Page 83 of Not Just a Trick Play

Swatting his hands away, I yank off the soggy mess myself. “You did that on purpose.” I shake my head, even as I slip into his jersey. The guy’s a menace, but I’d be lying if his jealousy didn’t send a few shivers down my spine.

“Me? No way.”

Once I have it on, he nods in approval. “Much better.” Leaning in, he lowers his voice. “I like seeing you in my number. But honestly, I prefer you wearing nothing at all.”

“Hush,” I say, glancing around.

“God, I’m fucking tired of hiding,” he mutters under his breath.

“I just need to finish things up with the Titans, and then we can announce it.”

“I’m thinking sooner.”

Right as I’m about to reply, a voice cuts through the buzz of the room.

“Attention, everyone!” I spin to see Jessica at the front, with Noah by her side. “I’m pleased to share that the Nurture NYC board has just informed us that the gala is back on. Your participation in Skybox Supports was instrumental in their decision.”

The grin that breaks over Jake’s face at the news is breathtaking, I can’t look away.

She continues, “A special thanks goes to Noah Winter for his unwavering support, and one more person whose name came up so many times I lost count—Jake Cunningham, for practically chaining himself to this project and refusing to let go.”

Everyone laughs.

The suite erupts into laughter, and he gives a mock salute, his smile only growing wider.

“This, of course, means we’re working on a very tight timeline to get the gala back on track. Fortunately, Noah owns the hotel, and the couple who had their wedding booked for that date is now celebrating with five hundred of their closest friends and family at the Four Seasons in the Maldives, compliments of the Winters Organization.”

Noah’s name, paired with the Titans’ draw, means that despite the short notice, all of New York’s high society will show up in droves.

Later, after I’ve snuck out of the stadium and slipped into Jake’s car, I turn to him with a smile. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you. Couldn’t have done it without you and the whole Skybox Supports program.”

“I had nothing to do with it.”

“Not true. Sure, it might’ve been birthed from Jessica’s diabolical mind, but you were one of the minions making it happen.”

I snort. “Minion? Really?”

He leans in, eyes sparkling. “You know what this means, don’t you, Sweets?

“I’m almost afraid to ask.”

“Our couple debut? It’s happening at the gala. You’re coming with me as my date. The princess is getting her prince. The pie’s getting its cherry. The cake’s getting the icing.”

“Now, in these scenarios, am I cake or icing?”

“You’re all of it.”

I kiss him, but before I can catch my breath, he drops the real bomb. “But—we’re not waiting to tell my family. We’re telling everyone—including Yvonne, tonight.”

My heart stutters. “Are you sure about this?” I ask weakly.

It’s not that I don’t want people to know—I do—but I’m terrified of how Yvonne will react. What if she thinks I used her to get close to her brother? Besides him, she’s been my single biggest supporter, showing up for my tours, calling herself a plant, always the first to dance and make my clients join in. And his family… From Jeanine to baby Lillian, I’ve fallen for them all.

I glance at Jake, feeling the weight of how big this is. He’s larger than life. It’s almost impossible to believe he’s mine. Even if only in private. I know hiding’s grating on him.

“You sure you’re not my little chicken?” He softens his words by hugging me close.

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