Instead, Henry kissed the top of her head and pushed her away with a smile.“Let’s get that drink.What would you like?”
“Red wine, please.”
Henry led her back to the chair she’d been sitting in when he arrived.He grabbed a beer for himself and poured a wine for Maia.
He sat opposite her and waited.She swallowed before she described the events of the past two days.Fury pulsed through Henry, although he hid his anger from Maia.None of this was her fault; she was suffering enough without him adding to her burden.
“The good news is I’ve made the starting team for our game on Saturday.”
“Congratulations.”She worked hard and deserved this chance.“Has the doctor cleared you?”
“They’re still managing my playing time.It will be another week or two, depending on how I get through the next match.London and Megan are coming to watch me play.Will you have time to see the match?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”Henry’s phone dinged.“Dinner is ready.”
“Oh, I meant to help with dinner prep,” Maia said.“I didn’t realize how much time had passed.”
“You have a lot on your mind.”
“Henry, what am I going to do?I can’t live this way.It’s impossible to concentrate on writing and difficult to focus on training.I keep wondering what will happen next.It’s making me jumpy.”
Henry set his beer aside and took her wineglass before tugging her to her feet.“You need to eat.You look as if you’ve lost weight.Other than that, we take one day at a time.Did Laura find any sweet wrappings?”
“I don’t know.”
If he got his hands on this person… “Did Laura check on your ex?”
“Yes, she has a friend keeping tabs on him.Samuel is attending a training camp right now.Bryce is there, too.A group of ex-soldiers runs it, and they confiscate phones.The camp is in the middle of nowhere, according to Bryce.Moewai.It’s near Eketahuna.I don’t think it’s Samuel.I…ah…called him and asked him if he was responsible.He said no, and I believed him.”
“You called him.”
“Yes.”She lifted her chin and met his gaze without flinching.
Okay.He hated that, but a part of him could understand Maia’s need for answers.At least she hadn’t approached the bastard in person.He ignored the internal growl from his wolf.“What does Laura think?”
“She is leaning toward an unknown person.”
Tension slid through Henry, but he did his best to hide his concern.Maia was freaked enough now.He guided her toward the door.“Let’s go eat.”
Dinner, family-style, was a lot of fun.Everyone chatted about their day, including Levi.He told them about his rugby team and how hard they were practicing.
“I’m driving to Dunedin to watch Maia play,” Henry said.“Anyone else want to come?”
“Megan and I are going,” London said immediately.
“Can I bring my friends?”Levi asked.
Jacey grinned.“Looks like the entire family is going along with extras.I can’t wait.”
Chapter 23
Gamedayarrived.Themorning was frosty, but the sky was clear, and by the time Maia’s team ran onto the field, the sun shone.It was the perfect day for playing rugby.
The loudspeaker crackled as the commentator introduced the team.
“Number eight, Maia Jacobs.”
A loud cheer came from the sidelines, and Maia grinned and waved at Henry and his family.Wow, Saber Mitchell and his brother Felix had brought their families.
