Page 84 of Trapped and Tackled

I draw in a sharp breath, my mind spinning. Wrapping my legs around Talon’s waist, I tug him closer. He falls on top of me and we both laugh.

I grasp his face between my hands and stare back at him. “Good. Because I love you, too.” Then, I kiss him hard.

And we make the most of the rest of our time together.

We come together eagerly. It’s intense and emotional. We give each other our hearts along with our bodies.

And even cloud nine can’t hold me back. With Talon’s words echoing in my mind, his kiss on my lips, and his love wrapping around me like a shield, I float even higher.

“She looks gorgeous,” I breathe out to Marlowe as Adi is announced.

The venue is perfect. The tables are evenly spaced around the dance floor with gold Chiavari chairs, flickering candles, and beautiful cream and peach peony floral arrangements. The setting is sun-kissed Tennessee at its finest and I love that I had the opportunity to be part of this day.

To witness Adeline, a girl I’ve known since her birth, the younger sister I never had, descend the stairs and meet her escort, the son of a family friend, brings a smile to my face.

“Her dress is gorgeous,” I murmur, admiring the white, A-line gown that fits Adi like a glove.

“Aunt Rose Marie bought it for her,” Marlowe explains.

I nod, realizing that Marlowe’s family issues are deeper than I understand. The fact that Marlowe’s parents would bail on this event—on something that is important to Adeline—highlights how low the McIntyre family has sunk.

I haven’t pressed Marlowe for information, but I hope she knows that she has me—and Keller and his family—to soften the hits that keep coming.

“Talon cleans up well,” Marlowe murmurs, lifting her chin to the side of the ballroom where Talon and Keller are standing.

Keller swirls his glass of red wine while Talon sips on a sparkling water. Regular season has started, and he’s boarding a plane to Kansas City tomorrow. The fact that he’s here tonight…well, even Dad can’t refute the fact that Talon is as invested in this relationship as I am. Especially since Dad had to bow out of attending tonight’s ball when a last-minute meeting came up.

I don’t blink as I check Talon out. Damn, does he wear a tuxedo well. One would never know he’s only dressed up a handful of times in his life. He rocks the look effortlessly—pure swagger. Plus, that bow tie is a classical touch that I can’t stop admiring.

When he notes my eyes on him, he lifts his drink in my direction and gives me a wink. I bite my bottom lip to keep from blowing him a kiss.

I love you, Leni. I love you so damn much.

It means a lot to me that Talon is here to support me. Celebrating this achievement with me, he’s fully invested in my success. I can’t wait to dance with him later.

I return my gaze to the top of the stairs as the next debutante is presented.

Jasmine begins her descent. Beside me, Marlowe shifts. Her hand wraps around my wrist and squeezes.

I glance at her. “What?—”

“Leni,” my best friend whispers, shock and concern blooming in her expression.

I follow her line of sight and feel like the floor bottoms out beneath me.

Craig is standing at the bar, casually holding a glass of scotch, and staring right at me. His eyes are piercing—dark and angry. His expression is carefully neutral, barely concealing the fury I know lurks beneath. His eyes cut to Talon before slamming back to mine. Betrayal washes across his expression, before morphing into anger.

He is livid. And he is here to make a scene.

My blood runs cold and the back of my neck prickles. My fight-or-flight response activates and I hate that the first thing I do is check for the exits.

My pulse skitters, my stomach twists in dread, and the taste of fear floods my mouth.

Craig smirks, knowing I’m scared. Liking that I’m scared. That I’m considering running.

Marlowe swears, garnering a look of disgust from a nearby guest. I’m too rattled to reprimand her. Her hand settles on my back, and I draw strength from her proximity.

Then, my gaze swings to Talon and he’s frowning at me, knowing that something is wrong. Fully aware that I’m about to spiral.

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