Page 100 of Hot Stuff
“We ordered Chinese.”
“Okay.” The change of topic seems weird except I think I know what he’s doing. He’s bringing us both back from the edge so we don’t tumble onto the bed. I can help with that. “Are we setting the table or eating in the living room?”
“Table. Shelby is on it. Gannon is checking on our hot shot.”
“He left?”
“No, he’s giving him a call, pretending it’s just to check up on the house, but it’s to see if he’s still there.”
“You haven’t explained how Branton came to be staying at Gannon’s place.”
“It’s been empty since Gannon’s grandma passed four years ago. When Branton wanted a place to lick his wounds, Gannon offered. He’s been there since he walked away from the league.”
“Over a year, right?”
“Yeah. I’m not sure if he’ll want what we’re offering.”
“I’m not worried about that. I want to know if he can do what we’re asking.”
“Yes.” He lifts his head, his gaze locking on mine. “He’s the best in the league?—”
“Was.”
“No.Is. I’d lay money on it.”
“Really?”
“Yes. He may have turned up drunk to a game but he’d never done it before. Never been one of the partiers of the game either. I don’t think that would have changed. I could be wrong, I know that, but my gut tells me I’m not. Not when it comes to Branton Lattimer.”
“I hope you’re right. Blake thinks he’s what we need. Which reminds me, I’ve got some names and files for you to read.”
“Blake said you had a list already.”
“Only those that aren’t playing right now. We’ve got time, but if we’re pulling in ex-players or those who haven’t played in the league yet we want to get the—to use a hockey term—puck moving early.”
“Is that a hockey term?” He grins at me.
With a shrug I say, “I don’t know but you know what I mean.”
“You’re cute.” He bops the end of my nose with a fingertip. “Get the puck moving early.” Chuckling, he shakes his head and slings his arm around my shoulders to guide me out of the room.
“You’ll have to teach me the right terms.”
“Blake hasn’t done that?”
“Some. But that part of the game isn’t something I’ve spent too much time learning.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll catch you up.”
“I’m counting on it.”
“You can count on me for whatever you need.” Placing a kiss on my forehead, he adds. “Now go help Shel set the table while I talk with Gannon to see what his thoughts are on Branton.”
“Oh, look at you in coach mode.”
He puts his arms out and says, “Good look, right?”
He’s in the pants he yanked on when his sister and best friend knocked on the door. He’s added a shirt, an old workout shirt that’s full of holes and stains of lord knows what.
