Page 78 of Never In My Wildest Dreams

“Mostly. Guests’ll start arriving the day after tomorrow.”

Booker followed him across a huge living area with a massive stone hearth, a wall of bookcases, and multiple seating areas. Old timber beams crossed the two-story ceiling. “This place is ridiculous.”

“Right? If things had to go sideways, I can’t think of a better backup plan than this.” As they climbed the stairs, Ginty said, “Your room’s got a desk, so if you need to catch up on some work, you’re all set.”

“Nope. Did everything I needed on the plane.” Which wasn’t exactly true. He knew if he checked his phone, he’d see a dozen missed calls and countless text messages. But for right now, his priority was Ginty. “Soon as I settle in, I’ll meet with Lorelei.”

“She’s not here right now. She had to run into town.”

“Everything all right?” Booker asked.

“It’s not wedding related. She’s on a committee for the Wild West Days, and their headliner canceled.”

“Oh, shit. That’s bad.” As a kid, he’d loved that festival. “When is it?”

“It’s already started.” Ginty glanced at him over his shoulder. “But the concert’s not till Sunday.”

Oof, that was bad timing. The singer had a lot on her plate. At the top of the stairs, they walked side by side. “Why live on this remote piece of land but work on committees?”

“Celebrities aren’t a big thing around here, so the locals leave her alone. Basically, she wants her privacy but doesn’t want to live in hiding. And if anyone does try to fuck with her, she’s got insane security.” They stopped outside a bedroom. “This one’s yours. Lor wants us to get started on the plans without her, so come downstairs when you’re ready.”

“Will do.” He rolled the suitcase into the room.

Ginty lingered in the doorway. “Booker?”

He’d just swiped the screen of his phone to put out a few fires, but his client’s tone had him worried. “Yeah?”

“Thank you for this. You’re a good friend.”

He thought about what Lorelei said about how he referred to Ginty as his client. Mixing money and business with friends never worked. And yet…would he have thrown a wedding for any of his other athletes? Maybe. But given his reaction when he’d heard the wedding was off, he supposed he did feel…protective of Ginty. “No problem.”

“We’ll try to keep it simple.”

And there it was again, Ginty thinking he had to take up as little space as possible while his family grabbed all the real estate. Booker set the phone down and faced him. “Fuck simple. You only get married once, and we’ve got all the resources to make the wedding you and Noa want.”

The big, muscular forward’s eyes turned glossy. He lowered his chin, clearly struggling with emotion. And then, he grabbed Booker and gave him a bear hug. “How is it that I’m fuckin’ older than you, but you’re the one with your shit together?” He pulled back. “I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for you. I wouldn’t have found Noa. And I wouldn’t be fucking thriving. You’re a good man, and I owe you my life.”

Panic kicked up in his chest. “You don’t owe me anything. You’re my client. I make money off you.” He grinned like it was all a joke. “Of course, I need you happy.” As he set his suitcase on the bed, he knew he’d sounded more mean than funny.

This was an emotional time for Ginty, and he wanted to be there for him, but he couldn’t blur the lines. He had to keep it professional. And hosting a wedding was just keeping his client happy to ensure he played well during the upcoming season. If he had a soft spot for the guy, it was because his family had fucked him over so many times.

That’s all it is.

But when he turned back to Ginty, he found the man smiling. “Who hurt you?”

“Fuck off. Now, get out of here so I can take care of my less needy clients.”

Ginty chuckled and left him alone to check his messages. He fielded a few issues and made sure his assistant booked his flight to Ontario.

Booker: I’ll need a car rental, too. And directions. They live in a remote mountain town.

Wise One: Already done. Will send directions to your phone right before you land so they don’t get lost under a mountain of messages.

Booker: Appreciate it.

Wise One: Johnson invited you to his wife’s birthday party. You were supposed to be in St. Lucia, so you couldn’t make it back in time, but I think you can probably fit it in now.

Booker: As long as it’s after Ontario. I’m about to meet with the bride and groom to come up with a plan. Shouldn’t be in town too long. A rehearsal dinner, a wedding, and then I’m gone.

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