The room goes quiet; most of the players are in on my plan. I stop beside Bizzy’s chair and watch her eyes grow wide in recognition. Her face starts to heat as a small smile slips across her lips.
“Mr. Bennett has requested that his, and I quote, ‘favorite girl in the world’ join him.”
Bizzy starts to giggle as I extend my hand, and she slides hers into mine. Shaw’s body goes stiff, and he audibly growls. Fire blazes in his eyes as I tuck Bizzy’s hand in my elbow and lead her to the dance floor.
The song plays, and we spin around as we have so many times to the chords of “My Girl”.
As we dance, players, coaches, and trainers cheer us on. The one person not cheering is Shaw. His lips are sealed tight, the vein in his forehead bulging.
I make a point to wink at him again before twirling Bizzy.
“Why do you do this to him?” She does a poor job of hiding her own amusement. “You’d think the prank on the boat would have taught you a lesson.”
“Let’s not talk about that. Besides, he needs a dose of his own medicine.”
“You know we’ll be there before you even run onto the field. I made him promise.”
“That’s not good enough. I want to enjoy the morning with my family. It’ll help settle my pre-game nerves.”
“Since when?”
“Since I decided about ten minutes ago.”
She throws her head back laughing as the last chords of music die down. Shaw’s on his feet in a flash, but his boss is faster, rushing to the dance floor. I kiss her quickly on the cheek then deposit Bizzy in his arms as the next song starts. He spins her like a pro, bringing her back to him and leaning close to her ear to say something.
Her eyes land on mine and grow in surprise as she realizes I’ve orchestrated this whole thing.
She shakes her head, still smiling. I slink to the side behind a few of my closest players who shield me as I watch man after man cut in and dance with Bizzy. Even my coach takes his turn.
She graciously accepts each dance, knowing most of the men. The dance floor fills with others as the band keeps the music going. Everyone seems to be having fun except Shaw. He’s glaring at every man with a tick in his jaw. Finally, Mathis breaks in as my little prank comes to an end.
I almost fall on the ground when Shaw finally sees his opportunity and stalks to Bizzy, slinging Mathis to the side and gathering her in his arms.
She tosses her head forward, leaning their foreheads together, and kisses him lightly, whispering something. Tension visibly leaves his body as he holds her tight and slides her down his front, swaying with her.
“Thanks a lot, asshole.” Mathis comes to my side, rubbing his arm. “Next time, it’s your ass getting the tail end of that.”
“You okay?” I slightly sympathize because I’ve been on the receiving end of Shaw’s stronghold many times.
“Yeah.” He gives me a cocky grin. “You were right. That was worth every second. I thought he was going to come out of his skin.”
“Hang tight.” I go to the bar behind us and order two whiskeys then carry one back to him.
He takes it readily and raises his hand in a toast. “To another kickass season with a ring and a championship!”
We tap glasses, and I swallow down the liquid. Feelings of content and happiness wash through me as I scan the room. Everyone starts to let loose as the real party begins.
My body freezes when my eyes land on the woman in the corner. She’s nearly glued to the wall, standing next to an enormous painting of the city skyline. When our gazes meet, I inhale deeply… It’s her.
Those violet eyes pierce into my own as my heartbeat quickens. Her lips part as one hand covers her chest. All the noise, all the people, the entire celebration going on around us disappears as I stare at the woman who touched my heart and then disappeared without an explanation.
A look of recognition washes over her face, and I swear her eyes shimmer. I blink slowly, trying to regain my senses. Every nerve ending in my body lights on fire knowing she’s here. So many scenarios run through my mind, but they all come to a screeching halt when I open my eyes and she’s gone.
I shove my glass at Mathis and start to move until he latches onto my elbow, turning me to him.
“Man, what’s happening? You’re pale.”
“She’s here. I saw her. She’s here,” I repeat in desperation.