Page 59 of Racking Up Penalties
“Then let’s go find Tristan!” I clap my hands together as I say it.
“Sounds good,” Liam nods, slipping his hands into his pockets, the edges of his previous tension softened.
We navigate the crowd until we make it to the tunnel where players leave the game. It doesn’t take long before Tristan is striding out and lifting me into his arms.
“Did you see me out there?”
My legs wrap around his waist as he pulls me into a mind-numbing kiss. I can tell the adrenaline is still running through him as he steals all my breath with his lips. He bites and tugs until I’m moaning. Which is entirely inappropriate considering we are in public and all his teammates are around.
Ethan coughs, pulling me out of the moment.
“Let’s go celebrate,” Tristan declares.
“Absolutely!” I grab Liam and Ethan’s hands as we follow Tristan out, ensuring they don’t try to slip away.
We are all spending time together tonight until whatever is going on between them comes out so we can solve it and get back to when it was great between us all.
Chapter 28
The pulsing beat of the music greets us as we push through the door, the bar’s warmth wrapping around me like a welcome embrace. My heart thrums in time with the bass, an infectious rhythm that sets the night alight with possibilities. Tristan’s grin is wide, almost boyish, as he leads the way into the celebration of his on-field victory.
“Can you believe it?” I shout over the noise, my voice barely carrying to Liam, who’s right beside me, his shoulder brushing mine every few steps. He casts me a lopsided smile.
“Every damn time,” Ethan yells back, his brown eyes gleaming with the thrill of the moment. “He plays like a legend.”
Ethan strides next to us, his lean form cutting through the crowd with ease.
“First round of drinks are on me!” Tristan declares, already heading towards the bar, and I can’t help but laugh. It’s so like him to celebrate by making sure everyone else is having a great time too.
We weave through the sea of bodies to the bar, and I’m handed a sweet drink. We clink glasses, the sound sharp and clear, and I take in the faces of our friends.
“Hey, Audrey!” I call out, and she turns, her expression lighting up as she sees us. Her brother Miles nods at us with a grin. He pulls Liam into a hug but eyes Ethan warily.
I think Miles and Liam are roommates which means I will probably get to know him better. If he’s anything like Audrey then we will get along great.
“Emma! Luka! Alec! JD!” I wave over the heads of the revelers, and they make their way to us.
Luka’s booming laughter cuts through the bar, his tall frame easy to spot. He wraps an arm around Emma, protective yet playful, and I wonder how they balance it all so effortlessly. Alec’s nod is cool, collected, but his blue eyes are warm as he catches sight of Tristan, and JD’s infectious chuckle adds to the melody of the night.
“Here’s to Tristan,” I say, raising my glass higher, and a chorus of cheers rises up to mingle with the thumping music.
Tristan’s hand finds mine, his fingers warm and reassuring as he leads me onto the dance floor. The bass from the speakers pulsates through the soles of my shoes, echoing the rapid beat of my heart. We merge with the rhythm, our bodies coming together.
“Show me what you got, Tessa,” Tristan teases, a playful glint in his deep blue eyes.
I laugh, allowing myself to be spun around, my red hair fanning out like flames in the dim light. With each step, I’m more aware of the electric chemistry that crackles between us. His touch sends sparks up my arm, grounding me and igniting me all at once. It’s a dance of push and pull, a balance of giving and taking that leaves me breathless and wanting more.
His hands cup my waist possessively.
As the song fades into a new melody, Ethan comes up.
“Can I have a turn?”
Tristan growls playfully before pressing a kiss right under my ear and backing away.
Ethan’s presence is a stark contrast—darker, more intense. His short dark hair is slightly disheveled from the energy of the night, and those brown eyes of his are locked on me with an intensity that could start fires.
“Careful, I might just sweep you off your feet,” Ethan quips, his voice rich with challenge.
