Page 193 of Lose You Twice

The banquet starts at 6:30, and by some miracle, we finish setting up at 5:40, giving me about thirty minutes to get ready before having to head back.

Harlow ushers me into her dorm, and we get to work on attempting to make my hair cooperate. I give up on any kind of updo, going for my tried-and-true messy waves. I paint my eyelids with a deep bronze shade, adding a small layer of black eyeliner before adding a couple coats of mascara.

Finishing my makeup in record time, I step into my dress, Harlow helping me zip it up before I do the same for her.

My best friend looks stunning in a light peach-colored dress, her hair half-up, with curls cascading down her back. Grayson is going to die. Knowing how their last team event went, I would bet money on them sneaking out early…again.

I grab my heels, slipping those on next, admiring the deep blue of my dress. It hugs me in all the right places, makes my ass look fucking fantastic, if I do say so myself, the one-shoulder neckline being my favorite part.

“My brother is going to melt into a puddle when he sees you,” Harlow says, swiping a final touch of lip gloss across her lips. “You look so hot!”

I laugh. “As do you. Do I need to make sure you and Grayson stay in attendance this time?”

She turns to glare at me playfully, but her blush peeks through slightly. “I should never have told you that.”

“I’m glad you did. That was hot. I’m still so proud of you.”

She laughs as we grab our things and head to the banquet.

Practice ran late, and Kai ended up getting a call from Dane, so we decided it would be easiest if we just met them at the banquet. Thankfully, the hall we’re having it in is only a block away from Harlow’s dorm.

As we walk inside, Harlow’s eyes widen as she takes in the decorations. I will say, we really outdid ourselves.

Deep purple fabric swoops around the room, with the tables set with purple and gray, faux candles on each, giving the space a dim glow.

Kai and Grayson spot us almost instantly, and my heart stutters as Kai’s eyes meet my own.

He takes me in, gaze dragging slowly down my body before coming back up to my face. I smile as he makes his way over to me, wearing a dark pair of slacks and a light gray button-down, hair perfectly messed.

“You look unreal,” he says, reaching his hands to my waist and pulling me closer. “Absolutely unreal. I’ve always loved this color on you.”

“I know, that’s why I wore it.” I step closer, bringing my mouth to his ear so only he can hear my next words. “I think you’ll like it even more on your floor later.”

He curses under his breath, hands tightening at my hips. “How long until this thing starts? I only need five minutes.”

I laugh, pulling him toward our seats, waving at Donnelly as we pass. He grins, nodding his head as if he knew Kai and I would be here together tonight.

Grayson and Harlow are already sitting at our table when we walk up, joined by Weston and Asher, of course.

Kai pulls my chair out for me, and Weston chimes in.

“Aw, such a gentleman, Mercer,” he teases. “Why don’t you ever pull out my chair or open my door?”

“The only door we’d open is one we were shoving you out of,” grumbles Asher, apparently in a mood.

“You need to get laid. Maybe that would help the grumps.” Weston flicks a finger in Kai’s direction. “Seemed to help him.”

Grayson chokes on a sip of water, but to my surprise, Kai doesn’t look angry at Weston. Instead, he leans back, tossing an arm around my chair and shrugs.

We all laugh, and before long, dinner is served.

By the time dessert is set down, Coach steps up to the small podium near the front of the room and taps the microphone.

The feedback squeals. Half the team winces.

Coach pulls it farther away. “Well, we’re already off to a good start.”

A few people laugh.