That thought washes over me like a bucket of cold water, which is exactly what I need as I make the short walk to the lounge.
Inside, the whole space is buzzing with energy after the Aces’ win. It only takes about three seconds for April to find me andrace over to give me the play-by-play of the game and everything she did with Margo behind the scenes.
The players start to filter in a few minutes later, loud and raucous as they celebrate with their loved ones.
Grant is one of the last to arrive, freshly showered and dressed in the suit he normally wears to and from home games. He’s not quite smiling, but he’s not scowling either, which for Grant basically counts as the same thing.
Our eyes meet across the room, and I feel that same jolt of heat from earlier. But then April tugs on my sleeve, asking if we can get pizza on the way home, and I force myself to look away.
Just as well, because this is the worst possible place and time to start getting turned on.
And the universe seems to agree with me on that point, because Margo walks up to me and gives me another excuse to stay distracted.
“Great game, right?” She’s all smiles, since Noah led the team in goals scored.
“It was amazing. The guys were incredible out there.”
“Probably because I had their biggest fan down by the bench with me.” She tosses April a wink. “They might steal her as the new mascot if we’re not careful.”
April whoops and jumps in the air, making us laugh. “I don’t think you’ll hear any arguments from her,” I say, shaking my head.
We talk for a few more minutes, then Margo shifts gears. “So tell me more about this event you’re planning at the shelter. You mentioned it the other day, but you were kind of vague.”
I feel my cheeks warm slightly, but only from the memory of why I was so distracted that day. But no, I seriously have to push those thoughts aside and get it together. “It’s a fundraiser dinner, actually. We’re trying to raise money for some renovations. The kitchen desperately needs updating, and wewant to add at least one more bedroom so we can take in more families.”
“That sounds amazing, Heather. When is it?”
“In a couple of weeks. I’m pretty excited about it but also pretty nervous. This is the biggest event I’ve planned yet, and there’s so much riding on it. If we don’t raise enough money, we’ll probably have to put off most of the renovations for another year, at least.”
Margo starts to give me a sympathetic nod, but then her face lights up. “Hey!” She raises her voice to get the attention of several players and their families nearby. “Who wants to support an amazing cause and make Heather’s life easier at the same time?”
My eyes go wide as I realize what’s happening. “Margo, stop. You can’t seriously expect?—”
But she’s already in full promotional mode. “My sister is planning a fundraiser for New Horizons, a women’s shelter here in Denver. It’s coming up in two weeks, and I think we should all go show our support. What do you say, guys?”
Noah appears at her side and slips an arm around her waist. “I’m in. I was happy to help last time, and I’m happy to help now.”
All I can do is smile and thank him. The donation he made last time very likely saved us from shutting down, and I’ll always be grateful for that. The stakes might not be quite as high this time, but that doesn’t stop me from getting a little choked up thinking about how quick he was to offer his support.
“Count me in,” Reese says, raising a bottle of water. “It sounds like a good cause.”
“Me too,” Theo nods. “Is there a dress code?”
“I’ll be there, too,” Sawyer adds.
Several of the other guys start to talk over each other, but they’re all voicing their agreement. It’s honestly almostoverwhelming because I know how huge it will be to have the Denver Aces in attendance to help drive donations.
Then I hear Grant’s voice, low and steady, cutting through the noise.
“You know I’ll be there.”
I turn to find him looking directly at me, and there’s something about the look in his eyes that makes my breath hitch in my throat. He isn’t just supporting the shelter. He’s supporting me right now in front of everyone.
“Thank you,” I say, meaning it for everyone but aiming it at Grant. “This means a lot.”
Margo makes an excited noise and takes my hand to give it a squeeze. “See? There’s nothing to be nervous about anymore. Everything is going to be perfect!”
I hope she’s right. Because right now, with Grant’s eyes still on me and my body still thrumming from being so close to him, perfect feels like a very complicated word.
