Page 58 of The Riley Effect

“We won!” Caleb jumps on his seat, cupping his hands around his mouth, he continues. “Yeahhhh Jalen!”

Riley is barking uncontrollably.

Even Stella, who I had to bribe to come with us today, is on her feet, jumping up and down.

It’s pretty damn sexy to see your man score a game-winning goal.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t see Jalen after the game. He got swept into a press conference, and I had to get the kids home before my film session with the team.

So when the girls and I pull into Jasper’s parking lot, I’m ready to see Jalen for a lowkey night out.

I take my time walking into the bar, knowing that tonight it won’t be so crowded since only athletes are left on campus for the holiday break. I order my usual tequila soda, before scanning the bar. My eyes are drawn to Jalen and the boys, who are in their normal corner booth. Hands are flying, postures are defensive, and I’m curious to see what’s going on.

My leggings make it easy to slide across the faux leather booth and into the open seat next to Jalen.

“What’s going on over here? I could hear you guys yelling from the bar.”

Eight pairs of glossed-over eyes snap in my direction. I peer around the booth over the lip of my drink, waiting for someone to answer.

“How much have you had to drink?” I ask Jalen.

“Just two beers,” His words run together.

“Don’t forget about the shots!” Byron yells from the other side of the table.

“Oh yeah, and I’ve had four shots.” His smile is meant to be innocent, but it makes me want to do things that are anything but.

“You deserve them, babe,” I truly mean it. I still can’t believe how exciting the end of that game was. “That goal was incredible.”

I use his thigh to prop myself up and give him a kiss. When I got to settle back down, I feel his pocket vibrating.

“Jalen, I think someone is calling you.” He’s looking at the caller ID when his lips pull into the most genuine smile.

“It’s my mom.” He shows me his phone with a child-like giddiness.

“Hey, Mom, I’m just at the bar with the guys and Ivy. Oh, you’ve never met Ivy. Come say hi, babe.”

I’m now regretting my sweatshirt and the bun piled on the top of my head.

“Hi, Mrs. Holloway. It’s so good to finally meet you.” I can see where Jalen gets his beautiful blue eyes from. The woman in front of me is absolutely gorgeous.

“Please call me Mae. Have you asked her yet?” Her eyes jump from her sons to mine.

“No, Mom, I haven’t, but I guess I should do that now.”

Jalen turns and pulls me on his lap. He acts as sober as a person who has had six drinks can be.

“My mom and I were talking on the phone when I got home from your sister’s house yesterday, and we noticed we have the same days off for Christmas break, and we thought it would be cool if you came back to New York with me.”

I blink a few times, making sure I heard that right. “You want me to spend Christmas with your family?” I just need confirmation that I heard that right.

“I would love that. I want to take you on a tour of our future home.”

Well, when he puts it like that. Plus, New York at Christmas sounds like a dream.

“I’d love to spend Christmas with your family.”

“She said yes!” Jalen says into the phone.

---