“Thanks,” Sullivan said.
The security guard flicked the rim of his cowboy hat then headed off to the right. “Thanks again for that autograph for my kid.”
“Anytime,” Sullivan said.
Clara rocked back on her heels, inhaling the ozone-like smell of cement and metal, glancing around the stadium. “So, we are here because…”
Maisie’s gasp suddenly filled the air.
Clara quickly followed her gaze and immediately understood why she was so surprised. Next to the microbrewery was a booth with Foxy Diva merchandise. Hayes was standing behind it.
“Surprised?” Hayes said with a beaming smile.
Clara blinked, processing.
Maisie spoke before she did. “I’m sure I can speak for all of us when I ask, what is happening right now?”
Hayes laughed then flicked his chin toward Sullivan. “I’m just the helping hand here. Sully better explain.”
Sullivan glared at the nickname, but then his expression softened when his gorgeous eyes met Clara’s. “I called in a favor tonight and got you guys a booth for the game.”
Again, Clara blinked. “But the other brewery? Won’t they—”
“It’s fine,” Sullivan interjected. “Like I said, I called in a favor, and they don’t mind helping out another local brewery trying to push ahead.”
Clara felt disoriented. She couldn’t believe her eyes or her ears. “So, they just closed for the night?” she asked, trying to understand.
Sullivan shoved his hands into his pockets and gave a sheepish smile. “Well, after I agreed to do a commercial for them.”
Time stopped then, and Clara only saw Sullivan there. Raw, trying so damn hard to do right by her.
“Wow,” Maisie said after a long moment of silence. “This is…well, totally amazing, Sullivan.” She closed the distance and gave him a hug.
Followed up by Amelia. When she stepped back, she added, “The exposure this gives us, it’s unbelievable. Thank you so much.”
Sullivan smiled like this was everyday business. “You’re welcome.”
But this wasn’t everyday business for Clara. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. Not when he watched her with such adoration. Because she knew the truth. He had done this for her. To show her he was all in with making her life better. For her. And for Mason. Needing to express her gratitude, she closed the distance and threw her arms around him, holding on tight. He dropped his head into her neck and held her close as the heat of his body enveloped her. “My God, Sullivan, you have gone way above and beyond here.” She leaned away and met the warmth swirling in his eyes. “Thank you for this.”
“No thanks needed.” He released her, but she got the sense he didn’t want to. “I’m glad to do it.”
Something passed in the air between them—something that was raw, real, and felt so damn good that Clara never wanted to let go of it.
But, like most things, it didn’t last. “While I’m having a blast watching you two hug it out and talk sweet nothings,” Hayes commented with laughter in his voice, “we have a lot to do to get ready for tonight. How about we get to it?”
“Right,” Sullivan said, stepping away, looking like it was the very last thing he wanted to do.
Amelia studied the booth. “Did you bring enough merchandise?”
Hayes nodded. “I knew the drill and grabbed it all, plus as many kegs that weren’t labeled for shipment.”
Maisie squeaked a sound of pure happiness then threw herself at him. He kissed her wildly like no one was looking.
Amelia rolled her eyes. “Now who’s talking sweet nothings to each other?”
Sullivan chuckled, but Clara couldn’t look away from him. Her heart pinged. The way Maisie grabbed Hayes like that, Clara realized she wanted that too. To kiss someone just like that, and she knew exactly who she wanted to kiss too. But then, reality hit. “Mason—”
“I took care of that,” Sullivan said with a gentle smile. “Penelope is picking him up after school. She’ll bring him home, put him to bed tonight, and will wait for us until we get back.”