Page 83 of My Last Dance

“I guess we’ll see what our coach says.” I gestured to Patrick, who was already stalking across the lobby toward us. Hans paused what he was doing in the pro shop to listen in.

Patrick’s hands went to his hips. “Well, it’s gonna take a lot of work, but…”

“But?” Kappy asked.

Patrick gave us the biggest grin I’d ever seen on his face. “But I actually think we can pull this off.”

“Hear that?” Kappy gave me a bright grin, then shot a thumbs up to Hans.

A little smile played on the old man’s face as he moved further into the pro shop.

“Wait, wait, wait.” I clenched my eyes shut. This was all moving too fast.

“What’s the hold up?” Kappy asked. “Wegotthis.” He dapped up Patrick, making a loud smack with their palms.

Ignoring Kappy, I focused on Patrick’s face. I could read him better than anyone. I’d be able to fish out a lie in seconds. “You seriously think this could work? No bullshitting me, Patrick.”

He rubbed his stubbly jaw, and his shoulders shook with a little chuckle. “As crazy as it sounds, I actually do.”

His words had my heart picking up a little speed. Patrick was a realist; if he thought this was possible, then…then maybe my Olympic gold was still in play.

“Okay.” Patrick clapped his hands together. “Let’s work on someoff-ice lifts.”

“Yes!” Kappy rubbed his hands together and then rolled his neck from side-to-side. “Been wanting to do this for years, guys. Seriously, I was always jealous watching you in the lobby, man,” he said to Patrick.

“Oh God.” I covered my eyes. “I’m scared.”

The deep rumble of his chuckle filled my ear as his strong arm wrapped around my waist. Suddenly I was airborne. He easily hiked me up and carried me over his shoulder like a fireman. I was too tired and confused to fight against him.

16. GELLING

“Ow!” Kappy screamed in the living room, making me lose my balance and bump into my bathroom sink.

Yupp.He was actually staying here. He showed up about a half hour ago with a shit-eating grin on his face and a bulging duffle bag slung over his shoulder.

Tying my fluffy robe together, I threw open the bathroom door and stomped out to the living room, only to skid to a stop. A very shirtless, very muscular Kappy, wearing sweatpants hanging off his hips, was on his feet, holding his cheek and staring daggers at a perfectly content Carl.

“That evil asshole scratched me! I think I’m bleeding!”

I tried my best to hold back a giggle. “What did you do to him?”

Kappy’s brown eyes bulged. “I didn’t do a thing.” He flung his tattooed arm to the couch. “I was just sitting here minding my own business. He hates me for no fucking reason!” He shook his head. “This apartment isn’t big enough for the two of us.”

“Itoldyou that,” I huffed, trying my best to keep my eyes off his ripped torso. “That’s why this is a stupid idea. We don’t need to live together.”

“No, I’m not talking about me and you.” His forehead creased. “Me andthe cat!That beast has to go, Piper. He’s trying to showdominance over me and it’s not okay.”

“Dominance?” I laughed at his ridiculousness. “What are you saying? I am not kicking out my cat, Kappy.”

“Well, we have to do something, draw boundaries or some shit.” His hand dropped from his cheek, and I sucked in a sharp gasp.

“What?” he asked, alarmed.

“Nothing,” I squeaked out.

He ran past me into the bathroom.

“I’m gonna kill that cat!” he seethed.

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