Page 142 of The Defender

Spike, his new bodyguard, hovered a respectful distance away. Vincent’s presence was already attracting stares and whispers, but Spike’s glare kept anyone from approaching us.

“You—how—” I struggled to find the right words.

The match ended less than an hour ago, and it took place all the way across town. There was no way he could’ve made it here this quickly.

“We were already up by two in the last half. Coach subbed me out toward the end, and I came straight to the airport. But even if I had to play until the last minute, I would’ve found a way to get here in time.” Vincent brushed my tears away withhis thumb. “You didn’t think I’d let you leave without a proper airport goodbye, did you?”

Fuck, I was going to start crying again.

I let out a strangled laugh. “Don’t tell me you bought a ticket just to get past security.”

“I didn’t buy itjustto get past security. I’ve always wanted to go to…” He checked his phone. “Fargo, North Dakota. Maybe you can take the weekend off, join me, and show me around.”

“Unfortunately, I’ve never been there. I’ll be as lost as you.”

“Then we’ll be lost together.”

A sob hitched in my throat.

Vincent’s face softened. He opened his arms, and I stepped into them, burying myself in his warmth. His heartbeat thudded against my cheek, steady and strong.

Neither of us spoke. What could we say that we hadn’t said already?

I’ll miss you.

I’ll wait for you.

Don’t forget this. Don’t forget me.

No words needed. Our sentiments were obvious in the way he held me, in the fit of our bodies and the synchronized beats of our hearts.

I didn’t know how long we stood there, lost in each other’s embrace, but eventually, reality intruded.

“Flight 226 to Chicago now boarding.” The PA system crackled overhead.

That was my flight.

My stomach dropped. Vincent’s arms tightened around me, and I pressed my face to his chest, trying to etch every detail of this moment in my memory.

My sobs had died down, but my entire body ached like I was being torn apart.

“I’ll walk you to your gate,” Vincent murmured, his voice rough with emotion.

No.I shook my head and clung to him.

Forget Chicago. I could call the Moores right now and tell them I’d changed my mind. Vincent and I would leave the airport together and head straight to one of our favorite restaurants, where we’d order a shit ton of carbs and laugh about the time I almost moved halfway across the world.

Then we’d still be together, and I wouldn’t feel like my heart was breaking.

The PA system crackled again with warning. “This is the final boarding call for passengers booked on flight 226 to Chicago. Please proceed to the gate immediately.”

I squeezed my eyes shut.

“Brooklyn, we have to go,” Vincent said gently. “Or you’ll miss your flight.”

I couldn’t put it off anymore. My fantasy of running out of here with him dissolved, and I followed him to the gate, where the attendant’s eyes widened in recognition. Thankfully, she was smart enough not to bother us as Vincent kissed me, slow and lingering, as though we had all the time in the world.

His last gift to me.