Jay straightens to his full height—he’s shorter than the other guys but still plenty tall to look down at his ex with amusement.
“You’re not the boss of me, elf.We’re not dating.”
She smiles sweetly.“No, but I remember where your balls are, and my nails will be in them in five seconds if you don’t follow orders.”
He lifts both bottles in a sign of grudging surrender, then steps out of his boots and crosses to the other room.
“I’m turning on the game,” Rookie says, heading for the big-screen TV in the living room.
I frown.“I thought the game is over.”
“The LA game,” chorus Jay from the kitchen, Chloe from the dining room, and Harlan, Rookie, and Miles in here.
Coach and Harlan are in the door next.
Everyone’s here except for Clay.
My phone buzzes.
Grumpy Baller: Hey, can you ask Mari if there’s room for three more?
Surprise hits me.
I didn’t talk to him after the game except to send a text saying congrats.I knew he’d be here when he got through his post-routine and media, but now I’m wondering what’s up.
I go to the kitchen.“Hey, Mar?Clay’s asking if he can bring three people.”
“Sure.”
I’m halfway out the door when she calls after me.“Wait, why did he ask you?”
My heart kicks in my chest.
Because we talk every day.Most nights, I fall asleep in his arms.In the morning, I wake up to his heavy breathing.I’m totally falling for him, and I can’t help it.
I shrug.“Maybe no one else was answering their phones.”
I text him back and grab a drink before joining the others in the living room, where they’re half watching the television and talking.
When Clay arrives, the girl at his side makes my mouth fall open.
She’s familiar from pictures he has at his place.
There’s a cute kid around ten next to her and a handsome guy hovering over her shoulder.
“Everyone, this is my sister, Kat.Kat, this is everyone,” Clay says.
“Nova,” Kat says, cocking her head at me.“It’s great to finally meet you.”
Finally?She throws her arms around me, and I cut a look at Clay, but he’s tight-lipped.
They grab drinks, and we set the table as we wait for the others.Gradually, everyone trickles in—Atlas, the bench players, Harlan…
“You’re late!”Rookie calls.“You guys are missing the last quarter of the LA game.”
Clay and I exchange a look.
“I’m not missing anything,” he says with a wink.
