“Why would it look like that? We’re two old friends enjoying a chance to catch up.”
“ImeantNathan.”
“So did I. I’m not stupid. I’m not going to jeopardize my career for that piece of—”
“I get it; you hate him. But he’s my boyfriend and I don’t have to listen to this. It was good seeing you again. But please. Go.”
Panic rolls through me as the crowd gets more rowdy, and when I glance over my shoulder, I find Nathan as he exits the room.
“Please.” I spin to face Zane. “You have to—” My words cut off as I’m met with a sea of strangers, not even a hint of Zane anywhere in the distance.
As though he was never really here.
Someone touches my arm and I jump, spinning around as my panic deepens. “Nathan?” My pitch rises and he frowns.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, sorry.” I smile through the fog in my head. “I was in another world.”
“I bet. That took forever. I—”
“Morgan?” someone calls out, interrupting him. “Are you coming with us?”
I don’t recognize the face, but Nathan waves in acknowledgment.
“Sure am. Give me five.” He turns to face me again, his eyes raking over me from head to toe. “You look incredible. Where were we?”
“I—”
“That’s right, you were in another world. I hope it was a good one.” He winks and I fake another grin. It seems I’m doing that a lot lately. And like always, Nathan doesn’t notice, moving on. “God, I’d love to take you out and show you off tonight, but the boys are heading out to drown their sorrows,” he explains lightly. “Are you okay to get home?”
What?“We’re supposed to be meeting Jenna, remember?”
“Oh, right, yeah.” He glances behind him and I follow his gaze, finding a few of the guys waving to hurry him up. “It’s just the guys wanted a boys’ night. Apparently, the partners don’t usually come out after a loss. It’s a tradition.”
“Oh, okay.”What the fuck?“I have an easy solution. You go out with the boys and I’ll meet Jenna.”
“Are you sure?” He fakes a pout as he curls his arms around my waist, pretending I have a choice.
“I’m sure. You’re new. You should go with the flow. Don’t piss off your teammates in your first season. You’ll have plenty of time for that.”
Nathan laughs before pulling me into him, holding me until we’re a breath apart. “Thank you, Blair. I won’t be too late.” He presses a chaste kiss to my lips before stepping back. “Damn, you’re perfect. I love you, babe. I’ll see you at home.”
“You will.” I meet his gaze and hold it. “Have a good night.”
“You too.”
He waves as he walks away, and when he reaches the guys, they cheer, giving him a shake as they mess up his hair.
My stomach knots, but when my phone rings, I’m pulled from my disappointment, remembering Cade.God, I was so preoccupied with Zane and Nathan that I didn’t even notice hisfifteen missed calls.
Shit!
I bet he’s on his way to the airport.
If anyone treats me like a princess, it’s him.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
