Page 143 of What are the Risks
Levi’s head fell back as he quietly chuckled. Just like the football team, the hockey team had won their conference. But unlike us, they’d also gone on to become Frozen Four champs, which was the football equivalent of national champions.
They got their fairytale finish.
Before I could answer, Tripp’s attention snagged on something.
“Whoa.”
As I followed his gaze, my breath caught in my throat – Ruby had arrived.
She’d switched her glasses for contacts, exposing her stunning face. Her hair was styled in a complicated looking twist at the nape of her neck. And the dress...
Tori had refused to show it to me, like we were following wedding dress traditions or something. It was exactly what I had pictured though. Simple and elegant, and not stealing away from how naturally gorgeous Ruby was.
Even across the expansive ballroom, she looked un-fucking-believable.
“I have no idea who she is, but I know I’m taking her home tonight,” Tripp all but drooled.
An indiscernible growl rose from within me. I had no clue where it had come from, only that it was consuming, and if I had to throw down with Tripp right now to assert my ownership like a caveman, I’d do it.
“Don’t fucking think about it, O’Connor. She’s with me.”
Hell, turns out I’d gotten my fairytale finish too.
Levi barked out a throaty laugh as his eyes danced with amusement. “That,” he said, snickering. “That’s the feeling.”
*
I got intercepted by alumni three times on my way to Ruby. It was infuriating. After exchanging the worst small talk in history, I jumped at the first excuse to escape.
When I finally broke into the football crowd, she caught my eye straight away. She looked even better up close, her makeup still natural and her skin golden. And even in the busy room, I could smell her signature scent.
Blowing off my teammates trying to talk to me, I rapidly closed the distance and kissed her. With her in heels, I didn’t need to bend as far, and I took advantage, not caring who was watching.
Ignoring the catcalls and whistles from the guys, I slipped my hands down her back, surprised by the amount of bare skin.
Since starting college, Phil-U had always felt like my second home. After four years here, it was the longest I’d spent in any place other than Detroit. But now that Ruby was here, I realised it hadn’treallyfelt like home until this moment.
Wherever she went was bound to feel like the place I belonged. What was that saying again – something about home being a person?
I’d never had much desire to visit Seattle, but knowing Ruby would likely be living there soon, it had suddenly shot to the top of my bucket list – even higher than white sands and turquoise oceans.
After what was probably an inappropriately long amount of time – Brady-and-Tori-level inappropriate – I finally pulled back.
“You look beautiful, Rubz,” I told her, my thumb tracing the line of her mouth, being careful not to smear the gloss – a gloss I’m sure I now had traces of on my own lips.
“So do you, Wheels. You’re a walking James Bond fantasy in that tux.”
Reaching for her hand, I guided her towards the bar, purposely choosing the opposite side to where the hockey team was congregating. I didn’t want Tripp within ten feet of Ruby.
Grace had found Levi, and his arm was already possessively wrapped around her shoulders, holding her like a prize. She lookednice in her blue gown, but the spark I once felt when I looked at her was gone.
Gretchen and her cheerleading posse were all dressed up to the nines as well, but to me, they may as well have been wearing burlap sacks. I’d never truly understood what it meant to only have eyes for one person, but I sure as hell did now.
As I placed my palm on the curve of Ruby’s bare back, Holloway caught my attention. With Grace distracted by Will Caufield’s girlfriend – another hockey player, but one slightly more tolerable than Tripp and Ryan – Levi subtly toasted his glass and gave me an understanding nod, as if to say,I get it, you’re not into my girl anymore.
I’d only been telling him that all year, but I was glad he was finally believing it. I wasn’t even slightly interested in Grace Hughes anymore. How could I be when I was completely in love with the girl at my side?
When the bartender left to pour Ruby a glass of champagne, I lowered my lips to her ear. “The back of this dress is so low. One more inch and your ass would be on display.”
