AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A big smile spreads over my face.
“Miller,” Owens calls. “Let’s go.”
“I’ll be right there.” I turn back to the dragon and walk into the store.
It’s about time I buy Hartley a present.
CHAPTER12
HAZEL
I’min my office creating a recovery plan for a player when Rory plunks a tiny crystal dragon in front of me.
He smiles down at me, leaning on the doorframe, eyes warm and soft, and my stomach flutters. “Hartley,” he says by way of greeting.
Fuck, he looks good. Today was the toughest practice of the week, but Rory stands tall and his eyes are bright with energy.
I hate how athletic he is. I hate that he truly is one of the best athletes of his generation. I hate it, and yet I can’t help but marvel at him.
My eyes go to the sparkly little dragon on my desk. “What’s this?”
“You.”
My lips part in denial. “It is not.”
“Sure, it is. You’re my tiny fire-breathing dragon.” I glare at him and he nods, pointing at me. “Exactly like that. Red eyes and everything.”
A laugh bursts out of me and I pick the stupid thing up, studying it.
It’s cute.
“This is dumb,” I tell him as warmth spreads through my chest.
“Hey, Hazel?” Hayden appears in the doorway. “Can I grab one of those bands?”
“Right.” I rummage through my desk to find an extra band so he can do the physio exercises at home and toss one to him. “Need me to run through the exercises again?”
“Nope. I got them.” Hayden’s eyes land on the dragon and he grins. “Do you like it? Miller spent three grand on it.”
My jaw drops and I turn to Rory. “Threethousanddollars?”
He shrugs like it’s nothing.
“Miller, that’swaytoo much money.”
Hayden chuckles. “I told you, he likes you. Later, lovebirds.”
As he leaves, Rory gives me a strange look. “You know what I make, right?”
Only Rory would be so up-front about being the highest-paid player in the league.
I blink at the little dragon. “This cost more than my monthly rent. You can’t spend that much money on me.” I lower my voice. “Especially because…” I give him ayou knowgesture.
He arches an eyebrow, smiling. “Because what?”
“Because I’m not really your girlfriend.”
The photo of us from Pippa’s engagement party has been making the rounds online, only adding to our credibility because it was taken before we were public about our relationship. In the photo, Rory smiles down at me with a soft look, like he doesn’t want to let me go.He’s so gone for her, one of the comments said.
