I should be celebrating. But my stomach is in knots. Because even though the game is over, my real battle is just starting.
Grant is already storming away down the tunnel, his expression a mix of fierce satisfaction and residual frustration.
I can’t help myself—I stand.
Talia notices.
And before she can say anything, my feet start moving.
I don’t think. I just act.
My pulse hammers as I step out of the suite, weaving through the VIP section, heading for the tunnel exit. I just want—God, I don’t even know what I want.
To see him.
To say something.
To just be in his orbit for one second before reality slams back into us.
I reach the edge of the restricted hallway just as Grant emerges from the locker room.
And that’s when it happens.
The moment that changes everything.
Camera flashes explode. A sudden wall of reporters and media personnel swarm the space. Microphones shoved forward. Voices shouting questions.
And the worst part?
They’re not aimed at him. They’re aimed at me.
“Kenzie! Kenzie! Are you and Grant Maddox together?”
“How long has this been going on?”
“Did Jake Williams know about this relationship?”
The noise is deafening.
I freeze, my heart slamming into my ribs.
I barely register Grant turning toward me, his expression morphing from surprise to sheer protectiveness in half a second.
Then, before I can even process what’s happening—
Grant moves.
His hand finds my waist.
He steps into me, blocking me from the reporters, his body solid and sure.
And just like that—it’s done.
There’s no hiding anymore.
The world knows.
The flashing lights are blinding.