plane’s engines is nothing compared to the pounding of my heart. She’s here, just rows away, yet it feels like miles. I can’t help but grin, an uncontrollable burst of joy at her mere presence. Eva’s stubborn refusal to join me in first class is another one of her quirks that I adore, even though it irritates Liam and Ethan. They’re pissed because Poppy and Nessa decided to stick with her in economy, but I couldn’t care less. She’s here, and that’s all that matters.
Ethan huffs on the seat beside mine. “You know Poppy could be sitting here. We could have been drinking some champagne and—”
“No, you wouldn’t. The coach and this one”—I point to Liam, who’s glaring at us from across the aisle—“would have your ass before the glass touched your lips.”
“I could be making out with her.”
I shrug. “You are sharing a room for two nights in Vegas. You’ll make up for it, and I offered to switch seats with her.”
“You know she would have refused.”
I just shrug in response, a silent acknowledgment of the situation. It is what it is.
“What twisted plan is in that head of yours?” he mutters, his tone laced with skepticism and a hint of annoyance. “If this is one of your games, Cole, I swear—”
Waving him off, my gaze is fixed on the curtain separating us from economy. “It’s not about games, Ethan. It never was. It’s about her.” I face him squarely. “You love her, don’t you? Poppy.”
His eyes narrow, a hint of defensiveness in his tone. “Of course I do.”
Leaning in, my voice drops to a serious tone. “I joke around a lot, but Evangeline… she’s not just a girl I’m into. She’s not just a woman I crave. She’s everything.” I pause, gathering my thoughts. “I’ve hurt her, mostly without meaning to, but that doesn’t change the fact that I did. And hurting the one person you want to be happy and safe… it’s unbearable.”
Ethan shifts uncomfortably, but I continue. “I may not be the kind to talk about fate or destiny, but I’m convinced she was put on this earth for me. It’s like she was meant to be in my life. She sees through the act, the front I put up for everyone else, and somehow, she loves what’s underneath. It’s not about wanting her, Ethan. It’s deeper than that. She’s gotten into my head, into my heart, and now, I can’t imagine my world without her. It’s more than a crush or an obsession; she’s my life.”
Ethan’s expression softens, a hint of understanding dawning in his eyes. “So what’s your plan?”
“Right now, she’s pushing me away, not because her feelings have faded, but because they’re too strong and she’s terrified. It’s twisted, I know, but I’m on a mission to win back what I lost. I can’t promise I won’t do something drastic,” I confess. “I’m getting desperate. I just need a little more from her, and if it means crossing some lines, I’ll do it. Because I know I’m the right man for her. I know she’s made for me, and only me. And if she asked me to paint the world red for her, I’d bleed out to do it.”
Ethan nods, his Adam’s apple bobbing with emotion. “What do you need, brother?”
“Her,” I say simply. “I just need her.”
The flight is slowly eating away at my patience. My anticipation is a live wire inside me, sparking every time I think of Eva sitting a few rows behind. I can’t help but repeatedly glance over my shoulder, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
Liam, sitting across the aisle, watches me with amusement and a bit of concern. “You know, Cole, whatever you’re planning, make sure it doesn’t mess with the game. This exhibition is crucial. We need to be on top of our game.”
I turn to him, a smirk playing on my lips. “Is that all you think about, man? The game?”
He shrugs, his expression unreadable. “What else is there?”
“What about Nessa?” I prod, knowing full well there’s more to his stoic facade. “She’s here too. Doesn’t that mean something to you?”
Liam stiffens, a flash of something crossing his face before he masks it with indifference. “Why would it?”
Scoffing, I shake my head. “Oh, so we’re playing the ‘pretend we don’t care’ game now?”
He glares at me, his jaw clenched. “Feelings only complicate everything. You, of all people, should know that.”
“Yeah,” I reply, leaning back in my seat, my thoughts drifting back to Eva. “Sometimes, Liam, those complications are worth it. They make life worth living.”
He doesn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the seat in front of him. I know he’s thinking about Nessa, about what could be if he let his guard down. But I also know Liam—he’s not one to easily show what he feels.
As the plane begins its descent, my mind races with strategies and possibilities. When we finally land, the first-class passengers are ushered out first. I stand, casually adjusting my jacket, but my casual demeanor is for show. Every fiber of my being is alert, scanning for her. As I step into the aisle, I try to catch a glimpse of her, hoping for eye contact, any acknowledgment. She’s not looking, deliberately avoiding my gaze. Of course, she won’t make this easy for me.
We deplane and head toward the bus, waiting to take the team to the hotel. Ethan told me that the girls would get an Uber to the Mirage. My brain is already ticking over with plans. Now that I have Ethan somewhat on my side, things should be smoother. The key to everything is Eva agreeing to spend the evening with me.
On the bus, I slide into a seat, my gaze lingering on the airport entrance, half expecting her to change her mind. But she doesn’t, and as we pull away, I see them exiting the terminal. Relief washes over me.
I pull out my phone, wondering if I should text her and try to close the gap she’s so set on keeping. But I hesitate, worried that coming on too strong might just push her further away.
“So what’s the plan?” Liam’s voice cuts through my thoughts. He’s sitting across from me, his posture perfect, as always. But beneath that polished exterior, I catch a flicker of something else.
I love the man; he’s a bit like a brother to me, but he’s always so detached and perfect in everything he does. I’m not trying to live up to Liam’s standards. I don’t think anyone can, but I also don’t feel like being judged.
“I’m not entirely sure yet,” I admit, wary of his judgment. Liam always has everything calculated, but I can’t operate like that, not with Eva. It’s not entirely a lie—I’m open to everything with her while we’re here, but because I have no idea how she will react, I have a few half-baked plans that I hope will be helpful.
He lets out a sigh, his gaze fixed outside the window. Ethan, sitting beside him, sends me a cautious look. “You know, I do understand emotions. I hope you get her back. Remember, actions have consequences.”
I know I’m volatile, well, less so in everyday life. But I’m quite insane when it comes to her, and more so now that everything has come to light, and I realized that my girl was just as perfect as I always thought she was and that I was the clown in the whole narrative.
His words hit a nerve. “Trust me, I know all about consequences,” I reply, a bitter taste in my mouth. The memory of that prank gone wrong, the one that led to all this mess with Eva, still haunts me.
Liam nods, his eyes lingering a moment longer on the passing scenery outside the window as if searching for answers in the blur of the world rushing by. He seems to be carrying a weight that goes beyond the conversation, something deeper that he’s holding back.
“Isn’t it exhausting, always playing Mr. Perfect?” I probe, hoping to get a glimpse behind that meticulously crafted facade.
He turns slowly, a smile flickering on his lips, but it’s strained like it’s costing him. “You have no idea,” he murmurs, his voice tinged with a hint of irony that doesn’t quite mask the underlying fatigue. For a moment, his guard drops, revealing a flicker of vulnerability. “Keeping up the act, making sure every piece is in place, it’s… it’s a relentless pursuit, Cole. And sometimes, I wonder what I’m chasing after.”
Ethan and I exchange a look, both sensing the underlying struggle in Liam’s words. It’s a rare admission, a crack in his polished armor, and it makes me realize that Liam’s battle with perfection might be more consuming than any of us knew.
My hands are slightly shaky as I adjust my jacket again, the fabric feeling too constrictive, too formal. I hear a knock at the door, and my heart leaps into my throat. Taking a deep breath, I open it to find Eva standing there. She looks breathtaking in an emerald dress that echoes the color of her eyes. For a moment, I’m speechless, lost in admiration.
“Wow, you look…” I trail off, unsure how to finish the sentence without exposing the storm of emotions brewing inside me.
She steps back, glancing at the number on the door. “I’m sorry, isn’t this Poppy and Ethan’s room?”
Her confusion makes me smile. “Yup, this is the right room.” I catch her eyes wandering over my outfit, and I feel a flicker of hope. “You look lovely, by the way. Should I be jealous?”
She rolls her eyes, but I notice the faint blush on her cheeks. “You look handsome too. Any plans tonight?”
Taking a moment to savor her compliment, I feel a bit more confident. I dressed up in everything I know she likes, including that cologne she can’t resist. “And yes, my plans involve you,” I say, half joking, half hoping.
She shakes her head, a playful smile on her lips. “Poppy gave me this room number; we’re supposed to go see a show.”
I open the door wider, gesturing for her to come in. “Actually, their room is at the end of the hall. Ethan’s planned a surprise for her.”
“Oh.” She sounds disappointed, and I feel a pang of guilt, but it’s quickly replaced by triumph as she steps inside. “Nessa’s off to meet a friend, too.”
“Liam, I suppose?” I add, trying to lighten the mood.
She laughs, the sound filling the room with warmth. “Yes! They think we’re so blind.”
Nodding, I offer her my arm. “Seems like everyone’s got plans tonight. How about I escort you to your show?”
She raises an eyebrow skeptically. “You don’t even know what it is.”
“As long as I’m with you, it doesn’t matter.”
Her expression softens, then swiftly shifts to a stern look that I find irresistibly attractive. “It could be the Chippendales,” she teases.
I snort, feigning arrogance. “Please, you’ve seen my abs. They’ve got nothing on me. Besides, I should be there to ensure you behave.”
She scowls, a reminder of the distance between us. “We’re not together. We’re not even friends.”
“No, we’re not enemies either,” I reply, trying to keep the mood light.
She looks uncertain but nods. “I guess.”
“Great, let’s grab a drink first, then head to the show.”
She sighs, her resolve wavering. “Fine, but this isn’t a date.”
“I wouldn’t dream of calling it that,” I say with a grin, though inside, I’m thinking it’s so much more.
As she steps farther into the room, I scan my emails on my phone to ensure everything is set for tonight. My heart is racing, but I’m ready. This could be the night that changes everything.
“Okay, let’s do this,” I say, pocketing my phone and offering her my most charming smile.
When we step out of the hotel and make our way toward the Bellagio, a sense of pride swells in my chest. Walking with Eva on my arm feels like a victory in itself, a moment I’ve longed for. Around us, the city buzzes with energy, soccer players and fans alike soaking in the Vegas vibe, partying before the exhibition games. None of that matters to me; my world narrows down to the woman beside me.
She is lost in thought, her teeth pulling at her bottom lip—a habit that both endears and concerns me. I want to know what’s going on in her mind. To ease any worries she might have.
“What is it, Angel?” I ask, trying to draw her out.
She glances at me, a hint of hesitation in her eyes. “Why aren’t you out with your team? You had plans, didn’t you? And here I am, dragging you to a dinner theater evening.”
I can’t help but smile at her concern. “It’s perfect. I love dinner theater,” I assure her, hoping to ease her mind.
She gives me a skeptical look. “Have you ever been to a dinner theater?”
Grinning down at her, I play along with the lightness of the moment. “It’s at the top of my bucket list.”
She rolls her eyes, but I can see a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she rummages in her bag. “Well, you’re in for a treat. We’re seeing Cabaret.”
My grin widens. “Oh, wow, how lucky is that? Seeing Cabaret has always been a dream of mine.”
Her laughter, light and genuine, fills the air, and my heart lifts. I love her laugh, love everything about her, even these playful exchanges.
“Okay, fine,” she says, handing the tickets to the attendant at the entrance, who leads us to our table.
We settle in, and she looks at me, her tone firm yet playful. “Remember, this isn’t a date.”
I don’t respond, choosing instead to simply smile. In my heart, it feels like the most significant date of my life, but I understand her need for boundaries. Tonight isn’t about labels or definitions; it’s about being with her in whatever way she allows.
The show is vibrant, the stage bursting with color and dynamic movement. I catch myself glancing over at Eva more often than I watch the performers. To lighten the mood, I pretend to be sullen, putting on a mock grumpy face. She looks at me, and despite trying to hold back, a smile breaks out on her face, followed by a light, infectious laugh. The sound makes my heart skip a beat.
She sips the champagne, obtained through a rather scandalous bribe to the waiter. The effervescent bubbles catch the light in her eyes. I’ve stopped at one glass, mindful of Liam’s words and the game ahead. Discipline always comes first, no matter what the situation. Tonight, my focus is less on the discipline for the game and more on not losing myself completely in the moment with her.
I can feel the glances from other women in the room, their eyes appreciative as they sweep over me. I know I look older than my age. Maybe it’s the way I carry myself, but their attention means nothing to me. My gaze is fixed on her. She seems absorbed in the dancers on stage, but I know better. My every thought, every ounce of attention, is solely on her.
She leans in, her voice teasing. “A lot of girls are looking at you.”
The urge to tease her back is too strong to resist. “Jealous?” I ask, half joking.
She’s buzzed enough to let her guard down, answering with surprising honesty. “A little. I mean, I could never compete with them.”
Snickering, I turn to face her fully, leaning back in my seat. “Compete? There’s no competition, Eva. Not even close. For me, it’s you. Only ever you.”
There’s a moment where our eyes lock, and I see a flash of something—surprise, maybe vulnerability—before she looks away, taking another sip of her champagne. I want to reach out, to close the distance between us, but I hold back. This night is about more than a fleeting connection; it’s about showing her that my world revolves around her and her alone.
“I missed you, you know,” I murmur, almost to myself but loud enough for her to hear.
She smiles, a soft, hesitant gesture, and her eyes soften too. It’s a mixture of the champagne and her true feelings, I think. There’s a vulnerability there that she rarely shows.
“I missed you a lot, especially the parts of me that only wake up when you’re around. They’re my best parts,” I confess, feeling a sense of raw honesty between us.
Eva looks at me, and there’s a depth in her eyes that’s always been slightly intimidating. “You’ve always been so much more than the image you show the world. There’s so much to love in you, Cole, so much that it’s frightening. Because getting lost in you is so easy, and then you drown and—” She stops abruptly, swallowing hard, turning her gaze back toward the stage.
Watching her profile, I feel a pang in my chest at her half-spoken truths. She’s scared of me, scared of what loving me could do to her. And I’m at a loss, unsure how to combat that fear.
Slumping back in my seat, I’m braced for a disappointing end to our evening. But then she turns to me, surprising me with words I never expected – words that seem almost too good to be true.
It feels like a risky dream, and despite the danger, I can’t help but dive in. I’m desperate for her, ready to take this gamble. It’s all or nothing.
Her words linger, full of potential and risk. Time seems to pause, the show’s noise and lights fading away. Tentatively, I reach for her hand, half-expecting her to pull back. But she doesn’t. Our fingers entwine, silently accepting the challenge before us.
With her hand in mine, my fear of losing her mixes with the hope of what we could have. I’m ready to risk everything for a chance with her. I know in my heart that she’s worth the gamble..
