Page 129 of Hold Me Tight

On the sectional, Maverick and Willow are curled up together, glasses of red wine in hand, wearing the kind of expressions that make it obvious they’re in a world of their own making. His arm rests comfortably around her shoulders, his smile easy and content, like he knows exactly how lucky he is.

I couldn’t have picked a better man for my sister. She deserves someone who sees her quiet strength and appreciates her softness. They’re the perfect complement to one another.

Jax is trailing after Sloane like a persistent golden retriever who doesn’t understand the concept of personal space.

“You need to stop staring at me,” Sloane warns, striding past him. “Or I’m going to pour this drink over your head.”

My teammate grins, completely unfazed by her prickly demeanor. “If you’re trying to find a deterrent,” he says, letting his gaze drag slowly down and back up her body with deliberate insolence, “you’ll need to do better than that.”

Laiken chuckles under his breath, and I do the same. Neither of us bother to hide our amusement. Whatever’s brewing between those two is going to be interesting to watch.

My gaze catches on Callie again. Her hair is pinned up, a few silky tendrils framing her face. She’s wearing a black wrap dress that hugs her curves and makes her skin glow.

The second our gazes lock, everything in me seizes. Not with nerves but with certainty.

She’s always been the endgame.

Even when she belonged to another man.

One who used to be my friend.

She cuts a path straight to me, her fingers brushing my arm like she needs that small connection as much as I do. “I think everyone we invited has shown up.”

I glance around the room at the friends and family crowding the space. People who mean the world to both of us. “Pretty sure they’re all just relieved you finally took pity on me and gave me a shot.”

“I can one hundred percent attest to that,” Laiken says with a grin.

Callie’s lips curve. “Maybe I should’ve stopped keeping you at arm’s length sooner. It feels like I missed out on so many wonderful moments.”

I brush a kiss across the tip of her nose. “As much as I would’ve loved that, I think we found our way to each other at exactly the right time.”

From the corner of my eye, I catch Rina leveling a death glare at Oliver.

“I swear to God, if you make one more comment, I’m going to?—”

Oliver flashes a lazy grin over the rim of his tumbler. “What, baby? What are you gonna do? Tell me. I’m curious.”

Her eyes narrow as her tone turns sharp enough to draw blood. “Why don’t you try me and find out.”

His brows lift, but the smirk never fades. “You make it damn hard not to push the envelope when you threaten me like that.”

She lets out a low growl before spinning on her heel and stalking off, muttering something under her breath that’s definitely not fit for polite company.

I shake my head as Oliver’s gaze follows her, his expression equal parts amused and fascinated. “If you’re trying to get on her good side, that isn’t the way to do it.”

Oliver’s gaze drifts to mine. “Who said I wanted to be on her good side? Maybe I like the view from where I’m at.”

Laiken snorts. “Should we take bets on whether he gets traded before next season?”

With a shrug, Oliver strolls off in the same direction Rina disappeared in.

Even if he’s acting like he’s not following her, I know better.

We all do.

“Those two are like oil and water.” Callie tilts her head as she watches them. “They just don’t mix.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” I say with a chuckle, sliding my arm around her waist and pulling her into me. She fits there like she was made for the spot. “You good, baby?”