“You have done your research, then.”
She turned her head stiffly. “I don’t like this, Nazarov. Not one bit. And you know what I especially don’t like about it. How cool as a cucumber you’re being about this whole situation.”
“Cool as a what?”
“Cucumber. It’s a very popular saying. At least it’s something my sister says. You knew I’d be here.”
“I am here to congratulate Jason and meet his baby. It’s not all about you, Lauren.”
“You absolute ass?—”
“Here she is!” Jason was approaching with a tiny bundle and a striking woman in glasses at his side. The world-famous snail expert, I assumed.
I stood to greet them.
“Doc, this is Alexei Nazarov. Naz, meet Francesca St. James.”
Smiling at me, she adjusted her glasses. “You’re arriving in Chicago at an interesting time. Pity you didn’t show your face before the Rebels won the Cup.”
Lauren snorted her approval of this blunt assessment of my timing.
“I’m not much interested in trophies.”
“Sure, Naz,” Jason said skeptically. “Any interest in babies?”
“A little. I have been to several baptisms, and I am godfather to at least three former teammates. I haven’t dropped a child yet.”
“Would you like to hold her?” Franky asked.
I was a little surprised as new mothers tended to be protective of their babies, but Jason was already placing the child in my arms. A real stunner, she had big blue eyes, a mop of dark hair, and a cupid bow mouth.
“She is beautiful, Isner. Thankfully, just like her mother.”
Jason grinned. “Right? I’m choosing not to acknowledge your insult because this day is too amazing to take you seriously.”
I spoke to the little girl, my gaze locking on hers. “You are going to break many hearts, little Cammi. Starting with your father when you crash his car the first time he tries to teach you how to drive. But don’t worry, he will forgive you because he will be a fool for your charms.”
I felt a movement at my elbow. Lauren had stood to get a better look at the baby. She smelled of vanilla and summer.
“You did good here, J,” she said. “Top of the class.”
“Lo thinks I’m smug,” Jason said to Franky.
“Lo’s right.” But she tempered her judgment with a hand on his chest and a soft kiss on his lips. “I’d better take her back in. I don’t want her to get overheated in this sun.”
As Franky walked away, a new arrival joined us, and if I had to guess, I would say this was the boyfriend. Lanky, floppy-haired, all American, and exceptionally average.
I waited for someone to introduce us but apparently it was unnecessary.
“Alexei Nazarov? Wow, I can’t believe you’re here! Well, I knew you were with the Rebels now, but don’t you guys spend your summers in Russia?”
“I live in the United States and rarely return.”
“Gotcha. Guess it’s kind of weird back there if you’ve subscribed to the creed of red, white, and blue.” He turned to Lauren. “Babe, you never said Alexei Nazarov would be a guest.”
“I had no idea. This is Jason and Franky’s event.”
The boyfriend thrust out his hand. “So great to meet you. I’m a big fan.”
