Page 223 of Ice Darling
I sit with Renthrow and listen to the guys talk about the team.
“Max is trying to act tough, but he’s taking it hard,” Chance says in a hushed voice. “I’ve known him since college, but I’ve never seen him so conflicted. He gained Nathan Campbell in exchange for the original Lucky Strikers but at what cost?”
“I don’t think we fought hard enough to keep everyone together,” Renthrow says, running a hand down his scruff.
Usually, I love it when he does that, and it ends with me kissing him just because. But this time, I can tell he’s bothered.
“Why don’t you guys protest?” I offer.
The men stop talking and look at me.
I shrug. “You’re all that’s left of the original team. If you leave…”
“Max won’t sit back and do nothing,” Renthrow muses.
Gunner nods. “It’ll force his hand.”
“Not that his hand needs to be forced that hard. I think he wants an excuse to keep as many of the Lucky Strikers together as he can,” Chance adds thoughtfully.
“It’s not just whether he wants to or not,” Renthrow reminds them. “It’s a lot of money to host a training camp. He’s paying for all the out-of-town trainees to stay at the bed and breakfast too. I’ve seen the team’s accounts. He’s sinking everything he has into this.”
“I’m willing to take a pay cut,” Chance says.
“So am I,” Gunner agrees.
Renthrow nods soberly. “If it means we keep the team together, I’ll figure things out. The world will always need accountants, right?”
There’s no way I’ll let Renthrow work so hard. Thereareperks to dating a Davenport. I’m willing to use my family’s name, resources, and all the benefits that come with it to help him.
Not that he would ask.
Which is why I’d have to do it secretly.
“I think this is a good plan,” Renthrow says, glancing at Chance and Gunner. “It’s worth it for the team.”
“For the team.” The men clink their bottles together.
At that moment, April and Rebel emerge from the RV.
Rebel looks ecstatic while April seems relieved that it’s over.
“Youhaveto get the pedicure, Delia. The tech is amazing!” Rebel squeals.
“I’ll pass,” I say, waving my bosses on.
Rebel goes straight to Gunner to show off her designs while April shakes her head and whispers something to Chance that makes him laugh. I can imagine my not-so-girly boss is ruing the fact that she agreed to let anyone touch her toes.
Renthrow picks up a blanket and drapes it over my shoulders. “It’s getting colder, and that sweatshirt is pretty thin.”
I look down at my favorite shirt, the gray one with his name on it.
“I’ll have to give you a thicker hoodie next time,” Renthrow says, his eyes softening on me.
I cup his jaw and drag my finger across his stubble. “Fair warning. I’m not returning any of the hoodies you give me.”
He laughs and kisses my hand. “Noted.”
At that moment, Gordie runs out of the woods with Mom and Brenda a few paces behind.
