Page 74 of A Game of Ruck
“Hot is an understatement,” I murmur.
Because this isn’t just about lust anymore.
It’shim.
And for the first time since I ran, I’m not wonderingifI should talk to him again.
I’m wondering how the hell I ever thought I could stay away.
“Terrifying,” I mumble.“But also?Yeah.Hot.I mean, a little.”
When the final whistle blows, the Carolina Rovers surge together in a huddle of arms, shouts, and pounding backs.
They won.
Barely.
And Luca?
He’s still standing tall in the center of it all, dirt and sweat streaking his face like war paint.
I think I’m in love with him.
I think I always was.
And I think I really,reallyscrewed things up.
My heart is pounding so hard, I wonder if it’s possible for it to break right out of my chest.
Then it happens.
The noise dies down as Luca steps out of the circle, waving for silence.
My breath stutters, sticking in my throat, as every member of the team turns to face him like he’s the sun and they’re orbiting him.
One big guy wearing a number 8 jersey joins him at the front.
Luca clasps his forearm, and he does the same in some kind of manly gesture of brotherhood no one but real athletes could possibly understand.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?”Luca shouts and someone comes running handing him a mic.
“Thanks.Okay, some of you may recognize the Haka as being an unofficial tradition for New Zealand rugby,” Luca says, voice loud and clear across the pitch.“And though I’m a born and bred Jersey boy, Iama Carolina Rover.And this team’s heart—its roots—were founded in New Zealand.”
The crowd is quiet now.Even the reporters have stopped typing.
“With our captain leading us,” he continues, nodding at a broad-shouldered number 8—Daniela tells me his name is Koa Jackson—who steps forward, “we’d like to perform the Haka today.This time, it’s dedicated to the woman I love.The woman I’m asking to marry me right here, right now, in front of all of you.”
He turns, and his eyes lock on mine.
“Annabeth,” he says, voice breaking just a little.“I’m sorry I made you run.I’m sorry I made you doubt me.I promise to make it up to you.Because I love you, Angel.You and only you.”
I barely have time to gasp before the team drops into formation.
Feet stomp.
Voices rise.
Bodies move in perfect sync—primal, powerful, alive.
