“Well, more observant than mine,” Naomi said. She tapped her lip, and I noted her lilac-and-glitter manicure. So pretty. Naomi was one of those women who was always put together. She wore chic like it was her skin.
I shifted, feeling frumpy and slightly out of sorts as they fluttered around Lola and me, darting in and out of the living room to the kitchen.
Hana seemed to sense my discomfort because she settled next to me on the couch and took my hand. “I wasn’t completely sure about the CATS when I first got here either, but I have to tell you, they’re a welcoming bunch. That doesn’t mean we don’t get it wrong sometimes, though, so if you want us to back off and let you figure out what you want—not just with Cruz but in life—we will.”
I stared at her hand over mine, then raised my eyes to meet hers. “I’ve already told you this story, Hana, but I think I should share it with the others to get their take on how best to move forward with Lennon.”
Naomi beamed as she settled across from me. “That’s my girl.”
Chapter 25
Chapter
Lennon
* * *
“Are you trading me or something?” I asked.
Sweat erupted from my pores, and my hands shook. The last time I’d walked into a room filled with a select group of teammates and my coach, I’d been sent to Houston. That had been my preference, and I was happy to be back in my hometown, but I hadn’t expected it.
I was playing well—really well—and we were on pace to place in the top three. We were definitely contenders for the Stanley Cup. So a trade…
Wait.
That wasn’t possible. It was past the deadline.
My friends and coach went from staring at me to gawking at Cormac. “And what’s he on about?” I asked, gesturing to Coach. “Why were you singing the crab song?”
Stolly snickered. “Crab song.”
“Sounds dirtier that way,” Naese said, laughing.
“Never say that to Trix,” Coach said. “It’s called ‘Kiss the Girl’. And I didn’t plan to trade you until you made a sweet Disney moment into a sexually transmitted-disease ad.”
I shook my head in confusion. “What is happening right now? And why does Cormac look like he’s a half-second from a stroke?”
“I’m thinking,” Cormac mumbled.
“Finally,” Maxim said, throwing up his arms.
“Oh, as if you were any help,” Naese grumbled.
“I was,” Maxim snapped.
“You threatened to rip off my arm and told us we were doomed,” Naese replied.
“He’s Russian,” Stolly said, as if that made any kind of sense at all.
“Close the door, Lennon. I don’t need Maxim’s violent tendencies broadcast to the whole organization,” Coach said on a sigh.
“What’s going on here?” I asked again.
“We’re trying to come up with a way for you to win over Vivian so we aren’t defeated again by our wives,” Coach said.
“Defeated?” I asked. I perched on the edge of the couch. “So you’re not trading me?”
“Nope.”
