll confess, it wasn’t as horrible as I thought it would be.” She glanced around. “This place is amazing.”

Linc had to agree. Large banquet tables decorated with elegant table settings and elaborate flower centerpieces were set up in rows in front of a small stage. Draperies and banners lined the walls. String lights and balloons covered the ceiling. And, of course, everything was done in their team colors of black and silver.

“Linc! Good to see you, man.” A teammate walked up with a smack on his shoulder and Linc introduced him to Nora.

That had been the first of many in a long round of happy greetings and introductions until one—Jay fucking Cooper—turned his mood from joyful to irritated as fast as flipping a switch.

“Nora!”

“Hi, Jay.”

“You look drop-dead gorgeous.” The fucker leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

“Thank you. You clean up well, yourself.” Nora was all smiles which grated even further.

“Hey, Linc, you lucky dog. I hear congrats are in order.”

Linc put a protective arm around Nora’s shoulders, drawing her close. “You heard right.”

Eyes—that if he wasn’t careful Linc was going to pluck from his sockets—still on Nora, he said almost as an afterthought, “Let me introduce you to my date. Linc, Nora, this is Rachel. Rachel, Linc and his fiancée, Nora.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Nora said, holding out her hand.

Linc nodded, mumbling an incoherent, “Hey,” under his breath.

The trio chatted for a few more minutes while Linc just stood there throwing daggers until people started towards the tables.

“Looks like things are about to get started,” Linc interjected into the conversation.

They went their separate ways, but not before Jay threw a last parting remark to Nora. “Be sure to save me a dance later. You know, for old times’ sake.” Then the asshole winked.

If Linc ground his teeth any harder, he’d break a tooth. Thankfully, the tables were set up for offence and defense so there was no chance of them being tablemates.

“Everything okay?” Nora asked, once they found their seats.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”

She picked up the water glass sitting in front of her and took a sip. “You’re unusually quiet all of a sudden.”

He was saved from replying by the dimming of the lights and their head coach walking up to the podium to such loud applause it would’ve been impossible to be heard.

“I thought there was nothing going on between you and my sister.” Oz came up beside him as Linc stood on the sidelines, eagle eyes trained on Jay’s hands while he danced with Nora. The fucker had made good on his promise and no matter how much Linc despised the idea, he couldn’t demand Nora not dance with the guy and expect her to listen—regrettably.

Dinner was over and their Super Bowl rings had been delivered amid fanfare. Linc hadn’t been sure exactly what to expect but had been almost moved to tears when he’d unclasped the six-inch-squared red leather box and saw the oversized ring nestled inside. Pride and a sense of accomplishment had filled his chest when he removed the diamond and onyx encrusted ring with the team’s logo on the front and his name and number on the band and slipped it on his finger.

He pulled his eyes off the dancing couple long enough to glance over at his friend. “There’s not.”

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