I smiled at her. “Thank you, but you’ve already done so much. Working with you on this job has been a lifesaver. The increased income helped me cover his care at a better facility. There’s no way I could ever thank you for all you’ve done.”
Katie got to her feet and pulled me into a hug. When she let me go, she headed for the door, only to pause and turn back. “Marion has made up the guest rooms upstairs. I still can’t believe my dad lives in a house this size. It won’t fit everyone, but the only people staying here are those of us that Hayden’s people and Jackson’s family want protected. Most everyone else is going over to Liam’s or Walker’s houses.”
I nodded, hoping the worry at being a possible target didn’t show. I didn’t want Katie to know how upset it made me.
“I’m sorry, by the way. I can’t believe…”
“It’s not your fault, songbird. The asshole’s delusional.”
Katie and I turned toward the voice. One of the men who came in with Hayden earlier stood in the doorway. I knew Conrad had introduced him, but I couldn’t remember his name.
“Thanks, Priest. I appreciate it, but…”
“No. No buts, Katie. You didn’t invite or encourage it, and you damn sure don’t deserve it. Remember that.”
He turned to leave, calling over his shoulder, “Jackson is looking for you by the way.”
“He’s a good egg.”
Katie cracked up, and I shrugged.
“Will you be able to stay for a bit?”
“Absolutely. Gavin can take care of himself.”
“How is Gavin?”
“Gavin’s Gavin. He will never change.”
When she walked away, I headed upstairs to call my best friend. Once in the room with the door closed, I checked his schedule and heaved a sigh when I realized he could talk.
I dialed his number, the phone ringing in my ear.
“Hey, squirt!”
“Hey.”
“Oh. That’s not like my bubbly bestie. What’s wrong?”
“Have you ever gotten off without help?”
A chorus of chortling behind him made me groan. “Please tell me you didn’t answer your phone in the locker room on speakerphone with the whole hockey team present?”
A long pause, followed by a shhing sound, came from him before he said, “I didn’t have you on speakerphone in the locker room with the whole team present.”
‘Hey Marcie!’ filled the breaks in the din of laughter in the background.
“So, just part of the team?”
“Well, Donetti and Swartz are in with the trainers, and a bunch of the guys are still in the showers.”
I groaned and smacked myself in the face.
“I’m moving. That’s all there is to it.”
“Awww, Marcie, there’s no need to run away. We won’t tell anyone about your spontaneous orgasms!”
“Machivelli, give me back my fucking phone.”
