Page 44 of Falling Faster
He nods, like that's settled. "Craig texted me, saying that he should be here soon. He and Patrick hit heavy traffic on the way from the airport."
"He texted me too. I hope it clears up soon."
Cody grabs my arm and points across the room to where a group of the hockey players have congregated near the bar. "I didn't know your Bedlam buddies were coming. Is theentirehockey team here? Celek looks good in that shade of blue."
Devon's head whips in that direction. "Celek'shere?"
What Cody said about Devon's interest in the team captain when we were in LA flashes into my mind. Maybe I should attempt to play Cupid. Cody would. And if I don't, I'm sure he will. "The team came to support Slater, and me too, well, the ones that know me anyway. These guys always show up for each other." I wrap my arm around Devon's biceps. "Come meet Celek."
His eyes widen and he stiffens as though he's frozen to his spot. "Really?"
"Sure. Unless you don't want to?"
"No, I do." He sucks in a breath and smooths a hand over his chest. His pupils are blown wide. "I'm just nervous."
Cody steps in and fixes Devon's hair. "You look great. You'reamazing. He's the lucky one, getting to meet you."
That makes Devon crack a smile. "Thanks for being my hype man."
I remember how nervous I'd been walking to Craig's booth the day after we'd met. "Celek's really nice. He'll like that you do the book club with us."
He sucks in a breath, then exhales in a rush. "Okay. Yeah. Let's do this."
"You coming, Cody?" I don't want anyone feeling left out.
"I'll wait here. Dev, you'll be fine." He stares into Devon's eyes like he can make his statement true through sheer willpower. "I'll do a walk by in a few minutes. If you need me, I'll swoop in."
"Thanks," Devon says.
With a tug on Devon's jacket cuff, I lead him a step forward. Then, we're side by side, and weaving through the partygoers.
Celek looks up as we approach. He smiles at me, and then his gaze moves to Devon. His brows lift and interest flares in his brown eyes. He extends his hand, his smile deepening. "I don’t believe we’ve met."
Devon's breath trembles as his and Celek's hands lock in an embrace. "Devon Milne. I’m a friend of Ty’s."
"Anton Celek. Everyone calls me Celek." Celek shifts closer, still holding his hand. "It’s good to meet you, Devon."
"You too. I’m a big fan." Devon’s throat bobs and he licks his lips like he’s gone days without water. "Of the team, I mean. But you're my favorite player." His voice pitches high. He closes his eyes, clears his throat, then opens them. "I loved your last pick for the book club."
"The mystery? Yeah, that was a good one. Did you know a sequel is coming out next month?"
"I pre-ordered it. I'm looking forward to seeing what they throw at the detective next. The premise sounds really good."
"Oh, I havethoughtson that…" Celek moves his hand to Devon’s elbow. "Can I get you a drink?"
They only have eyes for each other, so my work here is done. I take a step back, catch Cody watching us from across the room, and grin as he gives me a thumbs up.
"Ty!" Slater waves me toward him. "Can we get a quick photo? I just realized we didn't take one together yet, and don't want to miss out on doing it."
"Oh, sure." I glance around us. "Let's stand in front of the poster of the book cover."
He snags a copy of the paperback for us to hold too. "Dream come true, bud. Thanks for making it happen with me."
We pose, our arms around each other, as Noah, with his phone in hand, lines us up in his shot. "We make a good team. I can't wait to get started on the next one."
Noah takes a few photos, then at Slater's insistence, joins us, and hands his phone to someone else so they can play photographer.
After we finish with the photos, I walk through the room with my friends, sipping another villain's cocktail, and contemplating food. Two small cookies weren't enough. Devon is still talking to Celek, and a few other Bedlam teammates who are also in the book club have joined them. Cody's standing near Devon and holds the attention of two players who joined the team last season. The pair aren't in the book club, so I haven't met them yet.
