Page 73 of Forever Wild
He laughs and pulls out the necklace, setting the box on thecounter.
“I’m serious, Jack. That thing is worth more than everything I own.”
“It wasn’t that much,” he insists and walks behind me, dropping the necklace over my head so that it rests against my throat.
Not that much for him maybe.
The necklace is cool and heavy against my skin. I pull my hair off my neck and he clasps it in place.
My hand goes to my throat as he steps away. “This feels a lot more like a date than I imagined.”
“If it was a date, I’d be taking you somewhere I wouldn’t have to share you so much.”
“So this is business?” I ask. Maybe if I think of it that way, I won’t read too much into all the Cinderella vibes happening here. Jack is not Prince Charming, and I’m not the kind of girl that believes in fairy tales anyway.
He makes a noncommittal noise low in his throat. “Ready?”
The event is held in an old, renovated building with columns and marble flooring. Cocktail tables are set up all around the room for people to gather around as they sip boozy drinks and snack on hors d’oeuvres.
Everywhere I look women are dressed in expensive gowns and glitter in diamonds, and the men are dashing in suits. I feel so out of my league for a moment but as soon as we’re pulled into the first conversation and I realize all they want to talk about is Jack and hockey, I know I’ll be okay.
We’re talking with one of the executives from Nike. Kai is young,about the same age as Jack, and so far, I like him. He doesn’t have that air of snobbery about him I expected from a corporate guy sent here to wine and dine with potential clients.
“Your stats were pretty good last year considering the short season.” Kai takes a drink of whiskey, flashing his Rolex in the process.
Jack nods slightly. His posture is relaxed with one hand in his pants pocket and the one closest to me hovers at my lower back.
I look between the men expecting them both to laugh.
“Pretty good?” I ask finally. “Jack was fourth in the league for goals. He’s consistently putting up big numbers, and unlike a lot of guys who peak their second or third year in the league, Jack’s numbers have improved. And don’t even get me started on the impact he makes that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet. The Wildcat organization is one of the most respected and feared because of the environment Jack has created. The guys can depend on him and they work hard because of it.”
Kai’s brows inch up his forehead and I know I have officially said too much.Oops.I take a sip of my champagne to keep me from saying more.
Jack chuckles nervously. “What she said.”
“Sorry,” I say as heat blooms in my cheeks. “I love hockey.”
“Yeah, I got that. And you’re not wrong.” Kai smiles at me, then looks at Jack. “She’s a keeper. My wife won’t even come to games with me when I get box seats.”
Jack’s hand at my back presses a little firmer against my bare skin.
“I won’t keep you, but I’m glad we had a chance to talk. I’ll be in touch with James.” Kai extends a hand to Jack and after they shake, he looks to me. “Nice to meet you, Everly.”
I let out a whoosh of air as soon as he’s gone and turn into Jack’schest. The heels make me a few inches taller, but I still have to tip my head up ever so slightly to meet his gaze.
“I’m so sorry. It just word vomited out.”
“No need to be sorry. That was impressive. Did you study for tonight?” He arches a brow with an amused smirk.
“Umm…no.”
“No?” His forehead crinkles with his confusion.
“Don’t get a big head or anything. I know most of the team’s stats.”
He searches my face, inching closer so our bodies press together. “How many goals did Leo have last season?”
I open my mouth to answer but I struggle to remember. Was it forty-one? Or was that Johnny Maverick?
