Page 216 of Red Zone
Carter groans softly, his head dropping to my shoulder.
But even as the moment shatters, neither of us lets go.
We finally untangle ourselves—well, mostly—when Jaxon gives us a pointed look and jerks his chin toward the house.
“You two done making out like teenagers?” he teases.
Carter mutters something under his breath that sounds a lot like jealous, but he slides his hand into mine anyway, giving my fingers a quick squeeze before we step back inside.
The noise hits me all at once.
But this time, with Carter’s hand warm and steady in mine, it doesn’t feel so overwhelming.
People glance our way as we re-enter, a few of them doing double takes, but Carter doesn’t even flinch. He just keeps his hand firmly in mine, his chin lifted, like he’s not ashamed of what we just made very clear.
We’re us.
And we’re done hiding it.
As we weave through the crowd, I feel his grip shift as he catches sight of my dad standing by the kitchen island, deep in conversation with the athletic director.
I slow slightly, but Carter just lets go of my hand long enough to clap Jaxon on the shoulder and murmur, “Take care of her for a second.”
Jaxon quirks a brow but nods, pulling me gently toward Madison as Carter makes his way toward my dad.
I watch from a few feet away as he stops in front of him.
My dad turns, taking in the sight of him—and then, unexpectedly, his face breaks into one of those rare, proud smiles I haven’t seen in years.
Carter holds out his hand, and my dad takes it without hesitation, gripping it firmly.
“Congratulations, Hayes,” my dad says, loud enough for me to hear over the buzz of the party. “Chicago made a hell of a pick. You earned this. I couldn’t be prouder of you.”
Carter’s shoulders ease just slightly, and even from here, I can see the faintest grin tug at his lips.
“Thanks, Coach,” he says, his voice quiet but steady. “Means a lot. More than you know.”
And for the first time in what feels like forever, everything finally feels…right.
55
LYLA
The apartment is quiet when I finally unlock the door and step inside, Madison having gone home with Jaxon.
I kick my heels off by the entryway, my dress swishing softly as I pad into the living room. The faint smell of my lavender candle from earlier still lingering in the air.
I hear the door click shut behind me—and then the sound of heavy footsteps following.
When I glance over my shoulder, Carter is there.
Leaning against the doorframe, his jacket slung over one shoulder, his tie loose, and his dark eyes locked on me.
Something about the way he’s looking at me—like he’s already decided I’m his and nothing’s going to change that—sends a shiver all the way down my spine.
Neither of us says anything.
Not at first.
