Scoring Position (Daytona Fury #2)

35. Ace

THIRTY-FIVE

ACE

“Congratulations, lovebirds!” Jackson says, stepping into the elevator alongside Lark and me. We’re on our way up to the luxury suites for a last-minute team dinner. We didn’t win today, but it certainly softens the blow knowing I have a fiancée.

I still can’t believe she said yes. Truth be told, I’ve been toying with the idea of proposing since the minute I told her I love her.

I know what people are probably thinking. That it’s too soon. That I’m just young, dumb, and have no idea what real life is about. But they’re wrong. I was raised by a strong woman who taught me the meaning of love. When I lost her, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever feel whole again. I was too afraid to let anyone get close enough at the time, so the emptiness inside my heart was like a canyon—wide, deep, and I had no clue how I’d make it to the other side. But then Lark came along and showed me that people can be good, and that it was safe to open myself up to the possibility of having more. That’s why I took a chance and asked her to marry me today. We can wait forever if she wants to, as long as me being her husband is the endgame.

“Thank you,” she says, leaning into me and wrapping her small hands around my bicep. “I can’t believe how fast the videos from the courthouse went viral. I was all but bombarded by fans’ well wishes when I got to my seat.” I actually encouraged her to go to the WAG’s box for the game because, as much as I hoped people wouldn’t be rude to her now that the news is officially out, I wanted to protect her just in case. Thankfully, from my quick scroll through social media while waiting for my post-game interviews, I know the reactions have been pretty positive so far. There were a few nasty comments about how I’m too young for her and how we’ll never work with me having access to an endless string of women on the road, but fuck those people. They don’t know us. She’s the only one I’ll ever want.

“Let me see your ring,” he says. As soon as she raises her hand, proudly showing the miniature pink rubber band, his deadpan expression slides over to me.

I put my hands up in surrender. “It was a game-time decision. I’m taking her to the jeweler tomorrow. She’s getting whatever she wants.”

He eyes me suspiciously. “You better treat my girl right, or I’ll steal her right out from under you.” Pinching Lark’s cheek, he winks. “Don’t worry, Snookums. I’ll take care of you.”

“Get your own,” I pout, pulling her into me as they both laugh. I never thought I’d be a possessive boyfriend—or fiancé—but the thought of anyone touching her makes me irrationally angry. I know Jacks is only messing with me, but it still makes my blood heat in my veins.

The doors slide open, and we exit the elevator, walking across the lush, carpeted area that leads to the stadium’s most high-end suites. With my fingers wrapped around hers, Lark pulls me toward the door, giving Jackson a look that says they know something that I don't. I eye them suspiciously but don't have time to ask questions as she grips the handle and pushes her way inside. At first, my brain short circuits. I've been in these suites before, but they certainly didn't look like this. A long red carpet sits under our feet, leading off to the side where a small platform is set up. A podium with a microphone stands in the middle, and a big sign that says Congratulations, Ace! hangs on a teal sequined backdrop behind it. My teammates and other Fury employees are scattered around the room, clapping loudly as soon as they notice my presence.

“What’s going on?” I ask Lark quietly.

“Well, I told Monroe that you were refusing to go to your graduation ceremony, and she hooked me up with Taylor from PR so we could bring graduation to you.” She smiles softly. “You worked so hard, and we're all so proud. We just wanted to give you the celebration you deserve.”

“Wow,” I say, fighting the tears that sting the backs of my eyes. I don't regret my decision to not walk across the stage at the university in the slightest. After everything Dean Dawson put Lark through, there was no way I was going to bring her anywhere near that place. And doing it without her by my side wasn’t an option. She’s my family. This team is my family. “This is so much better.”

She looks up at me, biting her lip nervously. “You're not mad? I know you try to be private about things, but I just hated the thought of you missing out on the experience.”

“No,” I reply, pulling her into me and kissing the top of her head. “I’m not mad at all. I love it.”

Huffing a sigh of relief, her shoulders relax as she laughs and steps away from me. “Okay, good. Keep that energy.” My face twists with confusion, and she gives me a look of pure guilt as Friggle traipses out of the shadows with something black draped across his long, purple arm. He walks toward me, placing a graduation cap on my head before rounding my back and throwing a matching gown over my shoulders. I look at my fiancée, who covers her mouth with her hand, giggling as the whole room begins to chant for me to put it on. Choking out a laugh, I oblige, sliding my arms through the wide sleeves. Once it’s on, I give a spin, showing off as they erupt in cheers and whistles.

“Pomp and Circumstance” plays softly through the speakers, and I look to the platform, where Taylor motions for me to come up. Taking one last look at the face of the beautiful woman who made all of this possible, I head toward the stage. My long legs eat up the red velvet carpet under my feet, but I move slowly as I try to take in this moment that I worked so hard for.

If you had told me at the beginning of the semester that I would forego the university’s graduation ceremony, I wouldn't have believed you. My grandmother's dream was to watch me walk across the stage for my diploma, and that was my only goal. But now that I'm here, I realize the location of the stage doesn't matter. What’s important is being surrounded by the people who love you most during the big moments in life. And while there’s a huge missing piece here today, I know she's looking down on me with so much pride. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Taylor says some kind words, commending me on my dedication to both school and my job. Friggle makes a reappearance, presenting me with a diploma that I’m guessing he made himself, since it looks like an elementary school art project. I take it from his hand, watching as purple glitter falls all over the floor at our feet, doing my best to keep it in one piece. As ridiculous as it is, this means more to me than any stupid piece of paper I could have gotten from the university, which not only dismissed my future wife and her dreams but considered taking me down as well.

Taylor leans back into the microphone. “Congratulations to this year’s Daytona Fury graduating class. Ace, please move the tassel on your cap from right to left.”

Reaching up, I pinch the fringes between my fingers, switching sides as the air around me fills with loud cheers and hollers. Monroe whoops loudly before tucking her tongue over her teeth and whistling as Riggs bounces on his toes at her side.

“Fuck yeah, baby!” Jacks yells, pointing my way as a smirk tugs at the corner of Hawk’s mouth beside him. Dante, Tyler and all the others clap, the room bursting with so much joy that it makes my heart squeeze in my chest.

My eyes slide over, and my gaze locks onto the corner where Lark stands, clutching her hands in front of her. I know we have a long, crazy future ahead of us—one I’m sure will be full of ups and downs—but I’ll never stop striving to be the best partner I can be for her. I want her to be proud to say she’s mine.

As I exit the stage, walking toward her, I'm stopped by the team's owner, Mr. Durst. “Congratulations, Ace,” he says, extending a hand for me to shake. “I didn't mean to pry, but when this event was brought up to me, it made me wonder why you were choosing not to participate in the graduation ceremony at the university. Taylor and Monroe filled me in on the details, and I just want to let you know that when someone comes for one of my players, they come for me, too. I've known Dean Dawson for a long time, and to be frank with you, I've never liked the woman. My wife is a Sun State alumna, and I've put a lot of time and money into helping the school grow. Rest assured that I’ll be making some calls regarding Gail’s treatment of Lark and yourself. It’s not right, and I won’t stand for it. Congratulations again on such a huge accomplishment.” He beams. “I’m grateful to have such a hard worker as a part of the Fury family.”

I swallow, nodding. “Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”

He pats my shoulder, giving me a genuine smile before walking away. As soon as he’s gone, Lark steps into my body, wrapping her arms around my waist. “Hey there, Mr. Sexy Graduate. Nice diploma.” I lift it up, more excess glitter falling onto our clothes and shoes as we laugh at the absurdity. “Come on,” she says, lifting her chin to the table where the guys and Monroe sit. “Let’s go eat.”

I usher her over, pulling out a chair and taking the seat next to hers once she’s settled. Servers come around, setting plates on the fancy gold chargers in front of us. The whole event is so over the top, but it makes me feel good to know I was worth all the time and effort everyone put into making it special. I’ll never forget this night—that’s for sure.

“Fuck,” Jackson whispers, holding his phone in front of his face as his forehead wrinkles with what looks like a mixture of confusion and worry.

“You okay, dude?” Riggs asks.

He shakes his head rapidly, snapping his attention back to us as he clears his throat. “Yeah. I just got a text from my mom. My stepsister got drafted by a new professional volleyball team here in Florida, and apparently, she’ll be staying with us while she settles in. We talked about it briefly last week, but I didn't think anything would come of it.”

Hawk’s expression morphs into something I’ve definitely never seen before as his stare goes wide, and he sucks in a quiet gasp. “Arden’s coming?” he asks, his eyes dancing with what I can’t help but recognize as excitement.

What the fuck?

“Yeah,” Jackson responds to his best friend and roommate. “I hope that’s okay. I really thought her team would put her up somewhere, but I guess not. I’m sure she won’t need to stay long.”

Hawk shakes his head. “No, it’s okay. No big deal.”

I catch Lark out of the corner of my eye, and I can tell she has the same questions as I do—but I guess we’ll find out soon. I have a feeling sparks are going to fly.

We finish our food, talking and laughing with the team until people start funneling out, and it's time to go home. It's been an amazing night, and I'm grateful that I got to spend it here at the stadium, surrounded by so much love and support.

“I have one more surprise for you when we get back to your place,” Lark says quietly as I lead her to the elevator.

“Oh yeah?” I reply. “What is it?”

She taps her bottom lip, pretending to decide if she wants to let me in on what she has planned. I tickle her sides, and she barks out a laugh, finally relenting as she steps away from the assault. “I owe you one more wholesome night of fun since you left right after we got the results from your final exam. I can't tell you what it is, but I have a feeling you're really going to like it.”

“If it’s with you, Sweets—I already know I’ll love it.”