“Linc, you need to take a break,” I pleaded. “For tonight, just set all of the research aside and enjoy the time with Hunter. This is a once in a lifetime moment for him; don’t cloud it by being distracted with your project.”
“It’s more than that and you damn well know it,” Lincoln snapped. His jaw twitched and I knew he was grinding his teeth to keep from saying anything that’d turn this into a fight. We didn’t argue often, but there were definitely growing pains that came along with the shift from friends to lovers to partners who were making plans to spend their lives together.
Lincoln was in the process of selling his home in Alabama so he could move to Wilmington. Soon, I’d be putting my condo on the market because it was too small for both of us, especially since there’d been more overnight guests in the past three months than in the rest of the time I’d lived there combined. Unfortunately, the majority of our time was spent in Wilmington, which made for a few tense moments when I started feeling claustrophobic.
“I’m sorry,” I apologized, daring to round the desk and drape my arms over his shoulders. I kissed the top of his freshly shaven head and started working at the knots in his neck. “I didn’t mean to imply that it is. But Hunter needs you tonight. Whether he admits it or not, he needs to know that all of us are doing everything we can to make tonight perfect for him.”
“There shouldn’t be that much to do; Hunter and John are picking up the food on their way back from the gym,” Lincoln countered. He let out a sigh and started shutting down his computer. After scribbling a few notes to himself, he pushed away from the desk. Whether he liked it or not, he was conceding to me for a change.
Oh yeah, John. The guy was so quiet it was easy to forget he’d been staying here since Hunter flew into town. Apparently, he didn’t have anywhere to go, so Hunter had called and asked if he could stay with us, like John was some sort of stray puppy.
I wasn’t sure what either of them planned to do after the sale of Linc’s home was finalized and we moved into a new place closer to the training facility in Wilmington. Then again, not my problem, unless they thought they were going to keep living with us, which was absolutelynotgoing to happen.
By the end of the week, Hunter would have a nicely padded bank account and he could buy his own place for them to stay up all night playing video games.
“There isn’t, but you know damn well Isabella’s going to come in and take over if everything isn’t perfect when she gets here.” Linc followed me out to the kitchen, releasing an exasperated sigh.Please don’t let this turn into a fight.
“She won’t and you know it.” He started filling the sink so he could wash the last few dishes by hand. “I don’t know where you got the idea that she’s the type to micromanage everything, but you’re wrong. And I know you’re sitting there thinking about how awkward it’s going to be having all of us in the house I used to share with her, but stop it. I will guarantee you the only person bothered by it is you. We’ve both moved on with our lives. Hell, if she had a problem with us being together, do you think she’d have helped out with showings and everything while I was up in Wilmington with you?’
“Probably not,” I muttered. “But you’ll have to forgive me if this is all a bit tough for me to wrap my head around. Less than a year ago, I wouldn’t have been able to imagine even being here myself, much less getting ready to spend the day with your ex-wife and both of your families.”
Linc wiped his soapy hands against his jeans and pulled me against his chest. “It’s going to be fine. I promise. Everyone’s going to be so focused on Hunter they won’t even notice us.”
“I hope you’re right.” At least I’d be able to fade into the woodwork until the draft started. I had a package well-hidden in the guest bedroom closet. I hadn’t wanted today to be anticlimactic, but unless something happened in the first ten picks, it would be none other than Teddy on the other end of the line when Hunter’s phone rang.
* * *
Hours later,the house Linc often complained was too big felt cramped. No matter where you turned, there were people mingling, plates of food balanced on top of glasses as they discussed their own predictions for draft night. The few times anyone asked me to offer my input, I quickly changed the topic. I knew how I wanted the night to go, for both professional and personal reasons, but I also knew there were at least two teams who’d pick before the Breakers who’d been in communication with Hunter over the past month.
The draft started and everyone crowded into the family room. Hunter flipped his phone from one hand to the other like a hot potato, staring at the display between picks. He swallowed hard after the third pick was announced, knowing fourth could be him. Birmingham was most definitely interested in Hunter and he in them. I held my breath while we waited for the announcement, praying the chatter had been right and they needed a linebacker more than a receiver.
“You look more nervous than he is,” Lincoln whispered, sliding in behind me, resting a hand on my hip.
“There’s a lot on the line tonight.” Yes, I wanted Hunter to sign with Wilmington because then he’d be close to his dad, but I also knew he was what we needed on the team for next year. With his drive and determination, he might just be the missing piece of the puzzle that’d kept us from getting past the wild card game this year.
“Does it help to know Wilmington’s his number one pick, too?” We were at the back of the room, tucked away from most of our guests, so Lincoln took a chance and nuzzled the back of my neck. I let out a soft moan, wishing the night was over and we had the house to ourselves.
Picks five and six were called. Seven was the next hurdle. Colorado Springs had been trying for the hard sell, flying coaches down to meet with Hunter more than once. I watched as they announced Daniel Otto’s name, hating the slump of Hunter’s shoulders. Linc said he wanted to be in Wilmington, but I wasn’t so sure. Maybe he was secretly hoping for somewhere that’d give him some space to prove he could make it on his own. He was a grown man and he may not be as keen as he led on to stay so close to his dad, working alongside his dad’s partner day after day.
“You might want to head upstairs.” I spun around, trying to figure out how Linc knew I’d been trying to escape unnoticed. It’d only be a few more minutes before Wilmington made their pick. “Yeah, I know you have a bunch of Breakers gear up there. If you didn’t want me to see it, maybe you shouldn’t have put it in a closet I needed to sort through getting ready to move.”
“I just didn’t want to jinx anything,” I told him. “Teddy wanted me to give it to him after they get off the phone.”
“He’ll love it. Go, while Orlando’s deciding what they want to do.”
I raced up the stairs, halting when the room broke out in cheers. Had Orlando swiped Hunter away from us? Shit. This was not good. I fished my phone out of my pocket, finally breathing when I realized it was Brandon’s name that’d been called. They were celebrating for one of Hunter’s friends.
Okay. I could deal with that. Still, my heart threatened to break its way from behind my ribcage as furiously as it beat.
Breakers gear in hand, I turned out the lights and descended the stairs, hiding out of sight until the call was made. My phone buzzed and I pulled it out to read Teddy’s message.
Looks good. Make sure Hunter knows we can’t wait to meet with him later this week.
You got it,I sent back while we waited on the only team standing between Hunter and a contract with the Wilmington Breakers to make their selection. Although the plan had been for me to stay hidden until Teddy and Hunter were on the phone, this was a moment I couldn’t miss. I left the pile of gear on the steps and joined Linc at the back of the family room.
I leaned into his side, loving how freely he wrapped his arm around my back. Months ago, I’d have pulled away, but instead, I rested my head on his shoulder. “You ready for this?”
“I might be more excited for him than I was for my own draft night,” he admitted.
