Tex and Arch go by first. They say hello and wave. Loads of teammates follow, but no sign of Jared or Max.
“Where the heck are they?” Emerson wonders.
“Maybe they’re talking with a coach or still doing an interview,” I suggest.
We pass the time chatting about Montana.
“When winter comes, itreallycomes,” Emerson says with a laugh. “You won’t mistake it.”
“I’m not looking forward to the freezing temperatures,” I say.
“The positives are hot cocoa and a warm fire and snuggling up with a lover.” She smiles fondly.
“I can get behind the first two,” I say to her.
We’re still chatting when the door swings open and Max comes out alone.
“Where’s your brother?” Emerson asks him.
“Still in there.” He kisses her gently on the lips. “Ready to go home?”
She glances over at me. “Ashley needs a ride.”
“I’m fine,” I say hurriedly. “You two go ahead.”
Max assesses me. “My brother’s in a mood.”
“Super,” I say breezily. “Well, you know I can handle a Storm.”
He tilts his head toward the door he just came through. “He’ll be out in a minute. Maybe he’ll share with you what the hell’s up with him. I gave it my best shot, but you know Jared.”
That I do. He likes to talk but not often about the deep stuff.
Emerson hugs me goodbye with a whisper to call her.
Once they’re gone, I take a seat on a nearby plastic chair and pull out my phone.
I’m busy scrolling when I feel a light tap on my head.
Without looking up, I say, “Hey, J.”
CHAPTERNINETEEN
“Ash.”
“Congrats on the game. How’s it feel to be the hero?”
He comes around to the front of my chair and kneels down so we’re at eye level.
“I like when you talk me up.”
I smile. “I’m sure you do.”
From the way Max had talked, I was prepared for Jared to be locked down emotionally, the way I’ve seen him get when he feels the need to put up his guard.
But his eyes are open and warm. He grins at me conspiratorially.
And I sense a dare coming on.
