Page 14 of Wild Love
“Why not? Did you not like Blythe?”
“Not like her?” Dakota snorts. “I think I fell a little in love with her. Did you know she was on the Forbes thirty under thirty list? She’s incredible. She turned down jobs at a ton of really high-profile places to work for the Wildcats.”
“Okay, so you’ve got a lady boner. And I know she loved you. What’s the problem?”
“Know she loved me?”
“Yep.” There isn’t a doubt in my mind. Dakota is a hard worker. Coach Meyers routinely requests that she does the tours for any hockey recruits. And I told Blythe as much.
She sniffs the air and tilts toward my shirt. “What is that smell? Did you trade Vanilla for… Coconut?”
“Body spray. You like?” I duck my head, bringing our faces close.
“It’s… interesting. Why would you want to smell like suntan lotion?”
I shrug. “What’s the problem with the job, Kota?”
She sighs and sinks back into the couch cushion. Her shoulder rests against mine, and I reposition us so my arm is around her. Our friends are lost in the movie and each other.
“It’s an unpaid internship.”
“Oh.” Shit. I hadn’t thought to ask about the salary. “Is that normal? Are they even allowed to do that?”
“Yeah, it’s more common than you’d think. And I’d do the job for free in a heartbeat, but I can’t afford living expenses here and there. Besides, logistically, it was a stretch. My car probably wouldn’t make the trip to and from in one piece.”
“You could ride with me. Shit, you could stay with me too.”
“I am not living with you.” Her icy blue eyes narrow at me, but her mouth twists into a playful grin.
“Why not? I’m a great roommate. Ask any of the guys.” I jut my chin toward our friends.
“You don’t even live here.”
“I basically do.” I squeeze her shoulder, which brings her farther into my chest. “Come on; it’d be great.”
“Icouldstart my dry cleaning and coffee service for all of your conquests.”
“Conquests?” I arch a brow. I most definitely don’t think of them like that. They’re beautiful, smart women who want to have fun. And I am fun.
“Thank you, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’ll be fine. I have my job at the Hall of Fame, and I have Blythe as a contact now. Maybe next year they’ll have an entry-level position.”
I nod, holding her gaze. She looks away first to the TV. I’m bummed for her. She was so excited this morning. Charli’s on the floor at my feet. I pat my lap, and she jumps up, makes a circle, and lays down. Dakota reaches over and scratches under her chin. Charli wiggles forward so her face is on Dakota’s leg, and that’s how we watch the rest of the movie.
* * *
The next morning,I’m packing up the kitchen in my apartment when my agent, Hugh, calls.
I accept the call and put it on speaker. “Talk to me, Hugh.”
He chuckles. “Hey, Johnny. How are you?”
“Good,” I say instinctively. “Packing up my apartment.”
“When are you headed out?”
“This weekend, maybe.”
“Glad to hear it. Listen, I have some paperwork for you on the endorsement deal. I emailed it to you, but I thought I should call. I’m concerned.”
