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“Just say it,” I encouraged.
He met my gaze. “I need you to not keep alcohol in the house. I know that’s a big ask, but”
“Done.”
I got up from the couch and went to the kitchen, fighting tears as I uncorked the only bottle of wine I had on hand and poured it down the kitchen sink drain.
I’d never seen this side of my brother. He didn’t admit weakness. So just the fact that he could admit being around alcohol was a temptation was a big deal.
“There won’t be any alcohol here,” I promised him.
“Thanks.”
I walked over to the couch and sat down next to him. “You’re not alone, Luke. I’m here now, and we’re going to get you where you need to be.”
He met my eyes and nodded. “You’re the only one who’s never given up on me.”
“And I never will.” I took his hand. “You’re stuck with me.”
After our food arrived and we ate, he went to bed. I went out on my patio, closing my eyes and breathing in the cool night air. I’d hoped Ford would be out here, but his apartment was dark and he didn’t seem to be home.
I was disappointed, but it had been a long day, and instead of allowing my anxiety to get the better of me and stew over why I was so disappointed, I gave myself grace and let it go. My worries would still be there tomorrow. And hopefully, I thought as I walked back inside, my hot neighbor would be, too.
CHAPTERNINE
Ford
The middle-aged womanstanding in our locker room seemed torn between curious and scandalized as naked players walked out of the showers after practice.
We were all used to a bunch of dudes walking around in the buff, but she clearly wasn’t. There was a badge on a lanyard around her neck that identified her as an employee of the team.
“Ford Barrett?” she said to Colby, her face reddening as he dropped his towel.
Colby gestured at me with his thumb. “Tall guy over there. Probably looks pissed off.”
She scrambled over to me, a sheen of sweat visible on her forehead. “Mr. Barrett?”
“That’s me,” I said as I grabbed a clean T-shirt.
Her shoulders dropped with relief. “I’m Nancy Crawford, Ms. Pavlova’s new assistant. She asked that I bring this to you immediately.”
It was an envelope, and my curiosity was piqued. I took it and peeked inside, finding a ticket and another piece of paper.
“What’s this for?” I asked, confused.
“There’s a charity ball next week that Ms. Pavlova wants you to attend. She’ll be attending, too. Several city, county, and state officials will be there.”
“Ah,” I said, realization dawning. “She wants me to help grease the skids over the new arena.”
Nancy nodded, more in her element now that she wasn’t focused on all the naked men in the room.
“I think so. I have printouts in my office of all the officials with their bios and photos that I made for Ms. Pavlova. Would you like me to make a binder for you, too?”
“Sure, that sounds great.”
“Ms. Pavlova told me to relay that this event isn’t optional.”
I nodded, because this was part of my job as team captain.
