Page 126 of Never Your Girl

Trust.

“All right,” Garret says, shifting awkwardly. “I’m gonna grab a drink.”

“Hey,” I call after him. It’s only when he stops, glancing back over his shoulder to meet my gaze that I say, “You’re good, man. We’re good.”

His expression softens as he nods, and without another word, he disappears into the crowd.

Holland leans into me, her head resting against my shoulder. “I like this version of you.”

“Yeah?” I tighten my arm around her, savoring the warmth of her against my side. “What version is that?”

“The one who forgives,” she says, her lips curving into a small smile as she tips her face up to meet mine. “It’s kind of hot.”

I smirk, lowering my head so our foreheads nearly touch. “Only kind of?”

Her chuckle is soft, her breath warm against my skin. “Don’t push your luck, Sanderson.”

Around us, laughter and conversation fill the space, but there’s something different in the air tonight. Something that feels more final. Not in a bad way, just in the way things shift when one chapter comes to an end and another one begins.

Ryder stands beside Juliette, his arm slung around her shoulders, his fingers absently playing with the ends of her hair. Ford and Carina are close by, hands clasped together, their eyes locked like they’re in their own private world. Stella leans into Riggs, their grins matching as she whispers something in his ear. Viola nudges Madden playfully, her teasing met with a low chuckle as he pulls her against him.

Fallyn and Wolf are wrapped up in each other, her fingers resting lightly on his chest as he watches her as if she’s the only person in the room. The only one he sees. Colby and Britt share a quiet moment, their hands linked, their smiles easy. Maverick tugs Willow closer, his lips pressing to her temple like he still can’t believe she’s his.

And Ava and Hayes?

They stand side by side, no grand gestures, just a quiet, undeniable certainty between them.

Out of everyone, their relationship is probably the biggest surprise of all.

The nine of us met as incoming freshmen, grew into men over the years, and found love stories none of us expected. Now, we’re moving forward, each on our own path, ready to tackle whatever comes next.

One thing is for certain—no matter where life takes us, we’ve found something rare, something unshakable.

We started as teammates.

Now, we’re family.

Not by blood but by choice. The kind of family you build and hold on to because they’re the ones who truly matter.

My gaze shifts to Sully, the owner of Slap Shotz, when he hauls himself onto the small stage in the corner, his burly frame and booming voice instantly commanding everyone’s attention. He raises his arms, palms out, and his deep voice cuts through the chatter like a knife.

“Hey!” Sully shouts, his grin as wide as the room itself. “Quiet down, you rowdy bunch, and listen up!”

The bar falls into a semi-silence, with only a few murmurs trailing off as all eyes turn to the stage. Sully points a finger toward our team, his expression full of pride.

“I couldn’t be prouder of these guys and the season they’ve had. But let’s get one thing straight—it ain’t over yet, is it?”

The room erupts into cheers and whistles, the energy palpable. A grin tugs at my lips as Sully raises his hands again, motioning for everyone to settle.

“That’s right! We’ve got a Frozen Four trophy to bring back to this town!” His voice grows louder, more animated. “But tonight? Tonight, we celebrate! So, who’s gonna kick things off with some karaoke?”

The crowd roars in response, and my grin widens as Sully leans into the mic. “Come on! Don’t be shy now!”

There’s only one thing left to do to make this night complete.

Adrenaline hums through my veins, drowning out any nerves as I weave through the packed bar toward the stage.

“Bridger, what the hell are you doing?” Holland hisses, grabbing for my hand.

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