Thankfully, Casey starts a conversation that steals Monroe and Brian’s attention, allowing Freya and I to continue our moment.
Remaining in her personal space, I drop my head and whisper, “Did you miss me, Whirlwind?” in her ear.
She shudders, and I internally give myself a high five.
“I just love watching you,” she responds. “Did you like my new screensaver?”
I pull back to look at her with my brows raised.
“You want all three of us on your cell?”
“Sure, why not. It’s a hot picture.”
“Hmm,” I mumble as noise explodes from behind us as the rest of the guys join.
Linc leads Parker over toward us with Rett, Kodie, and Killer trailing behind. Coach and Fletch are only a few seconds behind them.
Kodie sweeps Casey up in a hug before throwing caution to the wind and kissing her right there in front of Coach. I can’t help but glance back at Brian, wondering what he would do if I kissed his daughter right in front of him. I also laugh at the thought of him whooping and hollering in excitement. It’sa head-fuck. Growing up, I was always the bad boy that girls didn’t want to introduce to their fathers. Something I was more than happy about. But to have a father now so invested in our relationship, and probably cheering us on, is a little weird. Not as weird as knowing that if something did happen, I would walk into a ready-made family who I’ve no doubt would support me without question.
Multiple conversations erupt around us, and before I can stop it, Freya is pulled into one.
Drinks appear before us, courtesy of Coach, and we all chat and laugh. But while I might look like I’m enjoying myself on the outside, all I can think about is taking Freya’s hand and dragging her out of this room so we can be alone.
“I’ve gotta head out,” Brian says as he finishes his drink. “Promised your mom I wouldn’t be too late. It’s a school night, after all,” he teases, hugging Freya.
“Great game, Cole. We’ll see you again soon, right?”
“I’m sure you will,” I say, shaking his hand again.
“Message me when you get home,” Freya calls as he says goodbye to our group.
“You got it, Mom,” he teases.
“And you think I’m overbearing,” I mutter in her ear.
“I never said that,” she breathes, turning to look up at me.
I’m so lost in her eyes, I don’t notice someone else joining us.
“Are your emails all broken or something?” a familiar voice chastises. “You know, when someone emails and asks you a question, the polite thing to do is reply.”
I glance up to find Hailee, our PR director, standing before us all with her hands on her hips.
She’s a tiny woman, but don’t underestimate her because of her size. She is fierce.
A round of apologies sounds out before Monroe proudly pipes up, “I replied.”
“You did, thank you,” Hailee says.
“And I added a GIF.”
Hailee nods, looking utterly exasperated.
“So, are any of you attending? Or is it just me and Hayden?” I can’t lie; Monroe doesn’t look disappointed by the prospect.
“Attending what?” Killer asks like the asshole he is.
“For the love of God, Calvin. The club is opening next week. The one that has been in the calendar for a month. The one I emailed you all a reminder about a few days ago.”
