Page 119 of The Hearts We Fumble
And with her in my arms, I know that no matter what comes next, I have everything I’ll ever need.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Wyatt
I knew it was going to be a good night the moment I stepped out of the bathroom and spotted Zane leaning against the dresser, effortlessly mouthwatering in a brown-and-navy plaid button-up, the sleeves pushed to his forearms, a white T-shirt peeking out from underneath. His well-worn denim hugged his frame just right, and the scuffed-up boots only added to the rugged appeal that made my stomach tighten and my pulse race.
And now, as we step into Whiskey Sinner’s thirty minutes later with our friends, greeted by a round of applause from the locals celebrating the guys’ playoff win, I know for sure. Tonight is going to be one to remember.
They’re not planning on going hard, not with their trip to Texas looming for the next round of playoffs, but that doesn’t mean we won’t cut loose for a little while.
Reed steps in close when Zane gets pulled into a conversation with Colter, his smirk telling me he remembers the last time we were here together. The night I warned him to get his ass in gear before he lost Tatum for good.
“I guess you were right,” Reed shouts over the music.
I arch a brow, my lips curving. “Not shocking, but remind me—what exactly was I right about this time?”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “You told me to wise up, stop being a dumbass, and go after Tatum. That we can’t fight what the heart wants.”
I nod, lifting my champagne glass to my lips and taking a slow, deliberate sip. “Maybe I was too young in your eyes to understand love,” I say, meeting his gaze, “but that doesn’t mean I hadn’t already felt it.”
Reed tilts his head toward Zane. “I’m just glad he figured it out before he fucked himself over and lost you.”
I shake my head, a soft laugh escaping as I swirl the champagne in my glass. “As much as he pissed me off trying to push me away, he was never going to lose me for good. I was too damn in love with him to fully walk away.”
Like he can sense the shift in conversation, Zane’s arm comes around my waist, pulling me flush against his side without even looking up from whatever Colter just said.
Reed smirks. “Sometimes us guys need a kick in the ass.” He nods toward Zane. “Ain’t that right, Kinnick?”
Zane glances between us, brow lifting. “What’s that?”
“I was telling her you needed a good ass-kicking, but at least you got your shit together before you lost her.”
A slow, knowing grin spreads across Zane’s face as he looks down at me. “Amen to that. And there’s no one else I’d let hand me that ass-kicking like you, firecracker.”
I roll my eyes, but my body melts against his, drawn to him like gravity.
Leaning up on my toes, I whisper in his ear, “Finish your drink so you can push me around the dance floor. I need every woman in this bar to know exactly who you belong to.”
His gaze darkens, locking onto mine with a heat that sends a shiver racing down my spine. Without breaking eye contact, he tips his beer back, downing the rest in one long swallow before slamming the empty bottle onto the table.
Yeah, it’s going to be a good night.
Zane turns to me, his grip firm yet gentle as he takes both of my hands and leads me onto the dance floor. As the music shifts to a slower tune, he pulls me in close, one arm curling securely around my waist while his other hand laces with mine.
The warmth of his body against mine sends a slow shiver down my spine. The scent of his cologne—woodsy and familiar—wraps around me like a memory I never want to let go of.
I’m dressed in my black bell-bottom jeans and booties paired with a burnt-orange tank top, its fringe swaying with every small movement. The outfit fits the Western vibe of Whiskey Sinner’s perfectly. My hair is loose and curled, and I gathered the top half into a messy bun to keep it out of my face.
Zane dips his head, his breath feathering against my ear. “Five months from now, we’ll be leaving this town. Do you think you’re ready for that?”
A slow smile tugs at my lips. “Of course, I’m ready. Honestly, I’m excited. It’s like we’re stepping into a whole new chapter.”
His hand tightens around mine, thumb brushing over my knuckles. “I am too. Who knows where we’ll end up, but that’s part of the adventure.”
“Is there a team you’re hoping to land with?” I ask, curious if he’s been thinking about where he might end up.
He shrugs, his fingers tracing slow circles against the small of my back. “It’d be fun to get away from the East Coast, maybe head out West. Seattle or San Francisco.”
