When I turn back around, I note the doubt flashing in Chase’s eyes, and smile for the first time today. Let him have a taste of the intimidation he loves to wield himself.
Wade takes a step forward and grinds out, “You remember Jammer, Chase? He and the rest of the team will show you where to go.”
His words finish with an unspoken threat that implies the locker room isn’t where he really wants Chase, and sends a shiver of guilty pleasure through me at seeing Chase get a taste of his own medicine.
“The rest of the team?” Amber squeaks out, her eyes skipping to each of the hulking players waiting to move into action.
Chase’s jaw twitches this time. He doesn’t say a word, though.
Harper practically tosses the info packet at him, which he catches with a grunt. Until finally, he walks away, tugging Amber down the concourse.
I hold my breath until I lose sight of them, led by Luke and flanked by Zayne, Mason, Ethan, Elias, and Mathéo. The Big Guns, as Wade calls them.
Tears of relief flood my eyes. Uncaring who might see, I stand up and throw my arms around Wade’s neck, pulling him down. “Thank you for being here.”
He presses me tighter against him as he kisses my temple. “I wouldn’t be any place else.”
Shivers run over my shoulders and follow his hand rubbing down my back. The clean, spicy scent of his jersey fills my nose.When I look up at him, his hands cup my face, and his thumbs sweep away the residual tears on my cheeks.
And now I see it—Wade cares for me more than I ever realized.
A wave of shame hits me so hard I can’t look at him. I don’t deserve the compassion and love I see there.
I don’t deservehim.
Tonight’s the cocktail party, kicking off the Fire & Ice event. I thought about wearing the dress I bought, since I decided to keep it, but now I’m thinking I want to use it for its original purpose.
If Wade cares for me as much as I suspect, maybe he’ll give me another chance. I have to try, or else this elephant-sized question mark will come between us and our friendship. At the very least, I need to know he’ll still be my best friend even if he doesn’t want anything more from me.
After a sweep of the arena lobby, I locate Mia and Sophie standing together and sharing a soft pretzel. Rebecca and Zach hired the vendors to stay open to keep the whole game day atmosphere throughout the weekend.
With Harper in tow, I stop in front of them. “Where’s Lily?”
“Right here.”
With a startled jump, I whirl around to find her standing behind me. How did she sneak up on me like that? “Good, you’re all here.”
They all stare at me expectantly. Except for Harper, who I think already suspects what I’m going to say.
I take a deep breath and spew my thoughts before I lose my courage. “I know I said I didn’t want to go through with the auction idea, but I changed my mind.”
Mia pumps her fist. “Yes!”
Sophie grins. On my left, Harper giggles, and Lily does her usual perimeter sweep with her eyes, but she’s smiling as she does it.
“So, can we pull this off? Can you see if your friend Char is still willing to help?”
With a coy shrug, Sophie blinks at me. “I never canceled our plans.”
The others study me, clearly waiting to see my reaction.
My gaze skims over each of them. “You all knew?”
They all nod in unison, like a secret mastermind organism working behind the scenes to orchestrate my love life. And I love them for it.
Sophie’s expression turns serious. “I am curious, though. What changed your mind?”
I glance toward Wade, surrounded by the usual guys who tend to follow him around. I wonder if he knows how people are naturally drawn to him, to his quiet strength and presence.
