“He’s right. Let’s keep the questions to the kitties. We’ll do another live soon from the rink. Then you can chat with some of your favorite Elles and also get to know the guys from the men’s team a little better. His head is big enough already. Don’t need to feed his ego.”
She sounds light and teasing, laughing after her comment, but it feels a little pointed. Like she’s joking with her followers while taking a little jab at me.
“Right. I forgot. Wilder wants to keep me to herself. She’s not into sharing.”
The slow smile that creeps up my face this time is genuine. It is fun to throw her off balance. The comments zip up the screen at an even faster pace, and I realize I may have made a mistake. They’re all questioning whether we’re together. A couple.
“Not in a million years, Wildlings. We’re just friends.”
I lean back in my chair, breathing out a huge sigh of relief as soon as she shuts off the camera. It was pretty draining being on camera for that length of time. Media sessions after a game are short and quick. A few questions to get some sound bites out there and then escape. This was intense. We’ve been on for a full hour.
My eyes fly open at the soft thud on my thigh, and I look down to see Bluebeard staring up at me through his single green eye. His little triangular face is kind of adorable, framed by long white whiskers.
“Bluebeard!” The cat tilts his little head to look at Luna’s shocked face, then turns back to me.
I hesitate, not sure what to do, lifting a hand but not reaching out. I don’t want to scare him away. Not after what Luna told me about his past.
He decides for me, butting his head up under my hand until I run it down his back. His fur is soft and smooth. And as I pet him, the little engine in his belly starts up. The soft vibrations under my hand are soothing. I’m starting to understand what people love about animals.
“I can’t believe he went to you.” There’s a hint of a frown pinching her brow.
“I guess he likes me.”
“Guess so.”
“Don’t sound so surprised. Most people do like me.”
Her quick laugh shakes her shoulders, and the white cat that had curled up in her arms launches itself to the ground. “Oh, I’mnot surprised,” she says. “We should probably get going. I’ve got a million things to do for school.”
“Yeah. Let’s go.” I give Bluebeard one more pat and lift him off my lap. It’s surprisingly easy. Not like the first cat I handled. I think I could get used to this. Not sure whether I’ve enjoyed her company or the company of the cats more. Surprises all around.
Chapter 11
Beneath The Ice
Luna
Myphoneisstillgoing crazy with notifications from the day before. New followers, likes, and worst of all, the questions about when I’m doing another live event with Beau. My feelings are all twisted up like a laundry load full of knee-high socks. On the one hand, my practical, logical math brain is excited about the increase in views, especially after the slump over the holidays. Not to mention the phone call I got from Damien earlier. He was thrilled to let me know about the donations that have been rolling in. He even asked me if I’d planned the entire thing and knew all along about Beau’s wild promise to match all donations.
But there’s a small, petty side of me I can’t quite quash. The side that says I wish he hadn’t been so charming. Or so good with the cats. He didn’t even complain once after he finally figured out how to wrangle Freddy. Nope. Even though I’m sure he’s never had to do any menial cleaning work in his life. His cages were spotless. And then when we were chatting at the end, the cats were all over him. Even Bluebeard. Traitor.
“What was that?” Maisie pauses in the middle of taping up her socks to lean in, eyeing the phone I’m glaring at.
“Nothing. Just more new followers.”
“But that’s amazing, right? You don’t sound thrilled.” She goes back to taping, which is good. I can avoid eye contact when I admit how childish I’m being.
“But it’s because of him. All these new followers and likes are because I brought a guy into my space. Kind of takes away from my entire brand, you know. Promoting women in sports.”
“Yeah, but it’s still a good thing. I’m sure our team vids will still get views, and honestly, the more eyes, the better. Think of it like this. You’re using him to uplift your brand. We should do some men-versus-women competitions and stuff. That would be so fun. We’ll rig it so we can win, and it’ll be even more glorious.”
“Have I ever told you how freaking amazing you are?”
“You have, but don’t worry, I never get tired of hearing it. Feel free to spout all the compliments you want. I won’t turn them down.”
I yank my ponytail to tighten it and slap her on the back as I’m standing up.
“You’re awesome. The best alternate captain, ultimate friend, and of course, the fairest one of all. Thank you for allowing me to exist in your presence.”
