“I was always coming to surprise you today. I lied about the engagement my coach signed us up for.” He reaches over and tugs my ponytail. “I took off tomorrow, so I don’t have to rush back. Hopefully, we get some answers.”
“Me too. When the season’s over, will you come live in New York for a little while? I miss you.”
“I’ll have about six weeks until offseason workout programs start. I can stay here for a month, then I need a two-weekvacation somewhere on a beach. We can plan it so you guys can come.” He hesitates, and I know he wants to say more.
“What is it?”
“Did you forget my contract is up this year?”
My step falters. “I did. Are they going to re-sign you?”
If they don’t, that means he can go anywhere in the country. He could go to Seattle, and he’d be a six-hour flight away.
I already don’t see him enough.
“They probably want me. But I don’t want them.” He replies, shocking me. “New York’s QB is up for trade this year, too.”
What?!
“Oh my god, Mason. Are you going to make it happen or what?”
“Are you suggesting I tamper with the trade?” His eyes gleam.
I check his hip, or more like his upper thigh. “Come on. Seriously.”
“When the season’s over, an interview I did might mention how I’d love to stay close to my sister who lives in the city.”
“And the odds of you playing there?”
He looks at me deadpan. “I’m the best quarterback in the league.”
“Hmm. I think Adrian Delaney would contest that.”
If Nate didn’t just walk into the dining room looking like a ghost, I know Mason would give me shit for that teasing comment, but we all go quiet as he walks to the head of the table.
Javier sits up straight. “What’s wrong, son?”
He looks down at Claud, who is playing with the dogs. “Claudina. Go up to your room for a moment.”
“But, I’m playing.”
Seb picks her up from the floor and settles her on her feet. “Take Skye with you. The grown-ups need to talk.”
“Oh man,” she sighs. “Come on, Skye.”
The two of them head upstairs, and I swoop up the puppy before it follows.
“What’s going on, Nate?”
I don’t like the look on his face.
Not one bit.
“That was Ethan, and while I was on the phone with him, Matteo called. We have an update from both of them.” He rolls his neck, letting out tension. “The good news is D.T. is not a threat.”
“Why’s that?”
I sit between Juliette and Mase when Nate sits down across from me, and everyone follows, settling into the dining room.
