Page 58 of Can't Get Enough

I finally nod, drawing in a deep breath and releasing it on a whoosh.

“You ready, Skip?” I ask, crossing the room and looping my elbow through hers.

She glances over at the plexiglass where Bolt stands, back stiff, turned away from the room. At my words, he angles his head slightly as if waiting, listening for my assistant’s response.

“Yeah,” she snaps, eyes narrowed on Bolt. “Let’s bounce.”

Maverick’s brows are raised just as high as mine and the speculation in the gaze he splits between our two assistants is just as evident.

“Thanks again for inviting us, Maverick,” I tell him, dragging Skipper toward the exit and not waiting for his response.

As soon as we’re outside, Skipper’s proud posture collapses and she drops her face into her hands.

“Oh, my God,” she groans. “Why did I let that happen again?”

“And he got that neck good.” I laugh a little, hoping to lighten her mood.

“What?” Her head snaps up. “What do you mean?”

I nod to the hickey she obviously doesn’t realize is there. “You know that light skin of yours shows it all.”

Her hands fly to both sides of her neck, eyes wide.

“I can’t believe I’m this weak. He’s not even that cute.” She glances up, uncertainty on her face. “Is he?”

“I mean, he’s not my type.” I give her a small smile. “But I can understand his appeal. Give yourself a break. What’s so bad about hooking up with a guy who obviously can’t keep his hands off you? And you seem to be having the same reaction. I don’t see the problem.”

“The problem is he’s an asshole.”

“Oh, that.” I chuckle. “Hey, the sex is good and you don’t have to marry him. The two of you won’t even see each other on a regular basis.”

“I guess that depends on how regularly you and Maverick see each other.” She gives me a pointed look. “Are we gonna talk aboutthat?”

“Nah.” My smile dissolves and I pull my phone out to text Chapel, dropping my eyes from the knowledge in hers. “We ain’t talking ’bout that.”

CHAPTER 17

MAVERICK

Dad!”

My daughter’s beautiful smile beams at me from the screen, and despite all the shit I’ve been wading through for the Vipers deal, I smile back. I freed up a ton of cash when I sold True Playahs, but part of my capital to purchase the team comes through financing. Dealing with the banks on such a mammoth venture and jumping through all the hoops the league requires when you buy a team is one of the most complex things I’ve ever navigated. Seeing Tamia, even if just on FaceTime, is a breath of much-needed fresh air.

“Baby girl.” I settle in behind my desk and give her my complete focus. “The globetrotter.”

“Look who’s talking,” she parries with a grin. “How long are you home this time?”

“Few days before I head back out.”

“How’s that empty nest treating you? You throwing any wild parties now that you ditched your kid?”

“You know I’d love to still have you here. You’re the one who insisted on leaving me as soon as you tossed your cap in the air graduation day.”

“I wanted to spend some time with Mom.” Her dark eyes, so like her mother’s, search mine. “You understand, right?”

“You know I do. I could fly out there, though, if you’re missing me too badly,” I offer hopefully.

“I do miss you,” she says, her tone careful. “But I think Mom really wants some time with just the two of us. Is that okay?”

---