“All good, man.” I wave it off. Maddie should have texted me, not Walker. Knowing she’ll be there sends my brain into a downward spiral of self-doubt. Why didn’t she text me? Are we even a thing anymore? Does she want it to be a thing? What doesshe want? Does she want me? My head is spinning with all the unanswered questions.
I’m grateful for my game-day suit when they lead us to a private dining room upon our arrival at the Brown Palace Hotel. The lobby is spectacular. I have to stop myself from staring like a kid in a candy store.
Once we get to the room, all our nerves vanish. It’s loud and full of conversation and laughter. Damon heads over immediately after noticing our entrance to greet us. I can see that I know most of the people here, so it’s less intimidating than I thought.
“That was a fantastic game! I’m just so proud of the team. We’re looking good out there.” It feels so good to get kudos for a game instead of another lecture from Coach. I remind myself not to focus on the shit from last year and just take in the praise, but it’s hard.
Damon walks us over to a tall redhead standing in the corner talking with Lily Robertson. He reminds me of Austin. He’s lean but muscular, with hands like dinner plates, and his smile widens as he sees us with Damon.
“Seb, come meet the boys.” Damon gestures. Tall people can sometimes be gangly or uncoordinated, but not this guy. He’s got the grace of a figure skater and the build of a hockey player. No wonder he’s tearing up the ice.
Walker and I introduce ourselves, and once the pleasantries are over, Damon heads back over to talk to Joslyn.
‘I enjoyed playing against you guys tonight. You’re other winger, Campbell? He’s good. Really had me stepping up my game tonight.“ Sebastian says in a surprisingly deep voice.
I chuckle
“I’ll be sure to tell him that. I think you had the same effect on him. He was giving it his all tonight.” Shaking my head at the thought of Camps’ reaction to his compliment.
“Yeah man. That shot you made at the end of the second period, so sick! Thank God our goalie was on point. I feel like I should say sorry even though I’m not.” Walker says, gripping his neck with his hand. He does that when he’s nervous.
“I’d be shocked if you were.” Sebastian says with a laugh. “How do you like working with Damon? He’s not what I expected.”
After checking out the look on our faces, he adds. “In the best way, of course.”
That makes me smile, particularly because I’m sure that applies to more than his duties as GM.
“He’s a fantastic GM, and I trust him.” I say. Our eyes meet, and I know we’ve just had this conversation on a couple of different levels. He nods, his appreciation clear from the look on his face.
“Good. Good to know. Thanks, man.”
The three of us discuss the game and guys we know all know around the league. I find myself enjoying his perspective, and I can see that Walker likes talking to him as well. I want to ask him about his teammates, but now isn’t the time, so I let it go. I wonder if Damon’s thought about bringing him to the Wolves? I’ll have to ask him.
I turn just in time to catch Madison’s arrival.
My mouth goes dry, and my chest pangs with longing. Maddie’s wearing a Wolves jersey and she’s never looked hotter. When I see the 32 on the sleeve, I know she’s not not just wearing a jersey, she’s wearing mine. Hot, possessive hope spears me and my dick lets me know that he’s loving the sight of Maddie with my name on her back. I ignore him as my heart speeds up and I have to catch my breath. This has to be a sign, right?
“Sorry we’re late. I had to run home and let Ace out. He got into my basket of socks so there was a bit of mess. He’snot happy with me right now.” Maddie says. She shoots a quick glance and an uncertain smile my way before turning back to her conversation with Joslyn.
“I completely understand. Abby’s with my friend Lainey tonight, otherwise I’d be worried as well. We haven’t started yet so there’s plenty of time.” Joslyn replies before maneuvering her toward the bar at the back of the room.
That’s when I see Kenji. He’s got his hand on her lower back, as if they’re a couple. Or on a date. As if they’re together. While she’s wearing my name. Oh, hell no! I’m moving toward them before even realize what I’m doing, but someone grabs my arm. I try to shake them off, but damn, their grip is like steel. Who the fuck is holding my arm? I turn back, ready to rip into someone when I see that it’s Walker.
“Not now, man. Not here.” Walker hisses at me. I close my eyes and take a breath. I know he’s right, but fuck. Inside, I’m raging. Is Kenji the reason she didn’t text me? Are they back together now? Kenji looks over at us and smiles. Fuck him. I glare at him, trying to tell him without words how pissed I am. His eyes widen before he looks quickly away. He shows up with my girl and he’s surprised I’m pissed. What the hell?
“Jesus dude, no subtlety with you. Tone it down, you look like you’re about to jump him. We’ll get this all sorted after the dinner.” I push down my jealous fury, trying to get a handle on my overwhelming emotions.
“Oh shit! Is that Kenji Lee?” Sebastian says, a look of awe lighting up his face. Wonderful. Another Kenji fan. I’m unsuccessful at stopping my eye roll. Thank God Walker answers him. Not sure I would have been civil.
“Sure is. He’s a friend of the family. Why don’t I introduce you.” Walker offers before giving me a warning glare.
“You stay here and behave.” He tells me. Like I have a choice.
You have a choice to show her you can behave like an adult. Isn’t that what you wanted?
Damn. That is what I wanted. I take a deep breath to pull myself together, but it’s a relief when Lily approaches me to with small talk about my investments with her firm.
I keep it together throughout dinner, mainly because Madison’s not paying any attention to Kenji. She’s in a deep conversation with Lily. Meanwhile, Sebastian and Kenji haven’t stopped talking since their introduction. That’s fine by me. Fangirl all night long as long as it keeps him away from Madison.
