“Oh! Uhhh, yeah, sorry.” I mumble, my face flushing. Am I ever not going to feel like a twelve-year-old boy in front of his first crush around her? Apparently not.
Well, shewasyour first crush, so...
I step back, letting her out. I’ll catch the next one. No way I’m missing a Madison hug. They’re few and far between, and at this point in my life, I’ll take what I can get. She opens her arms, and I pull her in with a grateful sigh. Her signature scent of wildflowers envelopes me, and I try not to huff her neck. Those sweet curves of hers feel way too good, and I hold the hug for a bit too long because sometimes, like today, it’s just too hard to stop.
“You okay? You look stressed.” She says as she pulls away, studying me closely.
I let her go, reluctant to leave her warmth. It’s for the best. She’s not mine to hold. I need to remember that.
“Just having a day. Meeting with the GM this morning. Not sure what it’s about yet.” I don’t tell her about being traded. It’smy issue to deal with, and I’m not sure I can handle her reaction. Or non-reaction. I can only take so much today.
“Well, I’m sure you’ve got this.” Her soft laugh is a caress, and I can’t help the glow that spreads through my body. I’m so gone on this woman.
“Thanks, Mads. I needed that today.”
“Glad I could help.”
“What’s with the suit? Not that you don’t look amazing.” Why am I so awkward?
“I had a meeting with the GM too. Mr. Hawk asked me to do a Yoga class every morning for pre-season training. I can’t believe they picked me out of all people!” Of course they picked her. She’s a terrific instructor. She even has her own YouTube channel. Which, of course, I don’t follow. Under a different name. Like a weird stalker.
Right.
“Well, I can. How could they possibly pick anyone else? You’re clearly the best choice.” I reassure her. I already know that she’s amazing, but I love that she’s getting recognition from the Wolves as well.
“Aww. Thanks, Liam! I have to go. Got another class in an hour but let’s get together for dinner sometime soon, okay? I’ll check with Kenji about our schedule.”
She gives me one more quick hug before she heads out the arena door, blonde ponytail swinging behind her, high heels clicking across the floor. I don’t even bother pretending I’m not admiring every single step. I am. See, pathetic.
Kenji Lee, aka The Steel Dragon. Not a name I enjoy hearing. He’s her current boyfriend and the reason I don’t have a shot with her. I mean, who can compete with a three-time MMA champion whose muscles have muscles? Not me. I mean, I’m in decent shape, but Kenji is on a whole other level. It would be easy if I could hate him, but that’s the worst part about this. He’sa close friend. All of us are. Kenji, Madison, Walker and I go all the way back to high school. So, it’s hard to hate one of your best friends. Although I walk the line every time I see them together.
If I were a good person, I’d just be happy she’s got a terrific guy who treats her right. Spoiler alert. I’m not a good person, because if they broke up, I’d be thrilled. Sadly, they probably won’t, because they’re actually perfect for each other. They always seem so in love, and I’ve never seen them have a disagreement. It’s annoying. And frustrating.
Wonderful train of thought, Liam. Way to make yourself feel like more of a loser today.
I tap the elevator button again, grateful when it opens right away. I check my watch. Two minutes until my meeting. No time for a pity party. Let’s not add tardiness to my already shit day.
The elevator opens on the administration floor, and I stop to stare. They’ve redecorated, and it’s stunning. This is the first time I’ve seen the windows uncovered, and the view of the Rocky Mountains is breathtaking. Gone is the heavy wood furniture, and in its place are plush chairs in teal, black and white, our team colors. The coolest part, by far, is the mural of a black and teal wolf, our team mascot, on the wall behind the huge receptionist’s desk. It’s cool as hell. The boys are going to love it.
The admin floor has always been a scary place for us players. In the past, if you had to come up here, it was only by necessity. Not only was it dark and depressing, but if you had a meeting with management, it meant that you’d fucked up or were getting traded.
Behind the enormous desk is a young, attractive brunette with a friendly smile and kind eyes. No dragon lady in sight. That’s what we called Matilda, the former receptionist. Everyone was terrified of her. A memory of the last time I saw her pops up unbidden, her snarky voice echoing in my head.
“Oh, you’re early, Mr. Ferguson. Wouldn’t your time be better spent practicing? Your forecheck could use some work.” She had the dubious gift of making you feel about two feet tall. Just thinking about it makes me wince.
“Mr. Ferguson? So nice to finally meet you. I’m Mel.” The new receptionist comes out from behind her desk to greet me. Holding out a hand, she gives me a firm but friendly shake. It pulls me out of my musing, centering me back on the current crisis.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mel. Liam’s fine. Mr. Ferguson is my father.” I say with a smile. “Well, then, Liam. Can I get you something to drink while you wait? Water? Coffee or Tea? Damon is running a bit behind schedule. The call he’s on is taking longer than anticipated.”
This is new. I’ve never experienced this kind of courtesy from management before, and it throws me for a second. It’s the kind of change that the players will appreciate.
“Can I get some water, please?” I hesitate. I don’t want to put her out, but she doesn’t even blink.
“Of course. Have a seat and make yourself comfortable. He might be a few minutes. I’m sorry about that.” I shrug off her apology. Not like I want to rush. The longer it doesn’t happen, the longer I can convince myself that I’m still part of the team. Delusion is where I currently live.
I take a seat in one teal-colored chair, sinking into the super soft cushions. I roll my shoulders a few times to relieve the tension as I breathe deeply. Nausea rolls through me despite my attempt at relaxation.
Players do this all the time, and so can you, I tell myself on repeat. It’s going to be fine.
