Page 81 of Payback
Allie frowns briefly but then schools her features to look professional. “Are you ready to be shown to your table?”
Catalina nods and begins recording a video of the paparazzi, who are calling after us for more questions. Allie turns to lead the way, but I wrap my hand around her waist and pull her into me.
I press my lips to her ear and whisper, “As sexy as you look in that dress, all I can think about is how much fun it’s going to be to take it off of you later.”
Allie anxiously looks around the crowd before plastering on a smile and tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her actions don’t stop the adorable blush that stains her cheeks.
I lean in again and add, “Are you wet for me, mooi?”
She laughs nervously and pulls away, noticing that Niall is watching us curiously. Clearing her throat, she loudly replies, “Yes, I think I can accommodate that request.”
My eyes dance with amusement. “That’s so generous of you.” My voice is low when I add, “I hope you’re good with being fucked against a wall tonight because I don’t think we’ll make it past the entryway.”
She’s prepared for my dirty comment and playfully brings a finger to her chin like she has to think. “Yes, I do believe we can get you a table by the wall.”
I shake my head with a wide smile, dying to fucking carry her away from this place and show her how much I’ve truly fallen for her. Instead, I lean in one last time and my lips brush her ear as I murmur, “The truth is, you’re the most beautiful woman here tonight and I’m a lucky bastard because I know that’s the least interesting thing about you.”
All humour vanishes as she pulls back and stares at me with wide, glistening eyes. I stare back without any hint of a smile so she knows I’m one hundred percent serious. Allie has always been beautiful. It’s probably something she’s been told her whole life by countless men. But the closer we’ve become, the more I’ve realised that it’s not her beauty I fell in love with. It was everything else.
We continue gazing at each other for a long, meaningful moment while the rest of the world disappears around us, leaving only me, her, and our hearts that now beat for each other.
Our tender moment is thwarted when Niall walks over and says, “Let’s head inside, shall we?”
I can’t stop staring at Allie as Catalina and I follow her and Niall into the May Fair Hotel. The woman is fucking skipping in an evening gown. It’s slight and not noticeable to everyone, but it’s happening and I think I just fell more in love with her.
We arrive at the ballroom where our table is located. Sitting with us is Mac and his date, Michael, Catalina and myself, Niall and Allie, and Vaughn and Vi Harris are right beside me. The rest of the Harrises and their wives are seated at the next table over.
Dinner is served and conversation flows easily. Allie and I exchange several glances from across the table, but I try to pay attention to my date, even though most of her focus is on her phone.
When dessert is served, Vaughn turns his attention to me and says, “So Niall told me about the Adidas endorsement.”
I inhale a nervous breath. “Nothing’s official yet. I’m meeting with them in a couple of weeks.”
“You’d be a great face for them,” he says, grabbing his coffee and bringing it to his chest. “You’ve done a bloody good job of moving here and not getting caught up in the party scene like so many rookies do. London isn’t an easy city to stay focused in, especially with all the extra attention from media and fans. But you’ve really impressed me, both on and off the pitch.”
“Thank you, sir,” I reply, exhaling through my nose in surprise.
“Enough with the sir nonsense,” he says, waving me off. “You’re practically family now. Call me Vaughn.”
I swallow down his statement because it means more to me than he realises. I turn my eyes to watch Allie, who’s laughing so hard at something Mac just said that she has tears in her eyes. She looks happy and at ease. Light and completely carefree. I did that. I gave her that sense of contentment.
She glances at me and offers the tiniest shift in her expression that tells me she knows I did that. She knows she’s this happy because we’re together. My heart thunders in my chest because I realise in this exact moment that I want to watch Allie Harris laugh for the rest of my life.
“I like the idea of being considered family,” I state in a low voice and turn to face Vaughn, whose expression turns from lighthearted to serious as he picks up my change in tone.
“Good,” he replies with a nod.
I inhale deeply, preparing to ask a question I never expected to ask tonight. “Does this mean if I were to ask Allie a certain question, you would give me your blessing?”
Vaughn blinks back at me in shock. “If you’re asking what I think you’re asking, you’re speaking to the wrong Harris brother.”
“I know,” I reply, my jaw tight with determination. “But something tells me that Allie would want your blessing just as much as her father’s.”
Vaughn sits back, an incredulous look of pride written all over his face. “I’d be honoured to have you as a part of the family.”
I huff out a nervous laugh because I can’t fucking believe what I just did. I just…Fucking hell. Shaking my head, I swallow the knot in my throat and stammer, “Don’t, erm, tell Allie about this conversation, please.”
Vaughn barks out a laugh and sets his coffee down. “Your secret is safe with me, DeWalt.”
