Page 51 of Hot Stuff
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ll take a glass of chardonnay,” Oakley orders.
“Water for me,” I say as Rafe says, “Scotch, rocks.”
Everyone looks me. I know what they’re thinking, and I can’t really blame them for their surprise. So once the waiter leaves to fill our orders, I explain.
“I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since before the season started, and I might not be playing but it’s not the end of the season yet.” I shrug.
Oakley opens her mouth then snaps it closed. “Before the waiter returns, I have to ask, does Walker need to be concerned about what’s about to happen with Jerry?”
I’m confused by her question. I don’t know how the situation between Cantrell, his wife, or the Knights would affect me.
Rafe is shaking his head but it’s Laken who answers.
“No. Definitely not.” Her eyes flick to me before returning to Oakley. “I’ll be filing for divorce next week. Until then the true ownership of the Knights will remain secret, and Rafe will continue to do the job he was hired to do.”
“So Walker’s in the clear?”
“Yes. He just has to pick up anything he has left at the arena,” Rafe confirms.
“I’ve got nothing there. Gannon collected the last of my personal stuff months ago.”
“Then yes, you’re in the clear.” Rafe’s mouth kicks up on one end. “Although I’m not sure you’re out of the firing line of your ex.”
“What? Why?”
“She doesn’t strike me as the type to give up easily.”
“Then she’ll see just how much of a prick I can be when necessary.”
Rafe’s eyes move to Oakley then back to me. “Are you going to use what?—”
“I gave them to him so he could.”
I glance at Oakley. “I didn’t tell them where I got them from.”
She waves her hand, dismissing my concern. “It’s fine. Laken and Rafe can know I’m the one who initiated the investigation that uncovered the affair.”
“How do you know I told them about that?”
Oakley’s gaze meets mine. “Because you’re you and there’s no way you wouldn’t reveal who else was in those pictures when it became obvious Laken was making moves to get out.”
“Huh.” I fold my arms over my chest. “You’re far too smart.”
She grins at me then leans in to press her lips to mine. “You like my smarts.”
Grinning against her mouth, I say, “I like a lot of your things.”
“Should we leave you two alone?” Rafe asks, humor lacing his words.
“Sorry, sorry.” Oakley moves back into her seat properly. “This part of our relationship is new. We’ve been building to this for months now, and we’re keen to move things forward.”
“Well, now that you’re not tied to New York, Walker, you’ll be able to see each other more,” Laken offers.
“Yes. That’s the plan,” I answer.
The waiter returns with our drinks and asks, “Ready to order?”
