Page 24

My phone buzzed, a welcome distraction. Nick Lawson’s name flashed on the screen. Nick played for Boston, and was coming in for Pride and the exhibition game.

“Hey, Nick.” I moved to an empty room. “What’s up?”

“Ethan! Shawn’s here too.”

“Oh, cool. Hey, Shawn.”

“Hey, Ethan,” said Shawn, who was Nick’s boyfriend and wrote romances under the name Kendrick Sanderson. “Nick told me about the book event and I’m in. I was coming for the game and to check out Pride in a small town, so I’d be happy to help.”

This was the news Andre needed. “That’s fantastic! Thanks so much, Shawn. It’ll mean a lot to the organizers, and I appreciate it too.”

We worked out some details and after hanging up, I dictated a text to Andre.

Ethan: Great news! Kendrick Sanderson is confirmed for Friday’s book event.

A grin spread across my face as I watched the three dots of Andre’s response dance across the screen.

I headed back to the living room as my phone finally buzzed.

Andre: That’s amazing! Thank you so much. BTW, I saw a post about the game too. I’m sorry I wasn’t at the press conference. You’ve gone above and beyond with all the players you’ve assembled.

I basked in the praise. I hadn’t expected how much I wanted to do something good for him.

Ethan: Glad I could help arrange it. And thanks. I’m looking forward to the game. It’s going to raise a lot of money for some worthwhile organizations.

Andre: Yes it is! If you need help with final prep for that, let me know, ok?

Ethan: Will do. Thanks. Talk to you later.

“Earth to Ethan.” Liam waved his hand in front of my face. “You planning on finishing up here, or are you just going to grin at your phone?”

Heat rose in my cheeks. “Sorry, I was just texting Andre about the book event. Kendrick Sanderson’s confirmed for Friday.”

Liam cocked his head, his favorite smirk spread across his face. “Uh-huh. And that’s why you’re blushing?”

“I am not.” My face grew warmer, betraying me.

Mickey came in with a box. “Who’s blushing? What did I miss?”

“Nothing,” I said quickly.

“Ethan’s got a crush on Andre,” Liam added.

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “I do not have a crush.”

Mickey set the box down. “So there’s absolutely nothing going on between you two?”

I hesitated, remembering my coffee with Andre.

The warmth of his hand on mine.

The feeling when his brown eyes locked on me.

“Maybe there’s something. It’s just… nice, you know? Working together, talking. And he’s… well, he’s pretty handsome.”

I couldn’t believe I said all that—I sounded like a love-struck teenager.

Liam clapped me on the back. “It’s about time. How long has it been since you dated anyone seriously?”