Page 50 of Comeback
“I can’t believe I brought him a bottle of wine,” she mumbles as she walks farther in. She lifts one hand like she’s going to run it over the glass case but then drops it. I stay where I am, watching her. She looks like she belongs in a place like this. That long red hair and that sexy as fuck outfit.
Brogan was right. I’ve been on way too long of a dry streak, and now the one woman I absolutely shouldn’t be lusting after is starring in my fantasies.
After we check out the wine cellar, we head outside. Here we’re able to walk without pushing through a crowd, but Sabrina doesn’t let go of my arm. I lead her to the stairs and up onto the roof, pausing when we reach the top.
Her expression is exactly what I hoped. Eyes wide, lips parted. The wind blows her hair around her face, and she doesn’t even seem to notice.
“Woah,” she says finally.
My grin widens. “Right?”
Her brown eyes stop scanning the yard and she turns her attention to me. “I have no other words. This is…”
“Yeah. I had the same reaction the first time I was here.” We start walking again. I lead her over past the pool where two couples are playing chicken and others stand around watching. It’s not uncommon for people to be making out all around these parties, but it’s early enough that I only spot one.
A rookie on the team is going at it with some girl like they can’t get enough of each other. She’s on his lap, legs wrappedaround his waist and arms draped over his neck, and his hands are splayed out along her back.
Sabrina takes it all in, still holding on to me as we walk. I stop near a large firepit. It’s usually a popular spot at the end of the night, people sitting around and talking, but it’s vacant now.
She looks at the empty seats, then turns to face me.
“Are you purposely keeping me away from the hot tub because Brogan told you to look out for me?” she asks with a hint of amusement.
“If you want life-changing, that’s definitely the spot, but no.” I jut my chin to motion behind her. “This is the best view on the property.”
She glances over her shoulder like she’s not sure if I’m being serious or not, then turns to fully take it in. Sabrina is quiet as she looks out to the mountains and the desert land. Saguaro cactus and ocotillo as far as the eye can see. “Thought you might want to see it before it’s too dark.”
We’re quiet as we both stare out at the view. She’s the first to speak.
“It’s beautiful and also a little creepy.”
“Creepy?”
“Yeah, the desert freaks me out. Rattlesnakes, bobcats, mountain lions.”
“Don’t forget the scorpions and bears.”
Her eyes widen and she nods. “You’re making my point for me. Are we safe up here? I mean…” Embarrassment creeps into her features. “Have you ever seen any desert wildlife at one of his parties?”
A small chuckle escapes me. “Nah. They don’t want up on this roof any more than we want them here.”
She nods but doesn’t look that convinced.
“Stick with me. I’ll keep you safe.”
Sabrina and I continue around the party, stopping and talking every few minutes with teammates or friends. I introduce her, when necessary, though most of the guys have met her before. Everyone came out tonight. As I expected, no one wanted to miss a party at Slade’s house.
When I spot the host, I lead Sabrina over to him.
“Hey, man.” He holds out a hand and I clasp it in mine, then he pulls me toward him and speaks quietly. “I feel like I might have missed something important. You and Six’s sister?”
Slade’s gaze moves to Sabrina behind me.
“No.” I tell him with a shake of my head and free myself from his grasp. I angle my body, so I can see them both. She holds up a hand and wiggles her fingers.
“Sabrina, this is Slade. Mavericks’s center and owner of this rooftop palace.”
“We’ve met,” she says. “Nice to see you again. Your house is insane.”
