It’s so cute to see these professional athletes turn into fanboys. I wave at Kenji, who’s standing by the door talking to my brother and Liam.
“Kenz! Come here a sec.” He smiles and heads over. I try not to chuckle as more players start inching closer to Austin. It’s amusing to watch them pretend not to be just as eager for an introduction.
Kenji steps in to handle the introductions. He has a way with the fans, down to earth and polite. He’s so confident and personable, no matter the situation. It’s an ability I’ve always envied.
“He handles that so well. I still feel weird when people recognize me.” Liam says, watching his teammates all vie for Kenji’s attention.
“He really does, considering he’s more of an introvert,” I respond.
“He is?” Liam asks, looking confused. “I guess I don’t see him that way, but maybe that’s because I’ve known him so long. He always seems so comfortable with his fame.”
“I know, right?”
“You okay with everything, Mads? You know, the breakup and all.” Liam asks with soft sympathy. Oh, right, our fake breakup from our fake relationship. How do I even answer that?
“I’m good. We were friends first so it’s been easy.”
It’s an honest statement, at least. I feel bad about lying to them, but I’d never out my best friend. He’ll tell them when he’s ready.
“You know we’re here if you need anything, right?” He’s been so considerate and helpful lately. Maybe it’s been longer, and I didn’t see it. I’m so used to thinking of Liam and my brother as a unit instead of individuals.
“Thanks, Liam. I appreciate it. Even if I don’t say it as often as I should.”
“Yeah, we are awesome as fuck.” My brother says, passing by us as he heads to the door. I roll my eyes, and Liam punches his arm.
“What?”
“Whatever. I know the truth. You’re moderately acceptable. Awesome’s a little much.” I tell him. Like my brother’s ego needs more inflation. Humble is not a word I’d use to describe him. He just laughs and pulls my ponytail.
“Jerk,” I mutter as they head out to grab my couch, but I smile even as I say it.
“Send some of those fanboys down to help us with these last things, will ya, Mads?” Liam yells over his shoulder, on his way to grab another load. I nod, heading over to Kenji’s starstruck crew to gather more volunteers. I corral a couple of the rookiesand send them down to the truck to help Liam and my brother. Thirty minutes later, everything is unloaded, and the truck is empty.
I’m so impressed with Liam right now. He was every inch the guy in charge today, directing everything. It went off without a hitch, taking much less time than I’d allotted. I’m feeling like a real jerk lumping him in with my brother and his irresponsible behavior. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I’m trying to finish up with the last kitchen box when some kid named Conner, I think, decides he’s gonna shoot his shot. He’s doing his best to get my number by telling me how much he loves older women. I almost spit my water at him when he laid that one on me.
While I’m trying my damnedest not to laugh at the poor kid, Liam walks in with the lamp for my living room. He takes one look at Conner, frowns, and heads in our direction. Connor is mid-sentence, telling all about his skating prowess, when Liam’s hand smacks him in the back of the head. I slap my hand over my mouth the hold in the laughter.
“Rook!” Liam’s voice is harsher than I’ve ever heard it before. “What did we tell you? Under no circumstances are you to hit on Walker’s sister. What the fuck, dude? Were we not clear? Maybe I’ll suggest to Coach that the rookies need a bag skate next practice?”
Connor’s face turns bright red as he turns to face Liam, who’s got his arms crossed, looking at him with fire in his eyes and a face made of stone.
“Sorry, Cap. I was only joking around.” He gives me a desperate look of chagrin. Sorry, kid, you dug your own grave here.
“Apologize!” Liam barks, and the poor kid hangs his head before turning to me.
“Sorry, ma’am.” I roll my eyes. If one more person calls me ma’am, I swear.
“We’re good,” I say, hiding my smile behind my water bottle, because watching Liam get all protective is hot AF.
“Why don’t you and one of the other guys take the truck back? Here are the keys. I’ll see you tomorrow for practice, rookie.” There’s a glint in his eye, and I would not want to be Connor tomorrow morning, that’s for sure.
“You okay, Mads?” his voice is gruff and a bit growly. My body lights up, letting me know that it’s a fan of growly Liam. Down, girl. Instead, I grin and say with a fake swoon.
“My hero. Thanks for rescuing me from some terrible flirting.” He laughs.
“That bad?”
