Page 75 of Twisted Shot
He turns on his heel, but not without throwing one last dagger over his shoulder. “I’m going to Jaryd. And when I do, I hope you’ve got a damn good explanation for why this party looks like the Met Gala.”
The door slams behind him.
Naomi exhales. “I hate him more than cilantro. And you know how I feel about cilantro.”
Mila doesn’t laugh. Can’t.
Natalie looks at her with wide eyes.
“You know I’ve always despised him,” she breathes, “but could you really get into trouble for helping Jesse? God, Mila, you should have told us.”
Mila reaches over and squeezes her friend’s hand. When she speaks, her voice is measured and even.
“I won’t. I did nothing wrong. Let him go to Jaryd.”
Naomi studies her for a beat, then nods with exaggerated gravity. “Good. Because if Richard ruins tonight, I swear I’ll throw him into the chocolate fountain.”
“Wait—is there a chocolate fountain?” Natalie perks up, glancing around hopefully. “I’ve never actually seen one in real life.”
Mila laughs. “No, babe. I vetoed the chocolate fountain. Can you imagine the disaster if we put Jesse in the same room as melted chocolate? We’d have to hose him down before the silent auction even started.”
“Touché,” Natalie says, smirking. “Alright, unless you’ve got something else for me, I’ve officially completed every task on your very detailed, color-coded list. I’m heading home to do my hair and feed the beasts. And I don’t just mean Gordie Howl—Jesse and JP are coming over to get ready too.”
Mila raises a brow. “Perfect. Can you make sure they’re actually getting ready and not pre-gaming with tequila and conspiracy theories about NHL officiating?”
Nataliesalutes. “Yes, ma’am.”
“And remind Jesse he’s emceeing tonight. I still can’t believe my little J-man is all grown up and the most in-demand star of the Hartford Whalers.”
“You said it yourself,” Natalie says, grinning. “He’s the most popular guy on the team right now. Everyone from teenage girls to the elderly donor crowd loves Jesse.”
Mila sighs, but a smile pulls at her lips. “Yeah. That’s the problem. He knows it.”
“I’ll make sure he’s showered, dressed, and only moderately chaotic before you see him again,” Natalie promises, already backing toward the exit.
“Bless you,” Mila calls after her.
The door swings closed behind Natalie, and Mila glances down at her clipboard again. One more name. One more table. One more breath.
Tonight is going to be a lot.
CHAPTER 26
THEO
Theo stands in the tiled foyer, watching Jesse fumble with his suit bag and keys.
“You sure you don’t wanna come with?” Jesse calls over his shoulder. “I think Nat’s making mozzarella sticks.”
Theo shakes his head.
“I want quiet. Just for a bit. Before all the…” He gestures vaguely. “Small talk.”
Jesse nods like he gets it, which, to his credit, he probably does by now. “Alright, valid. But wear the good cologne. You know the one. The dark bottle.”
Theo lifts a brow. “The one you keep stealing from me?”
Jesse grins. “Exactly.”
