“What would you like to drink?” she asks me as we step into the room.
“Water is fine, thank you,” I say without looking at her. No, my eyes are locked on Reese. My parents stand and greet me with hugs.
“I’ve missed you so much,” Mom says, wiping her eyes.
“Mom, it’s no different than college.”
“I missed you then too.” She smiles through her tears.
They take a step back as Garrett and Eve stand, waiting to greet me. Garrett shakes my hand, and like my mother, Eve hugs me tightly. “Good game, Cooper.”
“Thanks.” I kiss her cheek and step out of her hold. My eyes find Reese as she slowly stands from the table and walks toward me. I keep my feet planted on the floor, afraid my knees that are weak from the sight of her might give out on me. When she’s within reaching distance, I snake my arm around her waist and pull her into my chest. Both of my arms wrap around her like a vise, and I feel emotion clog my throat. It’s been too fucking long since I’ve held her. I bury my face in her neck and breathe her in. The scent of her favorite perfume invades my senses.
My Reese.
“I fucking missed you,” I say, not bothering to lower my voice. I don’t give a fuck who hears me, not even her boyfriend.
She pulls back and wipes at her eyes. “I missed you too.” She steps back out of my hold and turns to look over her shoulder. “You remember, Hunter,” she says as he stands and walks toward us. He stops behind her, placing one hand on her waist and the other reaches out to shake my hand.
“Good to see you again, Cooper.”
“Yeah, you too.” I have to force the words as I accept his handshake. I watch him closely as I squeeze with everything that I have. His eyes widen, but other than that, nothing. When I drop his hand, he places it on her waist as well. My eyes are glued to how intimately he holds her. I fucking hate it. I hate that he’s here. I hate that she’s his.
“Let’s sit,” Mom suggests. She loops her arm through mine and leads me to the table.
I pull her chair out for her and take the one next to her, Dad sits on my other side. Across the table, Reese is in front of me. Hunter is next to her. I watch as he leans in and kisses her cheek before whispering in her ear. I reach for my glass of water for something to do. I avert my gaze, staring down at my plate. I can’t watch this. I can’t watch them together.
Mom and Dad start talking about the game, with Garrett and Eve chiming in. I answer their questions and do my best to join the conversation without looking at Reese and Hunter. When she giggles, I look up to find him smiling at her. The lovesick look on his face should make me happy that she found someone who seems to worship her. Instead, it does nothing but piss me off. I’ve waited for this day for months. Months. And he’s monopolizing all of her time. This was supposed to be my time with her. I’m aware that my inner self sounds like a five-year-old child throwing a fit, but dammit, I fucking miss her.
All through dinner, he’s touching her. His arm on the back of her chair, pushing her hair out of her eyes, wiping the corner of her mouth. He’s attentive, and in any other circumstance with any other girl, I’d commend the guy, but she’s not just any girl. She’s Reese. My Reese. And he’s hoarding my chance to spend time with her. I just need a minute or two with her, just us before she leaves. Dinner has long since been cleared, and the dessert plates are empty. It’s now or never.
“Reese.” I hate the crack in my voice as I say her name. I take a sip of water and try again. “Take a walk with me?” It’s a dick move, pulling her from our family and Hunter, but fuck it. I need time with her.
She looks at Hunter, and he nods as if giving her permission, and that pisses me off. She’s a grown-ass woman and can do whatever the fuck she wants. She stands, and I rush to do the same, offering her my arm as we leave the room.
“Where are we going?” she asks, looking up at me.
“I’m not sure,” I admit. “I just needed some time with you.”
Her gaze softens when she looks up at me, a gentle smile on her lips. “You missing me that much?”
“Like a fucking limb.” Her eyes widen at my confession. She opens her mouth to reply, but nothing comes out.