Page 113 of The Defender

After more small talk, Scarlett, Carina, and I broke away to change and get ready for the party. We’d just come downstairs and started helping Emily with the decorations when the slam of multiple car doors echoed outside.

“The cavalry has arrived!” Adil burst into the house with dramatic flair. “Let’s get this party started!”

“Perfect.” Scarlett walked up to him and dumped a bouquet of flowers into his arms. “You can help set the dining table. We need more centerpieces.”

His face fell. “But I was going to DJ.”

“You can DJ after you set the table.”

He perked up again. “Deal.”

The rest of the players streamed in after him, clearly in high spirits after their win. They’d all changed out of their kits and into casual festive clothing. Not everyone could make it, but a good percentage of the team showed up, including Samson, Seth, and Noah.

Vincent was the last to walk in, but he headed straight for me before anyone else.

“There’s the MVP.” I stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “I’m surprised the team let you touch the ground long enough to drive. I thought they were going to parade you all the way here.”

“What can I say? Your boyfriend is just that good,” he drawled.

“You mean just that cocky.”

“They’re not mutually exclusive.” He bent down to give me a longer, more searching kiss. “Hi, by the way.”

Butterflies spilled into my stomach. “Hi,” I breathed.

When we broke apart, I realized the entryway had fallen silent. The other guests were gathered around us in a circle, their faces plastered with shit-eating grins.

“Can I help you?” Vincent asked pointedly. He wrapped a protective arm around my shoulders.

“We’re enjoying the sight of our captain inloooove.” Samson grinned while the rest of the team catcalled us and made kissing noises.

My cheeks blazed. Our relationship was an open secret now, but this was our first time kissing in front of the team. I should’ve known they would tease the hell out of us for it.

“What are you all, twelve?” Vincent said dryly. “Haven’t you seen people kiss before?”

“So it’s official?” Stevens had brought his miniature pet pig, Truffle, who eyed us with bemusement from his arms. “You’re dating?”

Vincent’s arm tightened around me. “Not that it’s any of your damn business, but yes.”

“Vincent!” his mother scolded. “Language.”

“He said damn, not cunt or fuck.” JP sipped his wine. “I forgot how uptight you can be.”

“Well, excusemefor wanting our son to behave like a proper gentleman. Not everyone can curse and smoke like a chimney, Jean-Paul.”

While Vincent’s parents bickered, the rest of the team carried on with their ribbing.

“Good thing Coach isn’t here yet, or he’ll bury you alive for touching his daughter,” Gallagher cracked.

“I think it’s adorable. It’s about time. You’ve been circling each other for months.” Adil held up his camera. “Smile! I’m adding this to our club’s photo album.”

“Sorry about them,” Vincent whispered in my ear. “They’re immature, but it’s a rite of passage for new girlfriends.”

“It’s okay. It’s better than getting hazed.”

He laughed.

“Okay, that’s enough!” Emily clapped her hands, and the catcalls fell silent. “Everyone back to work! We have a Christmas dinner to finish.”