Of course we were kids, so it didn’t stop us from doing it again when our parents weren’t paying attention. Steele would try to be the grown up and get us to stop, but we would never really listen to him. Grayson and Easton would cover for us because we would do the same whenever they wanted to do things they weren’t supposed to.
That’s how all of us have always been. Always looking out for each other.
Colton goes to talk to someone since he knows everyone around here, and just like my dad they take full advantage of being back here. It doesn’t matter how long ago they retired, this will always be their second home.
Evie comes out into the hallway and smiles when she sees us. “Hey, I didn’t realize you guys came tonight.”
“Of course we did.” Brynn pulls her niece into a hug.
When Evie moves to hug me, her eyes catch on the jersey and she smirks. “That must be why Grayson had such a good game.”
I roll my eyes. “All the guys did.”
“Right.” She winks. “They’ll be out soon, I’m sure, but I have to get a few more things done before Coach gets on my ass.”
“Of course, sweetie, do what you need to do,” Brynn waves her off.
She was right because it isn’t long before players start to come out. Every time I see someone that isn’t Grayson I get a tiny bit disappointed. They all greet us in their own way, familiar with Brynn and Colton, but also knowing of me.
As soon as Grayson steps out, his eyes find mine and a smile spreads across his lips. His dark blonde hair is wet from the shower and he steps over to where I’m standing, wrapping me in a tight hug. I breathe in his fresh soap smell as he holds me tightly against him. It doesn’t last longer than any of the other hugs we’ve had over the years of our friendship, yet, for some reason, it feels different.
He hugs his mom next, and I smile at how close they are, how they always have been. Colton joins us again, wrapping a strong arm around Grayson and patting his back. “Great game, Son, I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Dad.” He’s never been good at taking compliments from anyone. It’s pretty funny because this whole family is big on complimenting each other, but Grayson won’t accept them easily.
“Do you have any plans with your team?” Brynn asks.
Grayson shakes his head. “No, I’m tired, winning takes a lot of energy.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Oh yeah, it’s just so hard being the best.”
“You get it, Sunshine.”
I look down at my feet to cover the blush creeping up. I don’t even know why, he’s always called me Sunshine, this isn’t new, but my mind is all sorts of messed up with my confusing feelings for him and what to even do with them.
“Well, we’re going to head out so you can get your rest then.” Colton drapes an arm around his wife, and she leans into him. “Rae, do you need a ride?”
“No, it’s okay, I have the driver ready to come get me.”
Grayson huffs out a laugh. “Aren’t you fancy?”
I give him an incredulous look. “Oh whatever, like you’ve never had a driver.”
“Cancel him, I’ll drive you home.”
“You two figure that out and we’ll see you later.” Brynn gives us each another hug before her and Colton walk toward the exit.
“You don’t have to do that,” I insist.
“Yes, I do. You have a driver in Denver, you’re getting too Hollywood on me and we have to fix that.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re annoying.”
Even though I say that, I send a quick text to cancel the car. He doesn’t know my driver is also security because I’ve been a little extra paranoid lately. We walk to the underground garage where the players park. We walk in silence, but it’s not awkward, my mind is just spinning with rampant thoughts when it comes to our relationship.
DoesGrayson have feelings for me?
What would it look like if we pursued something?
