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Like I’m the only thing he sees.
“Thank you,” I breathe.
He gives me a half smile. “It’s the truth. Don’t thank me for that.”
“I don’t know where to start: Scary Spice or whatever the hell kind of connection just happened between you two,” Leo starts. He pokes the toe of his sneaker to my shin before standing up. “You know what we need? Shots. I did just win a damn playoff game, after all. Be right back.”
Leo takes off to the bar while I choke on a laugh. Adam grins and tucks a curl behind my ear. He leans close and says, “You look beautiful.”
“You look good too.”
His grin somehow grows. “You don’t plan on eating cold nachos all night, right? Let me get you something else.”
“Yeah, they’re pretty bad. The waitress hasn’t come around since I got here, though. Leo probably told her to leave us alone until we wanted to order something.”
He looks around the pub, most likely for the missing waitress. “I’m surprised he wanted to go out in public tonight. The glares coming at our table are a bit harsh.”
I catch one from an older guy wearing a Warriors practice jersey and smile dramatically at him. “Leo doesn’t care about stuff like that. He wouldn’t want to spend the night of a massive win stuck in his hotel room.”
“I can respect that. Oakley and Tyler are the same way.” Adam turns back to me, locking his eyes with mine. “What are you doing after this?”
I blink. “I was going to go home.”
“Is there anyone watching your mom?” he asks gently. His concern makes my chest swell.
“Mrs. McConnell is spending the night because I didn’t know how late I would be. She’s a sweet lady. I feel bad asking her to watch my mom, though. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been looking into getting the help of a professional.”
He cups my shoulder and brings me closer to his side, staring out at the pub. “How has that been going? If you need any help, I’m here. You don’t have to do this alone.”
A small smile pulls at my mouth. “Thanks. It’s been going okay. I’m meeting a few potential caretakers next week.”
“You’re a good daughter, Scar. Don’t forget that.”
My conversation with Leo flies to the front of my mind. Everyone but me seems to think I’m doing the right thing and have a right to feel how I do. I just wish it was as easy to believe what they’re saying as it is to think they’re just trying to make me feel better.
“Who’s watching Cooper tonight?” I switch the subject.
“At Oakley and Ava’s. He’s sleeping over.” His words are deep rumbles.
“Oh.”
A heavy weight seems to settle between us. It’s almost like that by knowing neither one of us has a reason to go home early, a door has opened, leaving us contemplating shutting it or walking through.
“Yeah. I made sure my night was completely open,” he says softly.
God, my pulse is racing. What am I supposed to say to that? Shit, some of the things he says completely strip me of all my defenses.
“Good news, guys!” Leo shouts. I snap my eyes to him when he bounds toward us with a tray of shot glasses. “We’re going out tonight. I just got the details from my captain.” He drops the tray on the table and picks a shot up before shooting it back. “Hope you’re ready to celebrate pro-style.”
I risk a glance at Adam to find him already looking at me with soft, warm eyes. His calm energy helps to stifle the anxiety pumping through me.
“Looks like we found our plans,” he says.
24
ADAM
I haven’t been to a club since I was twenty-three. That was ten years ago, yet Sinner’s is the exact same as I remember it.
