It was more than I could ever have hoped for.
I just had to want it.
I just had to reach out and take it.
“Nix, that’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.”
I knew Harleigh was smiling, it was in every softly spoken syllable, every vowel.
“I’m thinking of blowing off the thing with the guys and coming to meet you now. I want us to celebrate together.”
“You can’t do that,” she rushed out. “They’re expecting you to be there.”
“Jeez, don’t sound so desperate to see me or anything.”
She chuckled, the sound soothing some of the dejection I felt at her easy dismissal. “I can’t wait to see you, but you should celebrate with them too. It’s only an hour or two.”
“One, tops,” I grumbled, throwing the rest of my things into my bag. The locker room was almost empty, the frenzied crowd already moved on to the party down at the res.
To them it was just another night. Another excuse to get fucked and get fucked up. But to me and my guys, it meant more.
“You’re sure I can’t persuade you to meet me now?” My lips quirked thinking about all the ways she could help me celebrate. Preferably naked and underneath me.
“Two hours.”
“B,” I warned, a lick of frustration rolling up my spine.
“You don’t have to sacrifice your time with me,” she said. “I’m hanging out with Chloe and Celeste.”
“You’re having fun?”
“I am actually. Tonight has been good for me.”
“Yeah?” I smiled. It was all I wanted. Her, happy.
“Go, spend some time with the guys. I’ll see you later.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. Now go. Before they—”
“Yo, Wilder,” Kye said right on cue. His face appeared around the door, and he grinned. “Are we gonna get the hell out of here? This tequila won’t drink itself.”
“Tequila?” I balked. “I thought I said to grab some beers.”
“You did, but we’re celebrating.”
I grabbed my bag and joined him. “I can’t get trashed, I’m meeting Harleigh later.”
“Relax, Dad.” He slung his arm around my shoulder and guided me down the hall. “I’ll make sure you get to your girl in one piece.”
“No funny business, Carter.” I cocked my brow at him. “I mean it.”
“Seriously, Nix. You’re gonna be a Falcon. This is huge fucking news. Even if you don’t get fucked up, I am.” He leaped in front of me and gripped the back of my neck, staring me dead in the eye. “You’re going to college, man. Fucking college.”
“They haven’t made the offer yet.”
“No, but we all know they will. You’ve got it, Nix. You’ve got what it takes to get out of here and go all the way. And I’m proud of you. I’m so fucking proud.”