“We have an away series starting tomorrow. Chicago, then New York. I need you there.”
My stomach sinks, chest tight. Traveling with the team right now feels very dangerous.
“Daddy — I have to run the fund. You don’t need me there anymore. Bennett’s off probation.”
Bennett squeezes my ass and I want to smack him, but don’t dare risk the noise.
“He’s officially cleared by the league. But I need that kid on a short leash.”
Bennett bristles behind me, his jaw tensing. I glance back and he mouths, “Kid? What the fuck?”
“The team plane leaves at 8 AM.” My dad’s booming voice jolts me back to reality. “I’ll be there, and so will Coach Keller. But we need more eyes on him. I can’t have him blowing up this franchise.”
“Rude. I’m not a bomb,” Bennett hisses in my ear and I elbow him hard in the ribs.
“Daddy, he’s not going to blow anything up.”
“Correct — because you’re going to be all over his ass.I’ll send the car to pick you up tomorrow. 7:30. Bring Steele.”
The line disconnects and I toss the phone down with shaky hands.
I should have said ‘no.’
I didn’t.
I never do.
Because saying ‘no’ to Max Prince feels like failing at something fundamental, something I’ve never been able to name.
Bennett’s uncharacteristically silent for a long second. His hand stills on my hip, muscles tight. Then he blows out a slow breath and resumes kissing my neck, his palm splayed on my bare belly.
“I like the idea of you all over my ass, Sunshine.”
His voice vibrates against my skin, traitorous chill bumps rising from my neck all the way down my arms.
“Not funny, Bennett. This is going to be a very big problem.”
“Because I’m irresistible. I get it.” He nips at my shoulder and I tip my head back, staring at the ceiling.
“You are one of the most infuriating people I’ve ever met.”
“And you love it. Your body gives you away.” His fingers dust over my skin and my stomach flip-flops, heart already shooting into overdrive.
He’s one hundred percent right.
Bastard.
I twist around in his arms. “Can you be serious for one minute?”
He tips his head, amusement dancing in his ocean blue eyes. “Just one? I can probably make that happen.”
“Travel rules: We sit separately on the plane. Avoid thehotel bar at all costs. And absolutely no spending the night together.”
“What about adjoining rooms? That could be fun.”
“Bennett!” I shake my head, furrowing my brow.
“Fine. To recap: no fun. Got it, boss.”
