I see her.
Instantly, everything around me is muffled, like someone dunked my head underwater.
Her dress is a gold, shimmery thing that catches the strobe lights and throws them back, more fireworks than fabric. Tight bodice, strapless, with a structured shape that makes her look like royalty. Her hair’s pulled back, sleek and dark. It exposes her creamy skin and deep cleavage. And those heels? Christ. If I ever get the chance to make love to Ligaya again, I want those heels on while I fling her legs over my shoulders.
As if my filthy thoughts were projected on a bubble over my head, Ligaya spots me. She looks radiant, glowing from the inside out. Her smile turns warmer and wider as I approach. When I lean down to give her a hug, I indulge in a greedy inhale. My cock was half-mast a moment ago, but with her heat pressed against my chest and that soft floral scent in her hair, I’m sporting a goddamn flagpole.
I shift slightly, exhaling through my nose.Calm down.Think of anything else. Hockey drills. Ice baths. That one coach who spits when he talks. I glance away from her, focusing on the blinking lights above the dance floor, hoping the dizzying distraction will tamp down the heat surging through my bloodstream.
“Are you OK?” Ligaya asks.
“Yeah. It’s loud in here.”
She chuckles and tilts her chin toward a figure weaving through the crowd. Toby approaches with Kai.
“Hey, guys. How’s it going?” I shake both their hands, gripping firmly.
Toby pulls me into a tight hug—two solid pats on the back that feel more like a test than a greeting. He doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t need to. She must’ve told him about the pregnancy, although it doesn’t seem like anyone else knows. Not yet.
A few more people drift toward us, some I vaguely recognize from the Halloween party. Friendly faces, cheerful energy. Unfortunately, the more they close in, the farther away Ligaya gets. She ends up on the opposite side of the circle, her face catching the kaleidoscope of neon lights.
Some guy I don’t recognize leans in and murmurs something against her ear. Ligaya laughs, head tipping back slightly. Jealousy—ugly and searing—eats at my insides. Watching someone else make her laugh like that? No fucking way. Without hesitation, I cut through the circle and gently touch her elbow.
“Dance with me.” It isn’t a question.
Her lashes flutter, making her look like a doll. A really fucking sexy one. She slips her hand into mine and we push through the crowd on our way to the dance floor.
The remix of an early 2000s hit pulses around us. The sheer density of people brings me closer to Ligaya. Her body fits perfectly against mine, hips moving in time with the rhythm. Her breasts graze my chest, and I barely suppress a groan at how much I want her.
Fuck, I want her.
“Your dress is beautiful.”
She moves her head sideways to indicate that I need to speak into her ear. It’s freaking loud in here.
Under my breath, I mutter, “I’d like to rip it the fuck off, but . . .”
“I said your dress is beautiful,” I say louder.
Before Ligaya can respond, there’s a tap on my shoulder. It’s Sean and Gordon, my teammates. I’m not the only Mavericks player who grabbed a hot party ticket.
“Bro,” Sean says, eyes wide. “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming tonight?”
Gordon chuckles. “Have you kept the group chat on mute all this time?”
I purse my lips guiltily.
They glance at Ligaya, then at each other.
Sean mouths,Is this her?with a dramatic eyebrow wiggle.
Gordon leans into my ear. “Are you going to introduce us to your baby mama or what?”
I cringe. “Guys, can we not?”
Ligaya smiles, oblivious to the fact that I’ve already told the team about our twins. Thank god it’s loud in here.
It’s not my intention to talk about Ligaya behind her back, but part of me can barely control the urge to shoutthis woman is carrying my children!It’s not even conscious. I spontaneously blurt out that she’s pregnant in a grocery store or a group chatwhen no one is asking. The point is, what started as a decision is now an obsession. I want everyone to know we’re having babies this summer. I’d announce it to this whole nightclub if I had the chance.
