Page 27 of My Brother's Teammates

Coming back here with nothing makes my stomach ache. I figured when I saw him again, I’d have a raise, a much fatter bank account, and be in a relationship with a guy fifteen times hotter than Shane could ever dream to be. I wouldn’t care that he cheated on me. He’d be some jerkface guy I used to know. But it’s still so fresh, so raw.

I can’t do this.

I need to leave.

Now.

I take half a step back, but Mateo’s strong palm meets my lower back, and heat radiates through the fabric of my shirt as he keeps me from retreating. “You’ve got this, and I’ve got you.” His voice is firm, encouraging, and warm. He doesn’t wait for me to reply, he extends his hand, curls his fingers into a fist, and thumps the door like he’s a freakin’ cop.

When I turn to him, he’s got a wide grin on his face, and he winks at me before blowing me a kiss.

I can’t help but laugh, some of the weight lifting from my shoulders. Maybe the ache in my chest isn’t as deep as I thought.

His fingers dance up my spine, and before I can ask him what he’s thinking, the door swings open. And there’s Kai. He’s barefoot and wearing an apron that says “Pro at giving my meat a little rub.”

From what I can tell, he’s not wearing anything else.

Shivers ripple through me as Mateo wraps an arm around my waist and holds me to him. The heat from his body permeates through me, and I’m suddenly aware of the entire right side of my body—every single point that's touching him.

I’m so distracted by Mateo’s proximity, that it takes me a long moment to realize Kai’s staring at me, eyes wide. “Well?”

I blink.

“Did you need something?” This asshole’s a real peach.

“Who is it, baby?” Shane’s voice comes from somewhere inside.

Mateo’s hand tightens around my waist, and he gives my hip a squeeze.

My heart is racing, but I force myself to take a deep breath. “It’s me, Shane. I’m here to collect the rest of my things.”

Kai pops his hip, crossing his arms, and glares at the two of us. “It’s not a good time.” He takes a step back and moves to close the door, but Mateo’s faster.

He jams his toe in the gap, splaying his palm wide on the door, pushing it open. “It’s a good time for us.” There’s a hardness in his voice that I haven’t heard before, but it’s definitely a warning to Kai.

Do not fuck with Mateo.

Though there’s a pretty big part of me that really wants Kai to fuck around and find out, he’s smart enough to step back and let us enter. With Mateo at my back, it’s easier than I thought to gather my courage, straighten my spine, and push past Kai into the apartment.

Shane’s ready, eyes narrowed, half a tub of gel slicking back his greasy locks. “What is it, Char?”

“I came to pick up my things.” Fucking hate being called Char, and he knows it.

“What things?” Shane’s voice is flat, like I’m boring him.

“My sewing machine, fabric, notebooks, pens… you know… my things. Anything I left behind. I’m sure you’ve had time to set it aside.”

“And you brought your brother’s friend?” Shane gestures his chin at Mateo but doesn’t take his eyes off me. “Your muscle? I think you should know by now, hockey players don’t intimidate me.”

Mateo snorts but doesn’t say anything. His silence feeds my strength though.

I take a deep breath, push aside all the bad things I want to say, and keep my focus. If I pick a fight, we’ll never get anywhere, and I’ll be leaving the same way I came—empty-handed. “I’m here for my things, Shane. Where are they?”

He ignores me, because of course he does, turning his attention to Mateo instead. The air between the men is charged, heavy with anticipation, and just a hint of danger. Shane quirks a brow, gesturing to the arm wrapped around me. “Or maybe you’re more than the muscle. You tapping that?”

Mateo’s weight shifts, his free hand clenching into a fist at his side. “Just give her the damn sewing machine, man.”

“So she can make you some lace panties?” The corner of his mouth ticks up, and I want to punch him in it.

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