Page 126 of Knight
I blinked, realizing I’d zoned out. He held a stack of plates and napkins, forehead creased with concern.
“Yeah. Sorry.”
“Is it too much, having everyone here for this? We all want to help, but if?—”
I grabbed his face and kissed him. “I love you.”
He looked stunned, lips parted and shiny. “Will?—”
“You don’t need to say anything,” I interrupted. “I just needed to tell you before…”
His eyes narrowed. “Yeah? Well, tell me again after. Because you’re winning that fight.”
“I am?”
“You fucking better.” He leaned in, kissing me fiercely. “I’ve got plans for you.”
My lips quirked. “I can’t wait to hear those.”
“Get through tonight, and I’ll share everything with you.”
There was an underlying meaning to his words that made my heart jump. I’d wanted to tell Aiden how I felt for a long time. This casual arrangement had never really been casual for me.
His career was important, and it might take him from Riverton. If it did, I’d find a way to follow. Because I knew what I was fighting for tonight—and it wasn’t for me.
It was for him. For love. For everything we could have together in the future.
“Are you all getting it on in there?” Joyride called.
Laughter and hoots followed.
Aiden smiled. “You ready to go back out and face the hecklers?”
“I guess feeding them is the least I can do.” I held the door for Aiden, and he carried out the plates.
I ran back inside to grab the forgotten packs of buns and silverware.
By the time everyone settled in with plates of food and fresh beers from the cooler—Waffles snarfing up bits of burger we all dropped to him because we couldn’t resist his begging—it almost felt like a normal night.
I had until nine to get to the fight. I needed the fuel, even if my stomach was still tight with nerves.
The guys were shooting the shit, and I tried to relax into the familiar cadence as I ate.
“My ex still won’t let me see Ruby…”
“It’s fucking bullshit,” Tex said. “You’re her father.”
“A shitty one. Maybe Carrie is right to push me away.”
“Not a chance,” Tex said. “Anyone who does that is a fucking idiot.”
Hollywood scoffed. “Whatever you say, Tex.”
“That’s right,” Tex said with a cocky grin. “Whatever I say.”
Joyride snorted. “Gotta love the swagger.”
“Or not,” Hollywood muttered.
