A single tear rolled down his cheek as he clenched his jaw shut. I could tell he’d wanted to get that off his chest for a while.

“Kellon, you have to know it’s not your fault,” I said. It was all I could think to say.

“It’s hard to be happy about winning the Super Bowl when I deprived him of his.”

My mouth opened and shut. What was I supposed to say to that? Grief was complicated. It could take people years to learn to cope with it. Lolo’s boyfriend had died over four years ago, and she was still struggling with his loss.

“I’m sorry.” I finally spoke as I squeezed his hand. “I didn’t know your brother, but I’m sure he would want you to be happy and celebrate your win.”

I hoped that was good enough.

“See? That’s exactly why meeting you has been a highlight. It’s helped make this victory tour a hell of a lot easier.” He brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it. “I hope you know I’m not letting up on you, Phileigh Cheese.”

I giggled at his nickname for me. It was cute, and my middle throbbed from the feel of his soft lips against my skin.

“Letting up?” I needed him to clarify what he was saying.

“Applying pressure, beating your door down… getting to know you until you’re mine.”

“I need to tell you something.” Now seemed like a good enough time to tell him about my condition.

“Shoot,” he said as fireworks crackled outside in the night sky.

I jumped a little as my eyes turned to the window.

“You gotta end the day with fireworks.” He smiled in my direction as my eyes bounced from him to the dazzling display.

“This is beautiful!” I blushed.

“It gets better.” He stood from his seat. Music began to play softly in the background as the fireworks lit up the dark sky. “Would you like to dance?”

This man was full of surprises. I stared at him in disbelief. I’d never actually slow danced with a man before. Throwing my ass in a circle on his crotch? Yes, but this was not that. Slow, romantic music filled the room as Kellon stood with his arms out, waiting for me to join him. Everything about this moment felt magical. I felt just like a princess. Without hesitation, I stood from my seat. My feet moved of their own accord into Kellon’s arms. His hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me in close.

“I hope your first time here was perfect,” he whispered in my ear as we rocked back and forth to the sound of the soft music.

“It was perfect.”

“It was.” He pulled back from me just a little, and our eyes locked. Something was moving between us. “You’re so beautiful.”