Page 11 of Buzzer Beater

I raised an eyebrow. “Do you always listen to what your wife says?”

He laughed once. “Always.”

“Hi, I’m Elena.” The woman had turned back to us and was now looking at Erik.

He looked her over, probably thinking the same thing I was. “Hi.”

“My friend and I are here for a bachelorette party and we’re wondering if you guys wanted to hang out later.”

She said it a bit awkwardly, like she wasn’t used to being this direct. My opinion of her bounced back to not a fan.

Erik shook his head and walked away without another word. Olli smirked and called for Grant.

When he got to us, Elena’s face lit up. I guess she found her target.

“Hi.” Her voice was suddenly breathy.

Grant smiled. “Hi.”

Olli looked between the two of them. “Grant, meet Elena. Elena this is Grant. She’s single and so are you. Have fun.”

With that he walked away leaving me and Grant with this woman.

“Now how can a beautiful woman like you be single?” Grant said smoothly.

Elena blushed, and it actually seemed genuine. “Guess you’re just lucky.”

Grant nodded and laughed. Feeling like the awkward third wheel, I took a step back. “Well, I need to set my plate down and get some drinks.”

Elena’s hand shot up and she grabbed my wrist. “Will you at least meet my friend first?”

I had a feeling she wasn’t going to give up until I obeyed. “Fine.”

Grant shot me a cocky smile while we followed her back to her table. A brunette was sitting alone at a table and I figured that was her friend. As we got closer something about her felt familiar. Maybe the way she tossed her long hair over her shoulder?

Elena stopped next to the table and faced us. “This is my friend Lucy.”

In slow motion, Lucy turned as my heart thumped in my throat.

No.

Her profile.

Leave.

Her eyes.

Get out.

Her face.

Run.

When she looked up at me, I saw the panic in her eyes. She was so beautiful. More mature and filled out, and somehow even more gorgeous than before.

I could only imagine what she saw on my face. Guilt, agony, joy, shock. It all coursed through me the second our eyes met. I wanted to grab her and hug her, but at the same time my gut told me to get as far away as possible.

Grant extended his hand and greeted her without an ounce of worry.