Page 190 of Blackwood

He grins, eyes flicking over to me for a second before turning back to her. “So… I’ve heard a lot about The Trifecta,” he starts. “But when these two said it was a show?” He lets out a low whistle. “I didn’t believe them. Thought they were just bragging about their girl.”

I glance at Cade, who hides a grin behind his cup.

“But then you came out there, struttin’ across that field like you owned the damn place, commanding the crowd, making them feel something? That wasn’t just dancing. That was performance, it was pure power.”

“Wow. Thank you. That… that means a lot.”

“It should. I’ve seen a lot of things, but it’s rare to see someone move people like the way you girls do.”

“She does it to me every day,” I say casually, brushing my thumb along her waist. “Drives me absolutely insane.”

She laughs, swatting at my arm and I catch her hand just to kiss the back of it.

“Excuse me?” A woman stands there nervously, holding the hand of a little girl, probably five or six, in a glittery Trifecta jersey and a huge burgundy bow. The girl is gripping a sign with sparkly letters that sayBELLA BLACKWOOD IS MY SPIRIT ANIMAL!

“Would it be possible to get you to sign her poster?”

Bella’s whole face lights up. She turns fully, crouching down so she’s at eye level with the little girl. “Hey there, sweetheart. What’s your name?”

“Sophie,” the girl says shyly.

“Well, Sophie,” Bella says, taking the Sharpie from Sophie’s mom. “This might be the coolest sign I’ve ever seen.”

She signs it, adds a little heart, and then gently tugs the edge of Sophie’s bow. “I think you’re gonna be better than me one day,” she whispers.

Sophie beams and waves back to us as her mom walks her back to their seats.

Two short beeps cut through the noise.Walkie’s on.

“Bella,”Knox’s voice crackles in our ears.“You about ready?”

“Yeah, I’m ready. Where do you want me?”

“Just stay there with Lex. That’ll actually work perfect, if Lex behaves.”

“I always behave, Bestie”

Knox laughs,“Alright everyone, lets get ready. It’s time to fly.”

One Beep.Earpieces off.

“What was that about?” Cade asks, leaning in.

Bella’s eyes flick toward the field, then back to us, that little smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “I guess it’s time for us girls to fly.”

Before either of us can ask what the hell that means, Ellie and Haley come running over from the other side of the bleachers, glowing with post-performance adrenaline.

“Ready, bitches?” Ellie says with a wicked grin.

Over the loudspeakers, Hugh pipes up again. “That was one hell of a performance, girls.”

Haley looks up toward the booth. “Thank you, Hughy!” She pauses and glances toward Bella who’s firmly planted on my lap. “Um… Bella… what are you doing?”

Bella doesn’t even look at her. She just keeps staring at me, smiling into my eyes. “Sitting with my man. Taking a little break. What does it look like, Hales?”

Ellie folds her arms and leans in dramatically. “Well, I’ve got bad news.”

Bella quirks an eyebrow. “What kind of news, El?”