“You take it easy.”
His older brother holds up his hands. “Just saying… I’ve listened to her show a few times. She knows her stuff. Give your ego a rest and see if there’s any truth to her critiques.”
“Thanks for the support,” Knox retorts. “I never notice her raking your ass across the coals.”
Austin only shrugs in that older-brother, star-quarterback way. “Maybe she likes what she sees.”
“Maybe she likes you,” Edward says to Knox, without even a hint of irony. “Human attraction often expresses itself in hostility. Perhaps she’s attracted to you and wishes she weren’t.”
This guy.
Edward always says exactly what everybody’s thinking and doesn’t even realize it. Damn, I love him.
Of course, I’m ready to jump right on this shit. It’s about time I had some fun at Knox’s expense.
“You know what they say…” I stretch my arms behind my head. “It’s a thin line between love and hate.”
“There is no line,” Knox answers flatly. “There is no love.”
Edward looks at me. “You wished you could go with Dove to the wedding.”
My brow arches, and I glance over to where the girls are still in the foyer talking. “Are you saying my wish came true?”
“I’m saying now you can go.” His reply is flat.
Hopeanddesire…
Clearing my throat, I walk over to where the girls are talking. I’m pretty sure they haven’t been listening to our conversation, so I play it cool.
“Sup?” I say, shoving my hands into my pockets.
Haddy’s eyes narrow. “You’re being weird.”
Dove doesn’t seem to mind. She smiles up at me, answering my dumb greeting. “Gina and Maddie are going to Louisiana with me, so we’re trying to work out the details. You know, last-minute tickets, what to do with Kelani.” She stops, seeming to realize. “But if you can’t play, you can…”
“Go with you?” I finish her sentence.
Her blue eyes widen. “I was going to say watch Kelani… Do you want to go?”
“Sure,” I say with a shrug. “If I can’t play, and we can bring Kelani with us.”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Dove’s lips twist, and she tilts her head to the side. “Commercial flights are so hectic. I don’t want her to be scared…”
“Dove.” I reach out, putting my hand on her arm. “We’ll take the private jet.”
“Ooohhh…” Her chin lifts slowly. “Of course. I forgot how rich you are.”
Haddy snorts, lifting the back of her hand to her nose. “You are hilarious. I’ve got to get back to the house. Have fun, you two. I wish I was going.”
“You’re not?” I frown at her.
“Somebody’s got to keep the Champions in the news.” She winks at me, squeezing my arm. “I’m over here fielding questions about your injury, your latest conquests, your endorsements, your social media…”
“Sounds like you work for me,” I tease.
Her head tilts to the side. “Youarea big part of my job.” Stepping closer, she kisses my cheek. “Don’t worry about it. Have fun with the family.”
She slips through the door, and Austin is on his feet, carrying his bag. Edward is right with him, and Knox slowly brings up the rear, still frowning at his phone.
