42. Winnie
I knew this was some kind of big fundraiser, but no one told me it would be so official. I feel like I’m at the Met Gala or something. Not to mention we arrived in a limo. How fucking cool is that? It was pretty crowded after we picked everyone up, but it made it more fun because I was forced to sit on Reese’s lap, and he would grunt anytime I moved. I half expected him to have a mess by the time we made it, he didn’t, but the night is still young.
The inside of the ballroom is decorated with Christmas lights, giving it a romantic and intimate glow over the room.
Reese walks us up to the photo booth, and we pose for our pictures. Before we’re even done, he is tugging me against his body and devouring my mouth. I think I see flashes going off behind my eyelids, but I can’t be bothered to actually look as Reese backs me against the wall. He grips my ass and the back of my neck and kisses me to the point of pain, but I pull him closer—because it’s never enough—and lift my free leg. Thank you, slit.
“Fuck, Winnie,” he growls. Reese grips my leg and drags his palm up the smooth skin, but to my surprise—and utter disappointment—he pushes it down.
I frown.
“Don’t give me that look.” He groans. “It’s killing me having to tell you no, but if we don’t stop, I’m going to end up fucking you in front of everyone, and I worry I might not get scouted if I do that.”
He never mentioned anything about scouts. “There are going to be scouts here?”
Reese nods. “Yeah. The board invites them to give the players the chance to schmooze. And because they are rich as fuck.”
“I can’t wait to see you schmooze.”
He takes my hand and chuckles. “With you by my side, I’m not sure I’ll have to do much before they are begging me to join their team just to see more of you.”
Always with the charm. I swat his chest playfully. “Stop it. What team are you looking at?”
He gives me a sideways glance. “I haven’t thought much about it.”
I don’t think I necessarily believe that, but I don’t get the chance to ask before Reese is being approached. I knew he was a big deal, but we have been here fifty minutes and he’s had someone to talk to the entire time. I’m not sure who all the people are, but I heard one of the women introduce themselves as a masseuse. She offered him her business card and everything. Despicable. I mean, I can’t blame her because look at Reese, but still. The only reason she walked away is because he introduced me as his girlfriend.
“These women are persistent.”
Reese squeezes my hand. “They are, but it’s their job. They are here to try and get business. Unfortunately for her, I already have my own masseuse.”
He kisses my knuckles and leads me through the crowd, and somehow we’re able to get to our table without another distraction. Relief swirls through me seeing Laney sitting in the chair next to mine. I sink into it and nearly cry at how good it feels to be off my feet and these stupid shoes.
Reese notices it and chuckles. “I’m guessing I’ll be the one massaging tonight?”
I flutter my eyelashes in his direction. “If you would be so kind.”
Laney leans forward, grabbing our attention. “Where’s Amy?”
“She canceled this morning.”
Not even a little surprised.
Laney shakes her head and leans back. Her eyes track across the room, and I don’t have to look to know she’s staring at Sawyer. He’s been at the bar since we got here.
“Where’s Westen?” I ask.
Laney winces. “Apparently, his ex-girlfriend is here, and he disappeared with her a little over twenty minutes ago.”
Reese curses, and I place my hand on top of hers. “I’m sorry. He’s a dick.”
She smiles, but it doesn’t meet her eyes. “Thanks. I don’t even know why I agreed to come.”
I do. I glance over my shoulder at Sawyer. He’s alone, sipping at a drink and looking like a lost puppy.
“Why don’t you go check on Sawyer? He looks upset.”
Reese whips around to see his best friend, and his brow furrows. “Yeah, maybe I—”
I grip his tie and tug him to sit back down, shooting him a look I hope he can read. And when his eyes flick to Laney and he settles, I know he can.
Laney hasn’t taken her eyes off Sawyer, but she shakes her head. “Why would I need to check on him?”
“You’re friends, right?”
She shifts and bites on her lip. “Sort of, I guess. I mean, we used to be.”
“Then, there you go. It seems like he could use a friend.”
It takes her a minute to agree, but eventually, she stands and wanders his way. She taps him on his shoulder, and I’m pleased to see how he brightens when he sees who is tapping him.
I settle back in my chair, a proud smile on my face.
“Are you playing cupid, Ms. Lewis?”
I grin. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He tugs my chair closer to his and presses a deep kiss to my cheek. “You do, and you just sent that poor lamb to the wolf’s den.”
I don’t see anything wrong with that. It’s obvious Sawyer and Laney are fighting things between them, and it would be much easier if they just gave in. Maybe some liquid courage will help Sawyer pull his head from his ass.
The night drifts on, and to my surprise, it’s been a very pleasant event. The food was amazing, and even though Reese has to speak with a bunch of people, he always makes sure to include me in the conversation. Even if some of the people look miserable with me being there, it’s still been nice.
Eventually, they announce that it’s time for the DJ over the speakers. Reese stands and holds his hand out for me. “May I have this dance?”
“I would be so honored.”
He snaps his teeth in a bright smile and leads me onto the dance floor. Memories flash by in my head of me being fourteen and dancing in that ice cream shop parking lot with him.
“Do you remember your first homecoming?”
Well, I’m glad I’m not the only one remembering that night. I pull back to see his face but keep my hands around his neck. “I do. I think that’s the first night I caught feelings for you.”
Reese levels his stare and lowers his voice. “Me too.”
“Really?”
He shrugs against my hands. “I can’t say for sure, and I’m not sure I should even if I could, but something changed that night.”
I settle against his chest with a smile on my face.
I’m not sure life could be any better than it is right now. Everything is seemingly perfect, and I’m going to try not to think about how I probably just jinxed myself.
I’ve known Reese for a long time. During many stages, from little boy to awkward preteen, teenage Reese, and now adult Reese, and I think this might be my favorite version yet. I can’t wait to meet Dad Reese.
He’s so confident speaking with scouts, not at all awkward, and every word he says is said with a point. He’s flawless. The scouts notice too; I see the way they eye him, like they are sizing up a future player who will represent their team.
Before now, he wasn’t showing any outward interest, but when the scout from the professional hockey team from our state walks up, Reese stiffens. His movements aren’t as confident, at least for the first minute, but the more they talk, the more he relaxes, so by the end of their conversation, they are laughing at something Reese said like long-lost friends. I wasn’t paying attention, so I offer a fake laugh, but the scout wouldn’t notice if I was laughing or not. He is drawn in by my boyfriend, just as he should be.
Why wouldn’t Reese tell me he was interested in playing for the Beavers? Maybe he didn’t want to get his hopes up or be embarrassed when they weren’t interested back. Either way, I wish he would have told me.
“It was nice speaking with you, Reese Larson. I look forward to future conversations.”
Reese shakes the guy’s hand, a huge smile on his handsome face. “Me too, sir. Thank you for giving us your time.”
As if the guy just now realized I was standing here too, he looks to me, and his face softens. “Yes, of course. I will keep an eye out for your work, Winnie Lewis.”
I tilt my head, but the man offers no explanation. Instead, he shakes each of our hands and saunters away to the next player.
Reese leads me through the crowd and onto the dance floor, then pulls me against his chest. I rest my head against it, listening to his beating heart.
“So you want to be a Beaver?” I keep my voice level, hoping not to startle him in case he doesn’t want to talk about it.
And for a passing moment of silence, I wonder if he doesn’t, but eventually, he sighs. “Yeah. Sure, the mascot isn’t as cool as the Timberwolves, but Beavers are cool too. They build dams.”
I giggle into his chest and pull away to read his face. “Why didn’t you tell me that when I asked?”
“In case I tanked the interview.” Like I thought. “Or in case you don’t want to stay in the state.”
I’ve never really thought about where I wanted to live when I was older, but I wouldn’t be upset staying in our home state. Especially now with a baby on the way.
“I wouldn’t mind.”
Reese’s eyes bounce around my face. “You mean that?”
So silly of him to think I would ever want to be apart from him again. Sucking in a deep breath of his rich cologne, I lower my voice and pull his face close to mine. “I’ll follow you anywhere, Reese Larson. Me, our daughter, and any future babies we might have.”