Page 45 of Resisting the Running Back

The driver hits a pothole, breaking up the intense moment between us.

He doesn’t let go of my hand, and my brain is trying to reconcile that with the close friendship we share. Tonight, it’s convincing me that this is a good idea—that we have the sort of foundation that will allow us to go the distance.

“Clay told me SDSYS is one of his favorite events,” Tanner says. “I guess it’s top-notch every year.”

Miller and I remain quiet as I shift my gaze out the window.

It doesn’t make the heat feel any less intense, though. I still feel him next to me, hard everywhere. I still feel his warm hand in mine. I still have butterflies flapping around in my stomach.

I still want to kiss him.

We listen as Tanner makes small talk with our driver, and we arrive at the bar a few minutes later. We’re ushered back to a VIP area, and it’s kind of fun being with these pro athletes and getting this top-notch sort of treatment.

I’m used to getting a discount at certain stores with my teacher ID. That’s as close to VIP as I’ve ever been.

Bottle service and roped-off areas and security…it’s all new to me, and it’s a brand-new world that I’m starting to fall in love with already.

And I think it could be because I’m already in love with the man who brought me to it.

CHAPTER 19: Miller Banks

Can You Take Me Home

I’ve only had a few drinks, so I know I’m not drunk.

I’m a big enough man that I can put down quite a few before I even start to feel it, but it’s all the other things I’m feeling that are leaving me feeling a little drunk.

I couldn’t help but hold her hand in the back of the car, just like I couldn’t help tossing my arm around her shoulders as we walked into the bar, and like I couldn’t help setting my hand on the small of her back to guide her toward our VIP section.

It all feels so goddamn natural with her. It feels like this was the way it always should have been, and every time I’ve looked down at her and found her looking up at me, I’ve felt more and more confident in that.

“So this is the fiancée?” Clay asks, sauntering up to us. He’s a little younger than us and definitely single, and while he’s a good dude, I still want him far, far away from my girl—I mean…from Sophie.

“This is the fiancée,” I confirm, and I lean down and press my lips to Sophie’s temple as I slide my arm around her waist this time and haul her into my side. She slips an arm around my waist, too. “Sophie, this is Clay.”

“Nice to meet you,” she says, and they shake hands.

A waitress comes by to take our drink order, and we each get another round of what we were having back at the event.

“When’s the big day?” Clay asks.

We exchange a glance, and Sophie gives what’s becoming our standard answer. “Maybe before next season starts, maybe just after it ends.”

“Dude, that’s only a few months off,” he says.

I nod. “When you know, you know.” And I’ve known since I was fourteen, not that I mention that.

“Do you have all the plans in place?” he asks.

Sophie shakes her head. “Not a single one, but it’ll come together.”

Clay laughs. “Right. I’m sure it will. Good luck to you both.”

He moves along to another conversation, and I glance down at Soph.

“If we’re going to do it before the season, we should probably get the planning underway,” I point out.

“Do it?” she squeaks.

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