Valentina taps her chin, deep in thought. “Nah, I’m sure we can shave off some of that time if I start telling you about Luke’s imaginary friend, Noah. Or maybe we can go full blast and dive into that time Mom told him he had to start doing his own laundry if he was going to put crusty socks in the hamper all the time.”
Unsurprisingly. It only took them six minutes.
thirty-two
I walk into MonarchsStadium with all eyes on me.
We planned on this happening. It’s why Luke is walking a few paces behind me like a bodyguard instead of a boyfriend.
We went back and forth about it on the car ride over. I wanted to hold hands, no longer concerned about Damien or whatever trash the media might feel inclined to write about me. But after running over a few scenarios with Luke, Nick, and Luisa on speakerphone, we thought it would be best for the Monarchs organization to try to minimize the public scrutiny. This will already be a media circus after all, since it’ll be my first public outing since the wedding that never was.
These players work themselves to the bone for this team, and I already feel bad enough that my story is overshadowing the beginning of their winning streak. So I agreed to show up, using my usual entrance instead of the private one Nick had put in,and show the world that I’m back to work and it’s business as usual.
Though my look is very different from the last time I was seen. I’m usually strutting into the office with a tweed suit of some kind and designer pumps, with my hair straightened in a slicked back ponytail.
But today? I’m taking full advantage of my brother and sister-in-law being the owners, knowing they won’t have an issue with my lax attire. I’m wearing a flowy black long sleeve tunic that hits right below my ass, which is perfect because the leggings I’m wearing underneath do absolutely nothing to hide my tempting ass—Luke’s words, not mine. I’m wearing my white Converses too, and my tussled curly hair is styled half up and half down.
The security guard did a double take when I asked to be let through because I didn’t have my work badge with me. His answering smile hinted that he approved of my new look, and Luke’s not-so-subtle growl behind my back let him know to keep those feelings to himself.
We round the corner to the executive offices, and with each step, I can feel Luke inching closer to me.
I know he was on board with keeping our relationship out of the spotlight for the time being, but up on this floor, only trusted personnel are allowed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he snuck us into his office to burn off some of the frustration that’s been nipping at us since we left the cabin.
I’m about to suggest just that when an unexpected welcoming crew comes into view. I start laughing to myself, because I should have anticipated this.
Luisa and Isabella come barreling into me, giving Luke a split second to get out of the way before he finds himself engulfed in a very teary group hug.
“It’s been eighty-four years,” Isa starts, and I swat her and Luisa off me with a giggle.
Luisa takes one long perusal of me from head to toe. Then nods my way as she speaks to Isa. “Now that.Thatis a woman who’s been dicked down.”
Luke sounds like he’s choking, while Nick shouts a pained “Angel!”
I’m about to throw in a very mature “Ha, take that. Now you know how it feels to hear about your siblings’ sexual escapades.” But the words die on my tongue as I realize that Mateo Martinez, Ace Middlebrooks, and Julian Vega are standing next to my brother as well.
If Mateo’s grin gets any bigger, it’s going to turn creepy. Whereas Ace and Julian are sporting identical looks of shock.
I should probably cruise my ass over to the HR department, because it doesn’t seem like any professionalism will be found around these parts.
“Coach?” Ace points at Luke. “And our sweet little Daisy?” he asks in a dramatic whisper.
Julian simply shakes his head, feigning disapproval. He’s the newest member of the team, having been acquired by Luisa in an impressive three hundred-million-dollar deal as our new first baseman. But he’s seamlessly settled into the Monarch family and into the role of Ace’s best friend. “You think you know people, and then they run off and forget that they have a team to coach.”
Ace places a hand on Julian’s shoulder. “Did you know that Vega over here couldn’t remember whether he had to hit the ball with a racket or a bat? Poor thing was lost without you. Lost.”
“So lost.” Julian nods.
I cover my mouth with my hand to keep my laughter from breaking free. Luke steps closer to me, nudging my chin with his lifted knuckles. “You think these clowns are funny or something?” I see the tension melting from his shoulders andcould kiss those two fools for distracting Luke from my current media debacle.
But I’m sure that wouldn’t go over too well with Luke’s current caveman antics, so I think I’ll telepathically send my gratitude.
When I don’t answer, Luke slips his large hand over my cheek and leans down, faintly brushing his lips over mine.
The women start to squeal while Nick attempts to break up our moment.
“Coach Weston. My office. Now. We clearly have a conversation that needs to be had… and some HR paperwork to sign,” Nick grumbles the last part.
Luke nods, brushing the tip of his nose against mine. “Hmm, that sounds urgent.” He turns, giving our little audience a blinding smile before he continues. “But I need to take care of something important first.” His lips are on mine in a bruising show of longing and possession all at once.
