Page 139 of The Trade

“Yeah,” I say, squeezing her hand gently. “Maybe it could be our thing. Every year, no matter where life takes us, we take a long weekend and head to the coast. Just you and me.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“Then it’s a deal.” I pull her in for another kiss. “Our annual tradition, no matter what.”

“I’m excited.” She shifts on the balls of her feet, eyes shining. “I’ve actually never been there before.”

“I’d be happy to pop your cherry, babe.”

She snorts a laugh, swatting me on the arm. “Of course you would.”

“You know, I also heard that Amber Isle’s a good place to get married.”

Her eyes go wide. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“No, I know.” I flash her a warm smile, my heart clenching. “But don’t worry, in a few years, I’ll find the most perfect way to propose to you?. And when I finally get that ring on your finger, it’s gonna be because I deserve it.”

She pulls back, blinking up at me with those pretty brown eyes. “You think so?”

“Yes,” I say. “And don’t think I won’t come to collect.”

THE END

EPILOGUE

JADE

Today’s the day.It’s my boyfriend’s first official NFL game.

I’m all geared up in my Bobcats jersey with West’s last name proudly displayed across the back. Last April, he was selected by the Bobcats as the nineteenth draft pick. We always knew he was a shoo-in for the first round, but Carolina was a toss-up until the very end.

Needless to say, my brother and I went absolutely feral when we heard the news.

Now, nearly four months later, I’m prepping for a trip to the stadium, yanking a few wayward curls from my ponytail. The two of us are running late again, as per usual. But just as soon as I pop that last flyaway into place, the front door of my apartment smacks open.

“Jesus Christ, Cam,” I chide, tossing a throw pillow directly at his head. “Did I not tell you to stop barging in here?”

Cam was given a key to our apartment last June, just on the off chance that I’d need his help checking in. With West constantly training and traveling, he wanted me to have a backup, a failsafe in case anything was to happen.

Honestly, he’s similar to my brother in that respect. Protective, cautious, and overbearing at times.

Sure, I’m often left alone in our city apartment, but I honestly crave the solitude when West’s away. It’s my time to breathe, relax, and rejuvenate from the busy lifestyle that we both lead. Besides, I’m mostly cooped up studying anyway.

My master’s in Sports Journalism is grueling work, and the Hussmann School is a full-time commitment.

“Yeah, well, this is an emergency,” Cam says, jutting out his chin. “We’re about to be late as fuck.”

I sigh, tucking my cell phone into my back pocket. My eyes dart to the clock above our stove, indicating that we are, indeed, about to be late as fuck.

“Sorry, I was trying to see if I could fit my lucky sweatshirt under this jersey, but it’s gonna be too fucking hot.”

“No shit. It’s still summer.” He gestures toward my open doorway with a wild flourish of his arm. My stomach’s in knots as we rush from the apartment together, practically running toward the back parking lot.

We both skid to a stop when I spot his familiar SUV. Cam’s parked sidelong in a space marked for WC & J Residence Only. I quirk a brow in his direction, hands flattened against my knees as I catch my breath.

“You know, there’s visitor parking here.”

“Just get in the damn car, Jennings.”

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