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What the hell is wrong with me?
“I’ll talk to her later,” I mumble. “Right now, I need to cool off.”
I yank off my shirt and jump into the pool.
* * *
The party goes until late. Everyone is drinking, eating, and having a good time. Once the sun goes down, people are a lot more mellow. Groups of us are in and out of the pool, and the kids are finally starting to wind down. Joey’s passed out on a lounge chair, Simone is doing something on an iPad, and JJ went home to his mother’s house—which is apparently across the street.
A few couples have left, but of course, Maya is still here.
Still the prettiest girl in the room.
Still holding court at one of the tables.
Still making me feel weird.
I should get out of here. If she isn’t right in front of me, I’ll stop thinking about her and by the time I see her again I’ll be over whatever the fuck this weirdness is.
Decision made, I start gathering my shit and throwing it into the duffel I brought.
“Taking off?” Blaze asks me.
“Yeah.”
“We were gonna play some poker.”
“Yeah, all good. I’ll meet up with you at home.”
“You should stay. Maya’s been telling the best stories about the last movie she worked on. She’s hilarious.”
The very mention of her name makes my stomach knot, and that’s exactly why I need to get out of here. The last thing I need in my life is another woman who twists me up inside. My ex did enough of that.
“Thanks for a great party, Coach!” I tell Coach Teller. “It was a good time.”
He arches a brow. “You taking off already? This is when the real fun starts!”
I laugh. “I’m well-aware of how much of a shark you are with poker. I think I’m hanging on to my wallet.”
“I get the feeling I’m going to get my ass whipped by Maya—Reid says she’s badass.”
I nearly groan.
Is fucking everyone enamored with her?
Geez.
“Then I’m definitely not staying!” I quip, chuckling. “If she’s better than you, I’m out.”
“Well, I’m glad you came.” He shakes my hand. “See you next week at training camp.”
“See you then.”
I get my stuff and head outside. I’m just unlocking my car when I see her. She’s off to the side of the long driveway, on her phone.
“…be there bright and early. Don’t worry, I’ll have it handled before noon… Yes, of course… that’s why you hired me. This is what I do, Dwight. Relax.” She listens as Dwight says something else. “Exactly. Everything will be fine. I’ll be there around seven and we’ll figure out a replacement. Yup… see you then.” She disconnects and turns, eyes locking with mine. “Hey.”
“Hey. Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
