Page 95 of Wildcat
I’m quiet for a beat as I let that sink in. “The one that lives in London?”
She nods. “He’s here for a race. Well, not here. It’s in Austin.”
“But he came to Minnesota to see you?”
Another nod.
I rub a pinch in my shoulder while I process this information.
“Nothing happened. I just feel… off.” She gives her head a little shake. “I wasn’t even going to mention it.”
“Nah, I’m glad you did. You can always tell me anything.” I hug her against my chest. I know she was still reeling from the breakup when we first met. I’d like to think we’re in a good place where she isn’t still hanging on to old feelings, but fuck, I don’t know.
She melts into me and speaks quietly, “Two drawers. One in your room for clothes and one in the bathroom for all my hair and makeup products. And a spot on the counter for my toothbrush.”
“Done.” I run my hand along the back of her head and tug on her braid to lift her chin. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. I’m good.” Her lips curve up slightly.
“We don’t have to go out.”
“No, I’m excited to go out tonight. I can’t wait to meet Maverick’s wife.”
“Dakota. She’s cool.” My phone buzzes in my pocket. “That’s probably Ash. Ready?”
“So ready.”
I sweep her legs out from under her and get the first real smile out of her since she walked in. My worries disappear, at least for now.
Maverick lives in an apartment across from the arena. I lived here my rookie season, as did Ash, so I know the building well.
Music filters out into the hallway when we step out of the elevator onto the eleventh floor.
“Ah, this brings back some memories,” Ash says with a hand at Talia’s back as we head toward the source of the noise.
The apartment is packed with teammates and other people associated with the Wildcats. Even Hercules, one of our strength trainers, made it.
Tyler’s standing near the door with a beer in hand. He lifts it in greeting.
“You’re just in time,” he says and points toward the living room where Maverick is singing karaoke.
The wild rookie belts out the lyrics to some nineties love ballad, loudly and a little off-key.
“That’s his wife, Dakota, in the kitchen,” I say to Scarlett.
We weave through the party, stopping to talk to everyone along the way. When Dakota sees me, she smiles. “Leo Lohan. How are you?”
“Good. You?”
“Good.” Her gaze flicks to Maverick. He’s added hand motions now, waving one arm dramatically toward her. “Thinking about investing in ear plugs, but good.”
“Probably wise.” I circle an arm around Scarlett’s waist. “This is my girlfriend, Scarlett.”
“Hi.” Dakota smiles. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“You have?” my girl asks tentatively.
“Oh yeah. Maverick gossips about the team like a schoolgirl. I’ve been following along since the night he found out Leo’s dream girl was the coach’s daughter.”
