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He was painfully stiff with just a look.

If she ever put her hand on him, he’d likely lose his mind.

If she put her mouth on him?

Well, shit. He’d likely stroke out.

She licked her lips and he stood up and walked behind the counter to get to the bar, his legs a little stiff and his gait awkward.

“Heath? Are you okay?”

He stopped on a dime, shifting a foot forward so he didn’t strangle his dick. “I’m okay.”

“Oohhhkay.” She looked at him. “You look like you’re in a little pain.”

He was facing away from her and rolled his eyes at himself.

“I’m good with a glass of water.”

He nodded. “Nothing else?”

He heard her laugh softly. “I’m the designated driver tonight.”

He nodded and picked up a cup off of the stack and used the soda dispenser for the ice and then filled it with water.

Before he turned back around, he knew that with the outfit he was wearing it would be painfully obvious that he was in pain.

Reaching for his shirt, he pulled it out of the waist of his pants and dropped the bottom hem down. It reached to his hips, and he let out a breath.

He walked over and set the glass down in front of Mari and skirted around the end of the counter to take up his seat again.

As soon as his butt hit the chair, Kawehi put his plate down in front of him.

He looked up to thank her and saw the perfectly arched brow and the knowing look.

He couldn’t say a word, but he knew she didn’t need him to.

She had eyes and she’d been around them the longest.

The first woman to brace the Raiders.

Team ‘Io.

“So…”

He turned and looked at Mari, trying to keep his heart beating out of his chest.

“Tell me about your team.” She turned her chair so she could look at him and the team on the floor beside the ball return. “What is everyone like?”

He looked across the room and knew that he could tell her about them and point out the best and the funniest parts of their personalities, but he had another idea.

Buck stood up, thankful that he’d calmed down enough to do it without embarrassing himself.

He held out his hand. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

“Okay.” Her whole face brightened as she put her hand in his. “Let’s meet your team.”

SEVEN