Page 33 of Power Play

“And I’ve already met your family,” Carmen inserted.

Yes, because you broke into my phone and stole my mom’s number.

I didn’t argue because more of the guys were walking out of the elevator with even more of the Pride. Perfect, a larger audience.

“How interesting.” Sydney smiled widely at Carmen. “It was nice meeting you.”

The guys were too polite, or involved, and took the time to introduce themselves to my family. Carmen remained latched to my side despite my attempts to shake her off. What was she planning? Get my family on her side, and I would suddenly change my mind? I asked her for space. I told her I would reach out. How on earth did that translate to stalking my parents?

“Taylor Klein?” Mom shrieked, sounding confused yet excited. I turned around just in time to see Taylor’s eyes widen as my sweet mother threw her arms around her. “My sweet girl!”

I ignored Taylor’s horrified expression and looked around. We now had the attention of every single person in the garage. So basically the entire team and Pride were watching a reunion I never in a million years imagined possible.

Wait. We were home. Not in Raleigh.

What was she doing here?

I looked to Lucy, and she winked at me before taking in the rest of the scene.

Dad hugged Taylor next and then Joey wrapped his arms around her, lifting her in the air and spinning her around.

“No way! Tay Tay is here!” He set her down, and they looked each other over.

“You’re so tall!” She looked up at him, beaming. “And no more braces. My little Joey is all grown up!”

My parents barraged her with questions while the rest of the audience looked at me, then Taylor, then Carmen, and back to me. Yeah, enjoy figuring this one out, folks.

I broke free from my self-proclaimed girlfriend and wove through the line to Sydney and Colby. They stood together looking much too proud. “What have you done?”

Sydney cocked her head and smiled. “We made a friend.”

“Yeah, we didn’t want to lose her, so we took her.” Colby held up her hand like a pincher and attacked my chest.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I growled. I glanced back to make sure Taylor was still talking to my parents and not close enough to hear.

“She wasn’t having luck finding a job, so it was either come to Salt Lake with us to see if there’s something here or heading back home. Of course, we convinced her to come with us,” Sydney explained as if that was completely normal.

“You guys knew her for a week.”

“Yes, it only took that long to know it was true love. We’re never letting her go.” Colby smiled.

“You’re evil. Both of you.” I glared at each of them.

“Oh, my sweet, little boy.” My shoulders tightened at the new voice. Chloe walked around us until she stood in front of me, her newborn strapped to her front. “You have so much to learn.”

I nearly threw up my arms. “What do you have to do with it? You weren’t even there!”

Her grin turned wicked. “I’m everywhere. I’m all-knowing.”

“Stop.” I rolled my eyes.

“A kindred spirit needed help. Did you really think we would just walk away?” Lucy asked because she was now joining the conversation, making me even more outnumbered.

“What did I ever do to you guys?” I looked to Chloe, “I’ve been good. No PR disasters. Just kept my head down and played well. Why are you doing this?”

“You hurt her. We’ll heal her.” She sized me up. “As long as you stay away, we won’t have any problems.”

“Motherhood has made you weird.”