“Lifesaver,” I groan, taking them from him and quickly using the drink to take the pills.
“It’s either this or hair of the dog,” he says.
I hold up a hand in surrender. “I’m never drinking again.”
“Famous last words,” Gina teases.
“How are you not dying today?” I moan, walking over to the couch.
She digs in a canvas bag, taking out puppy supplies, food, chew toys. “Owen made us breakfast for dinner when we got home last night.”
“Ooo…” My eyes turn to Maverick, and he laughs.
“You needed rest more than breakfast.”
“I put her kennel in Mav’s bedroom.” Gina rests her hands on her hips as she watches Kelani hopping around our feet. “I’m leaving in the morning for the National Dog Show in Pennsylvania. Heather and Maddie are coming with me, but you can text if you need anything. Mav has Carla’s number.”
“I’m sure we have everything we need.” I squat down to pet her, and she puts her front paws on my knees so she can lick my face again. “Does she have any special needs?”
“Only food, love, and playtime.”
“We can do that.” I give Mav a wink.
“See you in a few days.” Gina leans down to hug me then rises on her toes to hug her cousin.
We bid her goodbye, and Mav walks over to squat across from me, sending Kelani into a twirl of excitement, hopping on her little hind legs back and forth from him to me.
“She’s so happy.” I reach out to rub her ears, and he does the same.
Our hands bump and slide together. It feels good, and he glances up, holding our touch a moment longer before sitting back on his butt.
“We’ve got two away games this week, so I’m heading to Tucson tomorrow with the team then on to Texas.”
“You are?” My chest sinks.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be back by Friday, and I’ll send you Carla’s number. She’ll be fine.”
“Oh, no.” I huff a laugh, looking down at the adorable pup. “I didn’t mean… I’m totally fine taking care of a puppy. I was just thinking about… things. It’s nothing.”
His brows rise. “What things are you thinking about?”
My cheeks heat, and I’m not about to say it. The idea of being here alone, missing him, not sharing coffee with himin the morning… or me having coffee, him having Mountain Dew… It all makes me sad all of a sudden.
I shrug. “I’ve gotten used to you being here is all.”
“Are you saying you’re going to miss me?” He smiles, and I have to look away.
“It’s okay.” I push off my knees and stand, doing my best to act casual. “I’ll be in classes, and when I’m not, I’ll play with the puppy. She’ll have to get used to being in a new house, learn where everything is… Oh, and Haddy and baby Lucy are right across the street.” His expression tightens, and I hesitate, frowning. “What?”
“They travel with the team. Gavin likes having Lucy there, and now that Haddy’s our PR director, it just makes sense for her to go with us.”
“Wow.” My eyebrows rise. “So I really will be all alone.”
“I’d say you could come with us, but…”
“No… That’s silly.” I shake my head. “I can’t skip class for a week.”
“Hey,” Mav’s tone is low.
