My stomach twists. “I’m not an anchor. Not that kind anyway.”
“Didn’t say you were.” He smiles again, all teeth. “Just saying the view from up here looks different than it does from the ice. He’s got a rocket strapped to him, Lola. We just have to be sure nothing stands in his way that makes it misfire.”
Across the arena, Tully emerges from the tunnel. He’s already showered and changed. His hair is damp, his hoodie is half-zipped, and his skates are slung over his shoulder. A group of girls immediately swarms around him. One touches his arm, laughing loudly. Another holds up her phone for a selfie. He’s polite, flashing that easy grin, but his eyes are already searching past them and finding me.
He rolls his eyes dramatically—exaggerated, just for me—then mouthsHelp. I laugh despite the knot in my throat. He starts weaving through the crowd, signing a quick puck, shaking a hand, but his eyes keep finding mine as he gets closer.
“See that?” Daniel says, near my ear, and I startle. “He’s already fighting to get back to you. But when the offers start rolling in—millions, Lola. Real money. Real temptation. You think he’ll still be rolling his eyes at selfies then?”
I don’t answer. My fingers tighten around my cup untilthe cardboard dents. Tully reaches the railing below us. He looks up, a grin splitting his face.
“Hey, Trouble.”
“Hey there, Captain.”
He glances at Daniel. “Hey, man. Good to see you.”
“Couldn’t miss this,” Daniel says smoothly. “You killed it out there. We’ll talk offers tomorrow—big ones. But for now, we need to get out there. The scouts want face time with you.”
Tully’s eyes flick back to me, softening. “After I steal her for a minute?”
Daniel stands and smooths his jacket. “Of course. Don’t be long.”
He walks away. Tully vaults the glass in one easy motion, lands beside me, and pulls me into him. So damn hot it makes me crazy for him every time.
He kisses me hard. I swear, we could have the sex of our lives if we could just do it right here as soon as he’s done with a game. It’s already great when we get back to one of our rooms, but immediately following the game, he is raring to go.
“Mmm, you taste so fucking good,” he says against my mouth. “I want to lay you out right here and taste all of you.”
I put my hands on his cheeks and kiss him again. “If only.”
When we break apart, he groans. “I don’t want to leave you.”
For a second, everything Daniel said feels small, but it’s still there.
Tully tilts my chin up. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I say, trying to sound convincing. “So proud of you.”
He studies me a beat longer, his eyes bright. “Thank you, Trouble. Come with me to meet the big dogs?”
I smile because he makes it easy. “I’ll let you handle them. But I can hang out in the lobby, or we can meet back at my place.”
“No, stay. I’ll try to make this quick,” he says, pointing at me. “What are we eating tonight?” He leans in and whispers, “Besides your pussy, because that is definitely on the menu.”
I laugh and fan my face. “Winner’s choice.”
“I’m thinking pancakes.” He lifts his eyebrows, and I nod. “Okay, pancakes. Definitely.”
He laces his fingers through mine, and we head for the exit. The girls clamor around him, and he’s friendly but keeps walking. Daniel lingers near the tunnel, phone to his ear, and Tully squeezes my hand before letting go and walking toward him.
I didn’t miss the scene Daniel painted for me. It’s unsettling that he was that bold with me. It makes me look at him differently, that’s for sure. I don’t know exactly what to make of the gross foreboding I feel now.
Looks like I’ll have to fight to belong in this picture.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
EYE SHADOWS
