Page 67 of Hat Trick
“Where are you based?”
“London. Heathrow Airport is my second home,” James says.
“I’m jealous. You have the good Cadbury chocolate in the UK.” I spot Riley approaching us, and I wave. He lights up and waves back, the grin he’s wearing falling slightly when he sees the man next to me. “The best you can find in our airports is overpriced Skittles.”
“Works for me. I love tasting the rainbow.” His attention bounces to Riley, then back to me. “Why does this bloke look like he wants to punch me?”
“He’s probably also very hungry, and I’m spending too much time talking to you and not enough time delivering nachos to needy athletes.”
“I can help,” James offers.
“I can also help,” Riley interjects, glancing down at me. “You good, Lex?”
“Wow. Two men willing to help me? There’s a joke somewhere in there. I appreciate both of you offering, but I have the nachos covered. Single, independent woman reporting for duty.” I smile at Riley. “You didn’t have to come over here. The guys have been so excited to hang out with you, and they are way more interesting than me.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” He puts his hands in his pockets and shrugs. “You’re more fun.”
“I’m flattered.” I touch the curve of his elbow, and he looks down at where my fingers sit on his bare skin. “But I’m fine. Really. Go have fun, and I’ll see you on the bus in the morning.”
“Right.” Riley gives me a single nod. “I think I’m going to head upstairs. I’m not in a socializing mood. And I’m not very hungry.”
“Are you sure? I can bring up some food for when?—”
“I’m okay. Have a good night, Lex,” he says.
Riley pushes his way through the group of players congregating around tables. I watch him leave, and I don’t know if I should chase after him. The last thing I want to be is a bother when he wants some peace and quiet, and when he disappears around the corner toward the elevators, I sigh.
“Wow,” James says, and I jump. I forgot he was there. “Poor guy. I didn’t mean to cockblock him.”
“What are you talking about?” I ask.
“Nacho Man. He was clearly hoping you’d kick me to the curb so he could have some time with you. Offering to carry the nachos was a bold move.”
“Youoffered to carry the nachos,” I say.
“Yeah, but heoffered to carry the nachos.” James smirks. “If you know what I mean.”
“No way. Riley is my friend,” I say, and I feel like a broken record. I need to tattoo it across my forehead so peoplestop fucking assumingthe two of us are together because we spend five seconds interacting. “He would’ve come up if any of the other guys were talking to me at the bar.”
“They aren’t though, are they? They’re keeping their distance.”
“We’re friends,” I repeat, and James shrugs.
“Friends or not, that bloke wanted you all for himself.”
The bartender puts three large trays down on the bar, and I balance them on my arms. “I should go,” I say. “I have an important job.”
“I’ll say. Nice to meet you, Lexi.” James pretends to tip a hat in my direction. “Be good to your friend. He seems like a good one.”
I drop off one of the trays of nachos to the girls and the other to Grant’s table, keeping one for myself. I’m suddenly not in the mood to socialize either, and before anyone has a chance to ask where I’m going, I hightail it for the elevators.
I check my phone with the list of room numbers for the guys and find Riley’s, riding up to the fourth floor and knocking softly on his door.
He doesn’t answer at first, and I’m afraid I’ve made a mistake by coming here. Then the lock clicks. The handle turns, and Riley is there, shirtless with messy hair and glasses sliding down his nose, a pair of crutches in his hand.
“Hi,” I whisper, and he blinks at me.
“What are you doing here?” he asks.
