Page 118 of Hot Damn
“Yep.” He pops in earbuds. “See ya later.”
I watch him a moment wondering if there was more to him seeking me out before shaking my head and heading out.
I’m through the building and almost to my car when Natalie calls my name. Turning around, I see her coming toward me at a fast clip and marvel at how she manages to do that in the heels she always wears.
“Beckett. I’m glad I caught you. Can you come to my office for a minute?”
“Ah, sure. Is something wrong?”
The way she looks around as though someone might be listening has my instincts rising.
“Natalie?”
“We should talk in my office.”
Before I can argue, she’s power walking back the way she came and I’ve got no choice except to follow.
Between the players’ parking lot and her office she remains tight-lipped, and the further we go, the angrier I get.
I don’t like secrecy, I had enough of it with Catrina, and no, it doesn’t escape me that Cam and I have been carrying on behind closed doors too.
The more my thoughts spiral, the more angry I get at the position I’ve put myself in. Again.
Is it the only way I know how to be with someone? Behind closed doors?
“Beckett.” Oakley’s voice has my head snapping around. “Ray is finding them both.”
“Finding them?” My gaze flies to Natalie. “What the hell is going on?”
“Sit down and I’ll explain what I know.”
“No. Talk. Now.” Crossing my arms, I brace for whatever she’s about to tell me.
“I received a call a few moments ago regarding Whitney’s mother.”
Her words make no sense. “Whit’s mother?”
“Yes. Catrina Hooper.”
If a person can spontaneously combust without actually blowing up, I do it.
“What the fuck!”
“Please, Beckett. Take a seat.” Oakley places her hand on my arm and I shake her off before rounding on her.
“What the fuck did Cam tell you?” I get right in her face, but like the badass she’s shown herself to be, Oakley James Alcott doesn’t back away even when a two-hundred-fifty pound man hovers over her.
“Cami has told us nothing.”
“Bullshit! She’s the only one who knows the truth!”
Fuck. I grab my head. What have I done?
“I trusted her!”
“Beckett! I won’t ask you again to sit down but if you don’t calm the hell down, I’ll get Dr. Kerns up here to give you something to calm your ass down.”
Natalie’s raised voice snaps me out of angry outburst. Then again, the sudden fear for Whit might have done that.
