Chapter 57 Reagan
FIFTY-SEVEN
REAGAN
We have a few days off before flying to Miami for the Final Four. I can’t believe how incredible the guys played last weekend. I’m so proud of them!
All I wanted to do was pull Riggs into a hug, but I held back. I don’t want to disrupt his game or anything else, so I’m just staying and waiting for him to make the first move.
“Do I look okay?” I ask Mackenzie as I do a little twirl in front of my phone. She is my emotional support person tonight via video chat. I have tried on so many outfits, and nothing feels right. I think I’m just freaking out for no reason.
The team decided that going to open mic night at The Draft was how they wanted to celebrate their trip to the Final Four. I would normally love that plan, but after Halloween, I haven’t been back, and I’m not looking forward to it tonight either.
“Yes, Rea. You look gorgeous,” she promises me. My beautiful best friend has been checking in on me constantly, encouraging me and listening, even when I just sit on the phone with her and cry.
I decide on a short cream dress that fits like a glove until it flares a little at the waist and a pair of Brown Sail Dunks. My hair is curled in loose waves down my back, and I kept the makeup simple, except for the dramatic eye shadow and an extra coat of mascara to make my eyes pop.
Feeling good about myself, I grab my purse and head downstairs. Jordan ushers me to our Jeep, and we head to the bar, about a five-mile drive from where we live.
Walking in, my eyes scan the bar. I see the rest of the CTU basketball team taking up a few tables in the middle of the room. Jordan and I walk over, and I find a seat facing the stage, so I can watch all the performers.
Next thing I know, a server is dropping off drinks for the table. Jordan places an order, and I’m about to do the same when a Dr Pepper is set down right in front of me. I look at my brother, but he is just as confused as I am.
“It’s from a secret admirer. But I can take it back if you don’t want it,” the server tells me as shock creases my brow.
“I’ll drink it, thank you,” I say with a shy reply. I look over at the rest of the guys, and they are all smirking back at me. Something is up for sure.
Turning back to the stage, the MC announces the next act of the night. “Ladies and gentlemen, our next performer is making his first appearance on The Draft stage. Put your hands together for CTU’s own Riggs Hart.”
My mind starts racing. Clearly, I heard that wrong. Riggs? This is a mistake or a joke.
My eyes go back to the stage, and there he is. Riggs and a guitar. Holy hot tamales, this man could not get any sexier.
He stares right at me and says, “Hey y’all. I’m Riggs. I want to dedicate this song to a very special girl. She is the brightest part of my life, my Sunshine.”
Then he starts to play, and his first note hits. I stand corrected. He just got sexier. I instantly recognize the song. He’s playing “Ordinary” from Alex Warren. It’s not a friendship song. It talks about a once in a lifetime love.
Love.
Riggs Hart is singing a love song to me.
Jordan reaches over and closes my mouth for me. I’m in complete shock, and tears line my eyes. It’s really him. He’s not hiding or pushing me away. He’s here for me. His voice has this deep, raspy sound that makes butterflies take flight. It’s incredible and beautiful.
I can’t do anything but stare. He continues to sing and steals my heart, body, and soul.
When he finishes the song, everyone, and I mean everyone, goes crazy for him. I give Riggs a huge cheer, and he is only looking at me. His smile is shy, almost embarrassed. He gives me a wink and walks off the stage.
Jordan leans over and whispers, “Rea, I think that was for you.”
Nodding, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. I know it was for me. He sang that just for me. If I had any doubt about his feelings before this, I don’t anymore. I take a deep breath, not sure what will happen next.
When I’m alone at the table a few minutes later, I see him walking toward me. I give him my brightest smile, and I get one right back. It’s the first time I’ve felt genuine happiness from him since his dad passed away. Before he can get to me, I stand and walk straight into his open arms.
He lifts me, twirling me around until slowly, ever so slowly, I slide down his body and back to my feet.
The energy between us crackles with intensity.
My need for this man is at an all-time high.
He takes a piece of my hair and places it behind my ear, letting his fingers dance across my jaw as he slowly lowers his hand away.
I shiver at the contact of his skin on mine, and my cheeks blush.
“You did that for me?” I ask him, knowing he doesn’t perform in public, minus his dad’s funeral.
“Reagan, I would do anything for you. I’m sorry I’ve been such an idiot. I promise that I will never walk away or push you away again. If you’ll let me, I’ll fight for you and for us. I’m not giving up on you, Sunshine. Ever.”
He says this and then puts two fingers under my chin, tilting my head up until our eyes are locked.
The next words out of my mouth leave before I have time to think about them.
“Then kiss me.”
His lips crash down on mine with need and hunger like he’s a man starved. I kiss him back just as desperately because that is what I am for Riggs Hart. A desperate woman.
We kiss until the crowd around us is whistling, cheering, and catcalling as we come back to earth from our own little world.
With his forehead against mine, we both take deep breaths, trying to calm the emotion of the moment but failing miserably.
“Get a room!” I hear Carter say from across the room, and I quickly look to see the entire team staring at us. Most look happy for us. My brother looks like he’s two seconds from vomiting on the bar in front of him.
Jordan smacks the back of Carter’s head for the comment, and both Riggs and I laugh.
“Shut up, Carter. That’s my sister!” Jordan’s response is typical, and it's nice to have things returning to normal again.
With a hand grabbing mine, Riggs pulls my attention back to him. He wears a serious look on his face.
“Sunshine, I know I have a lot of groveling to do. But do you think there’s a chance we can get back to us again?”
He said to us. My body burns with a fire so bright at his words.
“Yeah, Point Guard. I think there’s a chance.”
He smiles that beautiful Riggs smile, and for the first time in months, everything feels like it’s going to be alright.