I nod. I’m about to ask him if he wants to grab a drink at McDougal’s Pub after this when someone grabs my waist from behind and swings me around to face him.
The strong scent of expensive cologne hits me before I recognize his face.
“Sage! How are you, Cariño?”
Teoscar Guerrero’s boisterous laugh rings in my ear as he pulls me in for a hug. “I told Caleb the only reason I’d come to this party is if Sage Summers would be here.”
I haven’t seen the New York Lions player for a few weeks at least. We dated for a short time. It was incredibly fun and spontaneous because I never knew when Teoscar would show up at my door, but it never matured into anything more than a good time together. We didn’t necessarily call it off, but there wasn’t any label on our relationship, either.
“Teoscar,” I say, pushing myself away from his massive biceps. “I didn’t know you’d be here. Charlotte forgot to mention it.”
“Oh, I don’t think Charlotte knew. I told Caleb it would be a last-minute decision. You know how busy I am. But Caleb insisted I come and speak to Casey.”
Then he turns to him. “So, I hear you’ll be a free agent at the end of the season. Are you thinking about joining us? It’s a great team with great players.” He smiles brilliantly and puffs out his chest. I can’t help it, it makes me smile, too. It’s contagious. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t smile around Teoscar.
“I haven’t made any decisions yet.”
“Oh, I didn’t ask you that. I asked if you are thinking about the Lions. Are we one of the teams you’re considering?”
Casey's eyes flicker at me for a second. “It’s on the list.”
Teoscar punches Casey on the shoulder jovially. “Oh, I see what you’re doing. You’re keeping it quiet. Making sure everyone puts in their best offer. I get you. Well, listen. If you have any questions about the organization from a star player perspective, you know who to call.”
Casey nods. “Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
Done with his obligation to Caleb, Teoscar turns to me. “So, are you ready to get out of here?”
At first I was annoyed whenever Teoscar would pop into town and expect me to drop everything for him. But now I realize it’s just who he is. He’s like that with everyone, so I’m less offended. “No. I’m going to stay for a bit.”
He shrugs. “All right. Call me later when you’re done.” He kisses my cheek and walks away. “I’ll text you my room number after I get in.”
“Teoscar,” I call out, ready to set him straight. But he’s already found Caleb and is bear hugging him.
“He’s friendly,” says Casey.
“Yeah.”
He stares at me, perhaps waiting for more.
“Teoscar and I dated for a bit, but it wasn’t serious.”
“Did you break it off?”
“Um…” I hesitate because we didn’t necessarily discuss it. “We’re not a couple, if that’s what you think.”
“No. I don’t think that. You wouldn’t be with me when you’re still with him. But he still thinks he can pick up exactly where he left off.”
I stare back at Teoscar. It did seem that way, didn’t it? “I’ll talk to him about it later.”
Casey grabs my hand again and caresses it with his thumb. He looks up at me and smirks playfully. “You know,” he says and stops, as though considering his next words. “I hated seeing some other guy put his arms around you.”
“Did you now?” I ask, flirtatiously.
I admit it. I’m trying hard to coax a confession of his love for me right now. “Why is that?”
He shrugs and leaves it at that.
Slightly disappointed he doesn’t say more, I bite my tongue, trying to hold back my annoyance, but I ultimately lose the fight. “Maybe we should talk, too.”
