Page 149 of Make Me Yours

My teammates go back for seconds and then thirds. There’s talk about game-day fuel, meal prep help, and requests for recipes. The whole vibe shifts to one that’s filled with genuine interest and enthusiasm.

Once the tasting is over, the guys file out one by one. Laiken nods his approval, Jax offers to pay her in cold brew if she makes him a batch every week, Oliver tries to get her number again and gets smacked by Rina in the process. With everyone gone, the penthouse finally settles into a comfortable hush.

I walk over and wrap an arm around Lilah’s waist, pulling her against me. Her cheeks are still flushed and her eyes are bright from the high of the night.

“You did it,” I murmur against her temple.

“I did,” she says, still a little dazed. “So… yeah. We’ll consider that a win.”

I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “You did more than win. You crushed it. I’m so fucking proud of you, lucky charm.”

She swallows, the movement small but telling. I can feel the emotion vibrating within her. All the joy, disbelief, and pride.

She turns more fully to face me before sliding her arms around me. “Thank you,” she says quietly. “For everything. For believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. And for always being there.”

I brush my knuckles along her cheek. “I will always be there for you, no matter what,” I murmur. “It’s not even a question.”

She leans into the touch. “You’ve been my constant through everything. The one thing I could always count on. And I don’t say it enough, but I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful foryou.”

I rest my forehead against hers. “You never have to thank me for loving you, Lilah.”

Her breath catches, and I feel her smile.

“Still,” she says, voice barely above a whisper, “thank you.”

That’s all it takes for something inside me to settle.

She’s mine.

And she knows it now.

Whatever comes next, whatever dreams she chases, I’ll be standing right beside her.

Just like I always have.

48

LILAH

Perched on one of the stools near the front counter of Lakeshore Sweets, the scents of cinnamon, espresso, and vanilla fill the air as I cradle my mug between both hands.

Callie’s bakery is quiet now that the morning rush has come and gone. For the moment, there’s a lull. No customers, no deliveries, no distractions. Just the four of us girls, a tray of pastries, and enough gossip to fuel a reality TV series.

Rina moans around a bite of chocolate-filled croissant, dark eyelashes fluttering closed. “Oh my God, Callie. This is seriously indecent.”

Sloane snorts, kicking her feet up on the empty stool beside her. “You sound like you’re having sex.”

“Please.” Rina waves a hand, not even a little embarrassed by the pronouncement. “I’m much louder than that. Sometimes I like to throw in a little extra for dramatic effect. You know… for the plot.”

I sputter into my coffee, choking on a laugh. With a cough, I swipe a napkin across my mouth as Sloane pats me on the back.

“You okay over there?” she teases, amusement dancing in her green eyes.

“Fine,” I wheeze. “Just wasn’t expecting that level of honesty with my caffeine.”

Callie gives Rina a pointed look as her lips twitch. “Can’t say I remember what any of that sounds like.”

Rina lifts a brow. “What do you mean?”