Page 273 of By His Play

EPILOGUE

Effie

My stomach tumbles so violently, I’m pretty sure I’m going to vomit.

It’s been almost two months since our moment in the middle of the Chiefs stadium, and just like he confessed, Kieran had in fact moved himself into my apartment.

After leaving the field, he drove us both straight back home. He apologized for not taking me out for a fancy dinner to celebrate, but I didn’t need it. I had no desire to be around anyone but him.

All I have ever needed is him, and I was more than happy to go home and order takeout.

To be honest, it’s pretty much how we’ve spent every night since then.

We’ve managed to keep our engagement under wraps so far. Obviously, our closest friends and Kieran’s family know. But thanks to Kat, who had everything to prove after her last fuck-up, we’ve managed to keep it from leaking to the press.

I didn’t think it was possible, but somehow, she’s done it.

It’s been incredible. Everything has been perfect and so easy.

He’s been spending his days either at camps, doing interviews and appearances, or working out in preparation for the upcoming season. And I’ve been working and dancing. Unlike Brax feared, he didn’t need to get a new partner. That doesn’t mean that Kieran and I don’t still tango every now and then. We’ve discovered it’s better for everyone if we do that in private, though.

But tonight, everything is going to change.

It’s the KC Foundation’s annual summer ball.

I attend every year, but usually, I’m single and Kieran has a beautiful supermodel on his arm.

Jealousy drips through my veins at the thought of another woman touching my man.

Mine.

And after tonight, everyone is going to know that.

It’s our first public event as a couple.

Tonight, we’re attending together, and we’re announcing our official engagement.

Thoughts of what’s going to be posted, or more so, the comments that are going to follow make me feel nauseous again.

As if they know that I’m on the verge of freaking out, there’s a knock at the door.

Rushing over, I open it and allow Elizabeth, Tate, and Lori to step inside.

“Oh my word, Effie,” Elizabeth gushes. “You look so beautiful.”

“Thanks,” I say awkwardly.

I might be better at accepting compliments from Kieran now, but everyone else is a different story.

“He’s going to lose his mind when he sees you,” Tate adds.

Kieran is currently with Brax and a few of the guys getting photographs taken.

They should be heading our way any moment.

We’re all meeting in the bar before heading to the event.

I run my trembling hand down my Chiefs-red dress. It fits my body like a second skin and is cut low down the front, showing off a healthy bit of cleavage. It’s tight to my knees and then flares out, and the sequins that cover it sparkle in the light. It’s the kind of dress the old me would have refused to wear. But Kieran has made me brave in all kinds of ways. Plus, his reaction to it will be so worth it.

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