Page 69 of Game On

I looked toward Mari for reassurance. “I’ll bring him. Lily usually picks up Rosie by then.”

A thought crossed my mind, but I had to ask Mari if it was a bad idea or not. Liam lost interest in me, running over to one of his toys on the floor while Mari crossed the room and sunk into the spot on the couch next to me.

She grinned at me. “So, you and my sister had a good time, huh?”

“Yeah. Hey, would your sister want to come to the game? I know she has Rosie tonight, so maybe not.”

Her eyes lit up. “Oh, that would be amazing. Are you going to really give it a go?”

I shook my head. “It’s just a little fun.”

Her lips were a thin line. “Uh-huh.”

“I’ve been very upfront about that with her, and she agrees.”

Mari frowned. “Look, it’s not my business as your employee, but I don’t understand why you don’t want to date her. You’re a good guy, Logan. I see that every day with how you are with Liam — Rosie too, and she’s not even yours. Lily needs someone good in her life. She chooses men like our dad.”

“You’re right; it’s not your business. My schedule’s bananas. That’s too much to ask someone to deal with. Hers isn’t any better. Factor that with us both being single parents… A relationship isn’t in the cards.”

Mari gave me a hard look. “But you could make the time if you really wanted.”

“Not gonna happen, Mari, okay?”

She nodded, but by the way she pursed her lips, I knew she had more to say. That was one thing I liked about Mari. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. I appreciated that, but right now, I wanted her to drop it.

“I gotta take my nap,” I said with an air of finality.

“I’ll wake you up later. Go on.”

I walked into my bedroom, shutting the door behind me. The bed was made-up neatly. I wasn’t sure if that was Mari’s or Lily’s doing. Mari kept doing housework for me, even though I told her it wasn’t her job. That’s how good she was. She saw what I needed, even when I refused the help. If I had never met Lily, I never would’ve found Mari, who was the perfect nanny to take care of Liam. Almost like the hockey gods were clicking everything in place for me.

I got changed and slid into my sheets in just my boxers. But before I took my nap, I shot off a text to Benny’s girlfriend, Rox, who was a sales manager for the team.

ME: Any chance I can get extra tickets for tonight’s game?

She immediately texted me back.

ROX: Oooh, you’re bringing that cute blonde, eh?

This team was nosy as fuck.

ME: Maybe and her baby. And my nanny’s bringing my nephew.

ROX: Done. I got you! Good for you, she’s really cute.

I shook my head and texted Lily. Probably should have texted her first, but I’d rather be prepared. No matter what, I’d need a ticket for Mari, anyway.

ME: Hey, princess. Liam wants to come to the game tonight, so Mari’s bringing him. Wanna come too?

Chapter Twenty-Two

LILY

My phone vibrated in my briefcase, but I ignored it while I finished my speech to Adam. I hadn’t been looking at my phone all day since I worked a few hours at Rich’s shop and then made the trek to Kensington. Seth was nowhere in sight, so maybe there was some truth to the work convention thing.

Adam was younger than I expected. He had dark brown skin and tattoos that ran up and down his arms. He had colorful pieces on his neck as well. I didn’t intend for most of my clientele to be tattoo shops, but I’d take whatever work I could find. The word of mouth was definitely helping me.

“You don’t have to dress that formal here.” He motioned to my charcoal grey pantsuit. Then he held up a hand. “Sorry, that’s not supposed to be an insult. You look great, but we’re a little casual here.”