Page 86 of Keep Me Close

“It’s not,” I say automatically, which only seems to pique her interest even more. “I wanted to know if Cheyenne could watch the next game in the suite.”

“Oh?” She leans back in her chair.

I jerk my shoulders, as if it’s no big deal. “With all the attention she’s been getting lately, I figured it’d be easier if she wasn’t out in the regular seats.”

Evelyn studies me for a long moment. “Well, this is certainly a first.”

I frown. “What is?”

“You asking to have a woman in the suite.”

I open my mouth as an excuse hovers on the tip of my tongue.

She’s Britt’s sister.

Practically family.

It’s not that big of a deal.

Instead, I say, “Yeah. I guess it is.”

Her brows rise higher. “I can only assume this woman is special.”

I hold her gaze for a second before sidestepping the comment. “I want her to be safe.”

It’s one hundred percent accurate, but what I don’t say is that I’ll focus better if I know exactly where she is. That I’m already rearranging my world around her. That the thought of her sitting unprotected in a crowded arena has panic rising inside me.

She folds her hands on the desk. “You’ve never asked for something like this before.”

I give a half shrug. “Guess there was never a reason.”

“And now there is?”

Air leaks from my lungs as I consider my response. This woman has known me long enough to spot bullshit from a mile away, and there’s no point pretending she doesn’t see straight through me.

“She’s dealing with some stuff right now,” I say carefully. “And I’m just trying to make things a little easier.”

Understanding flashes across Evelyn’s expression. “I’m sorry to hear that. Cheyenne is welcome in the suite any time she’d like. I’d be happy to have her.”

Relief spirals through me. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

I push to my feet, ready to get the hell out of here before this woman decides to dig any deeper into my personal life. I’m almost afraid of what she’ll find.

I’m halfway across the room when there’s a knock.

Evelyn’s attention shifts past me. “Yes?”

The door opens, and Hugh steps inside, stopping short when his gaze lands on me.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You’re not,” I say quickly, already moving aside.

It would be impossible not to notice the subtle shift of energy in the room.

Hugh leans one shoulder against the doorframe, his attention never deviating from the woman seated behind the desk. “Would you happen to have a minute?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t,” Evelyn says, rising to her feet with one smooth motion. “I’m late for a meeting.”