“Congrats on the game earlier,” I tell him as I sink against the cold plastic. “Hell of a way to end the season.”

“Thanks. Congrats on the girl. I’m happy for you guys.”

“Thanks.” I smile.

More of Lincoln’s football team comes out to join us, and I’m drawn into an analysis of plays and strategy from the game earlier. I’m talking with one of the juniors when I see his eyes widen. I glance behind me to see Viv walking out on the deck. She’s put her leather jacket back on, but I can still see her shivering as she makes her way over to me.

“I’ll talk to you later, Dawson,” the junior tells me.

I nod.

Viv takes a seat on my lap and leans against my shoulder.

“I forgot how cold it gets here,” she admits.

“This dress was from the South Carolina bag, then?”

“Mm-hmm,” she mumbles, nuzzling her cold face against the hollow of my throat.

“Are you ready to go?” I ask.

“I guess. I told Anderson I’d play poker, but I don’t really want to move.”

I huff out a laugh. “I’m sure he’ll get over it. You are his favorite person now.”

I stand, pulling us both vertical. Viv leans heavily against me. I say goodbye to my teammates, then lead her out the same side door I snuck out earlier. As soon as we’re clear of prying eyes, I pick her up bridal style and carry her over to the waiting SUVs.

We slide into the backseat and then speed off into the night, back to the hotel.

CHAPTER FORTY

VIVIENNE

“Viv, wake up.”

I groan groggily and roll over, hearing a low laugh.

“Viv, c’mon.”

I open my eyes. “What time is it?” I feel like I went to sleep minutes ago. I glance at the clock next to the bed to discover I did. One hundred and ninety-three, to be exact. “Jace, it’s only six. Why the hell are you waking me up?”

“I have a surprise for you.”

“Can it wait until daylight?”

“It will be daylight by the time we get there. Come on.” The sheets rustle as he climbs out of bed.

I want nothing more than to burrow back under the warm covers, but curiosity has me reluctantly peeling them back and climbing off the soft mattress. I stand and yawn widely.

“Ready?” Jace asks. I look over to see he’s already dressed in jeans and a fleece jacket. All I’m wearing is one of his t-shirts.

“Yeah, sure, I’ll just wear this.”

Jace laughs. “Come on, hurry up!”

I roll my eyes. “This better be a really great surprise,” I inform Jace as I pull on a pair of leggings and my heavy black wool coat. “And I look ridiculous, so we better not be going anywhere there’s paparazzi.”

Jace grins and hustles me out of the room. My curiosity grows as we emerge from the empty lobby to see a black SUV already waiting. Jace opens the door, and I climb inside. Michael is sitting in the driver’s seat. None of my other agents are anywhere to be seen.