Page 105 of In Your Wildest Dreams
“I’d do it for free.” His face tells me how sincere he is about that statement. Then he grins. A grin that pushes the past out of my mind. “But it is a lot cooler that they pay me for it.”
“Thank you.” I tap my racket against his. “This was the best date I’ve ever been on.”
“Same.”
We hit the ball around a little while longer and then head back to his truck. He turns the heat on full blast, and we warm our fingers in front of the vents.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Yeah, of course. What’s up?” He takes my hands in his and rubs them.
“Did something happen with Gabe last night?” After the game he seemed to have a different attitude about my ex than before.
“Not exactly.” His jaw works back and forth before he speaks again like he’s carefully considering his next words. “He made a few comments about my stats being down this season and how maybe I need a change of scenery.”
My stomach drops and I pull my hands away. “Oh my god. Why didn’t you say something?”
“You don’t need to worry.”
“Not worry? He’s threatening your career because of me.”
“I can handle him. I’ve struggled to get back in a rhythm since my injury, but I’ll get there.”
I feel like crying or screaming.
“Hey.” He takes my hands again and brings them to his chest. “Everything is going to be fine. All right? There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
He doesn’t move until I nod. Then a boyish grin takes over his face. “Come on. I hear the best way to warm up is to get naked and share body heat.”
30
NOT FOOLING ANYONE
BRIDGET
“I’m so glad you came!”Everly throws her arms around me in the little booth we’re sitting at in the back of Wild’s. The bar is packed tonight after the Wildcats’ win. I skipped the game but met up with Ev and some of the wives and girlfriends after it was over.
I lean my head against her shoulder. “Me too.”
“Thank god they won,” Scarlett says across from us with Jade, Declan’s wife. “Between my dad and Leo worried about the season to Callum teething, my life has been filled with grumpy men.”
Cheering in front of the bar alerts us to the entrance of the guys. Jack, Tyler, Maverick, Leo, Declan, and Ash walk in one after the other. Most people just lift their drink in greeting, but a few pat them on the back or crowd around, making it hard for them to pass by.
“I’m gonna go save my man,” Jade says. “He looks like he needs to feel me up in a dark corner somewhere.”
“Get a room!” Scarlett calls behind her, but she’s smiling.
Everly nudges me. “Are you going to say hello to Ash?”
I shake my head. “We’ve decided to play it cool in public. Especially this close to the arena and after a game.”
I look up at where he’s standing at the bar waiting on a drink. It’s only been a few weeks since we started hanging out, but I’ve come to know so many things about him. The easy way he makes conversation with anyone and everyone. His genuine love of people and wanting to know their story. The way one side of his mouth pulls a little higher than the other when he smiles. How he can make my entire body light up with a simple touch. All the sweet and thoughtful things he does to show me how much he cares. The way he can flip from playful to demanding when we’re kissing. And the way that he’s staring at me now tells me he’s picturing me naked.
He winks from across the room and my stomach does a series of Olympic-size somersaults.
“You two aren’t fooling anyone,” Everly says, arching one brow.
Heat creeps up my neck and I force myself to look away.
