“I wanted to be sure I heard it, now hang on.” He hopped off the couch and strolled into the kitchen. “Hello?”
Malik ran after him, snatched the champagne bottle, and unwrapped the foil.
“Yes, this is Travis Rowlings.” He nodded. “Uh-huh. Of course.” As his lips curled, he bit his lip. “I’d be honored, sir.Like I mentioned at the combine, the Broncos are an upstanding organization, and I’d love to be a part of it.”
Malik popped the cork on the bottle, and it hit the ceiling before landing in the crook of Tex’s arm.
“Shit.” He shook his arm, wiggling, and the cork fell to the floor. “No, I’m sorry, sir. My roommate just, well, he opened a bottle of champagne.” Pinching the bridge of his nose, he huffed a chuckle. “Yes, sir. Absolutely. Speak with you soon.” He ended the call and through his teeth said, “Malik…”
“What?” Shrugging, Malik poured champagne into four lowball glasses, handed them out and then returned to Grey’s side. “Tex will be a Bronco. I can’t wait to blow by your ass in a game.”
“Like hell you will.” With a wide grin, Tex held his glass up. “To NFL contracts.”
In unison and tapping our glasses, we all said, “NFL contracts.” We sipped our drinks and then Evan said, “By the way, I got called up.”
“What?” I swiveled my head. “Why didn’t you say so?” My heart soared. Everyone had gotten what they wanted this year.
“Yeah, I’m what they call a Black Ace. I’ll get to practice with Lucas again and serve as backup if guys get injured during the playoffs. You know, the Coyotes have a good chance at the Cup this year.” He wagged his brows.
“The Stanley Cup?” Grey beamed at him.
“That’s the one.” Evan hooked an arm around my shoulders and pulled me to his side. “I didn’t want to say anything until Tex got his contract. I thought?—”
“You might jinx it? Jesus.” With a quick laugh, Tex shook his head once. “Love you, man, and congratulations. Looks like we’re breaking out the good tequila tonight.” Reaching across me, he patted Evan on the shoulder.
“Hell yes.” Evan drank more champagne.
Grabbing Tex’s hand and Evan’s, I held them both up, kissing both their knuckles. “I’m so damn happy for you both.” Iscanned the room as warmth buzzed through my body. “And Grey and Malik, too. Seriously. I don’t know what I, a nerdy tutor, did to deserve to hang out with such amazing athletes, but I’m so happy to share these moments with you.”
“Colton, we love sharing this with you because we know Tex deserves only the best. There is no one better for him.”
“Thanks, guys.” A pink hue filtered through Tex’s cheeks as he gave me a kiss full of all the love his heart held for me.
EPILOGUE
TEX (TRAVIS)
ONE MONTH LATER
“What the hell was I thinking?” I whispered while standing in front of my dresser mirror, rolling a ring box in my trembling hands. It was too soon to propose to Colton. But I knew deep in my soul I’d never love another man as much as I loved him. He was the one. The problem was, would he think this was too impulsive? Too soon? Did he feel the same? But all my friends were engaged or married now, even Malik and Grey.
Murmured voices and laughter snuck in through the open doorway to my room. Everyone was out there for our last farewell to the Desert Dog house, the home that shielded us, watched us all fall in love and held all our secrets. All the guys who’d lived here had come home and even Cooper had flown in with Myles.
I gnawed my lower lip, opening the box to view the silver and black platinum band once again. It was understated, like Colton, and would look so perfect resting on his finger. But I had to keep this a secret so Colton wouldn’t find out. I didn’t needhis father, who had bonded instantly with my dad when they’d met at our graduation dinner, to say something inadvertently. Or my mother, for that matter. Would they all think I was nuts? The only ones who knew were Malik and Grey.
As if reading my mind, I watched Malik enter the room through the reflection in the mirror. My pulse jerked. He was here to get me. I knew it. No more hiding. I snapped the box shut.
“Dude, everyone is here and…” Malik placed a hand on my shoulder as his gaze met mine in the mirror. “Are you okay? You’re white as a sheet.” He turned me to face him.
“What if Colton says no? What if he tells me it’s too soon?” My brow wrinkled as my heartbeat stuttered. I’d only met Colton in October. I hadn’t had years of knowing him like Malik had with Grey.
“Hey, we’ve been over this. You both love each other, and who’s to say how long you have to be with someone before you propose? Do what’s right in your heart.” He tapped his knuckles against my chest. “He’s already committed to you, Tex. The man is moving to Denver with you and passing by job opportunities to live with you. Putting a ring on it is the right move.” The corner of his lips rose. “Even if, heaven forbid, he said it was premature, then hold on to the rings and propose again when you’re more settled in your new life. Either way, he’s not going anywhere.”
My hands steadied as my eyes pricked. “Thanks, Malik.” He knew exactly what I needed to hear. “Let’s do this.” I stuffed the box into my jeans pocket and strolled out of my room beside him.
As I entered the main room, I scanned all my best friends, the men I’d played with on the field, traveled with, studied with and yeah, sometimes cried with. We’d had some incredible years, and now it was ending. At least we’d go out with a hell of a party.
JJ approached me with Holden on his arm. “Hey, buddy,where’ve you been?” He hooked an arm around my neck and kissed my cheek. “It feels like forever since I’ve seen you.”