Page 88 of Timelessly Ours
The team hasn’t come up yet. I know it takes a bit for them to shower and change into their suits before they join us, but there are plenty of people here already. Including Grove Randall, the team’s General Manager. I’ve met him once before, but he probably doesn’t know me. He’s with his wife, a beautiful woman, possibly in her forties, gracefully chatting with another couple.
He must feel my eyes on him because Grove turns briefly and catches my eye. Then does a double take, holding my gaze a bit longer, his expression a mix of curiosity and discomfort. He blinks away, as most do when they lock eyes with me.
The old Nicole would have walked right up to him and asked him what his problem was.
But I can’t do that now. He’s technically Coach’s boss. Not to mention, I’m in no position to be proving myself to anyone.
Just stay out of sight, Nicky. You’re five feet tall, it’s not that difficult.
Cora emerges from the crowd, finding Angel and me. She's in a pencil skirt and white blouse, which tells me she came straight from work.
“Hey, you missed a great game,” I say.
“I heard,” she cries. “Thank goodness they won, I don't know if I can handle another loss, Nick's been so stressed.”
“Welcome to the club,” Angel grumbles and I realize, I'm in that club. I wonder if Angel meant welcome to our club, as in the one where Coach and Jace come home and burden us with the weight of their pent-up frustration.
“What are you having, Cor?” Angel asks.
“Oh, I drove here, so just a coke.”
“I'll get it,” Angel offers quickly, then returns to the bar.
Cora nudges me and already, I know I’m not going to be prepared to answer whatever she’s about to ask. “How are things at home?” The question comes with a wiggle of her perfectly shaped brows.
I nudge her back. “Probably not as good as things will be for you tonight.” Between you and me, I don’t particularly like to make implications of my brother getting it on with his girlfriend. But anything to deflect my telling her about the mind-blowing orgasm Coach gave me in his hot tub.
Cora blushes and turns toward the double doors of the suite’s entrance. “Where are they?”
I put a hand on my heart. “And here I thought you were looking forward to spending time with your very best friend,” I state as Angel turns back with the soda.
“For the record, Cora loves us both equally. Don’t you, dear?”
She takes the drink Angel offers. “Differently.”
Angel narrows her eyes. “How differently?”
There’s howling in the front of the large room as several players enter, and my senses are on alert. But it’s not for me. They’re working overtime for someone else.
If Coach is concerned about someone on the team he can’t trust, it has to be someone who wouldn’t particularly be happy about today’s win.
Switching on my predator eyes, I search for the possible suspect.
Except…they all look happy. Or at least for the cameras.
If you’re here, I’ll find you. Just give me a minute.
Nick lifts his girlfriend in the air the moment he reaches us and she squeals.
“I’m sorry, I missed the game.”
He doesn’t seem the least bit fazed about it. God the way he looks at her. He’s still enchanted. Bending down, he says something to her—or possibly asks. It’s impossible to hear in this room.
Cora rolls her eyes. “Are you kidding? My day was not as exciting as your night. You won against the team that’s in the lead. That must feel amazing.”
He nods but looks solemn for some reason.
“Can we step outside for a minute?” he asks us and I completely get it. Nick isn’t much for crowds either.
