Page 77 of Penalty Zone

“Yes, Dad,” someone who isn’t my son or Caleb jokes.

I have dinner and a couple of drinks with the coaching staff but decide to watch the ball drop from my room. If I can’t be with Caleb, I’d rather not be in a room full of people.

Baby Doll: Meet me at the Peacock Lounge

Me: Now?

Baby Doll: Please

Me: On my way

I google the Peacock Lounge, and thankfully, it’s in the hotel next door. The air is crisp but not cold. You can tell the people who have experienced a snowy winter versus people who think this is freezing at forty degrees.

The lounge is packed, and I have to talk my way into a VIP area. I spot Lucky dancing on a table with Drake, ready to catch him. Surprisingly, Ace is up there with him. Ace doesn’t have the rhythm required for the dance, but he’s not letting that stop him.

“Coach!” Gray yells in my ear. “It’s almost midnight. Find your guy to kiss.” His breath smells like alcohol and cinnamon.

“I’m passing through and thought I’d say hi.” I scan the tables for Caleb.

“Dad.” Mason stumbles over and spills his drink. “Have a shot with me.”

My son never asks me to celebrate, so I agree.

“No, over here.” He points to a table with their bottle service. At least we won’t have to fight for space at the bar.

That’s when I see Caleb, face down on the table. “Is he okay?” I ask.

Mason hands me a shot. I’m not sure if he didn’t hear me or is too drunk to answer.

“Cheers.” I clink his shot glass, purposefully spilling half the contents. A total dad move, but he’s drunk and I’m worried about Caleb. We down our shots and I shake Caleb. “Benz.”

“He’s napping,” Ace yells, and then he steps over to Caleb’s table and squats down to shake his shoulders. “Benzy, it’s time to wake up,” he sings.

“Caleb,” I command, and his head snaps up.

“We won.” He hefts off the table and slides sideways.

“I’m going to take him to his room,” I announce. “Great game. Happy New Year.”

The team cheers, “Benz, Benz, Benz,” as I steady him to walk out.

He weaves through the crowd, knocking into people, and I apologize, saying, “Excuse us, sorry,” on a loop. The fresh air never felt so good when we get outside.

“It took you long enough, Lovie. I thought you weren’t going to make it.” Caleb stands straight, fixes his clothes, and strides toward our hotel. “C’mon. Hurry up,” he calls back.

“Are you sober?” I ask when I catch up.

“Nope. But not drunk either. The plants behind our booth are going to die. It’s the sacrifice I made for you.” He winks and rushes to an open elevator, holding the door for me.

“You devil.” I can’t wait to get him upstairs.

Chapter 34

Caleb

My alarm beeps as Leo unlocks his door and ushers me in.

“What’s that for?” He pins me to the door, and our tongues entwine.

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