I had no regrets that I'd held on tightly to our friendship, though, despite how much my heart ached at times. I wanted the man in my life however I could get him.
After grabbing my gear, I stopped off for a quick word with Coach, then headed out to find my friend and his daughter. I found them outside the locker room.
Once again, Lottie raced toward me. This time I scooped her up, not giving a damn that she was ten and far too big to be carried.
“You guys ready to go?” I asked.
“I'm starving. Dad wouldn't let me have a hot dog during the game.” Lottie made a good attempt at pouting.
“Then you wouldn't be able to eat with Pearce. No dessert, no talking shop, remember. It means you need all the room for your plans for world domination.” Eddie quirked his brow at his daughter, sending me a follow-up wink. “Your car in the usual spot?” he asked.
I bobbed my head. Eddie, and sometimes Lottie when my games didn't clash with school, made regular trips to see me play. Every single time, I was overwhelmed he made the effort, all but pinching myself knowing he valued my friendship as much as I did his.
“I booked us in at the hotel restaurant. I hope that's okay.” His gaze flicked to his daughter, and I glanced at her still in my arms. Her head was against my shoulder. While her eyes were open, I figured she'd be exhausted. Not that she'd ever admit as much to either of us.
“Sounds good. The perfect place to spend time with this crazy kid.”
Eddie's smile was soft, and when my gaze traveled to his face, I realized it was directed at me rather than Lottie.
I held his stare for a beat before glancing away, too terrified he'd see longing in my eyes. The last thing I wanted was him to feel awkward. And the thought of not spending time with either of them wasn't worth the risk.
“You want me to drive?” Eddie asked as we stepped into the secure parking lot. My relieved smile was instant, as was the flutter in my stomach. He knew I always had a mini adrenaline crash post game, where I was overcome with tiredness until I got a decent meal.
“That'd be great, thanks.” I passed him the key to my SUV, which I may have upgraded to last year with Lottie in mind.
We got settled in the car, and Eddie started the engine. “With this traffic, it'll take us at least forty-five minutes. Why don't you rest? You know I've got you.”
Our gazes caught, a whisper of a smile tilting his lips. I closed my eyes, aware he spoke the truth. The only trouble was, I wish he had me in every way possible.
CHAPTER5
EDDIE
After a million andone questions from Lottie, I'd finally managed to get her to bed, giving Pearce a break. While food had perked him up, once we'd made it to my suite, he'd played along with Lottie, despite how he obviously flagged.
“She settle okay?”
I picked up my beer and smiled at Pearce, appreciating how much he cared about my passionate daughter. “Yeah. She was pretty buzzed after your game and shop talk.” I collapsed on the oversized couch and eyed the man lounging across from me. “You really were incredible.”
And there was his blush, as if on cue. Perhaps I was an asshole for enjoying it so much, but with how upside down my life had started to feel, I appreciated the familiarity and comfort of being in Pearce's space. He was so easy to read and get a rise from. And hell if I didn't bask in every moment I spent with the man.
“The team pulled together,” he said. “We held our own.”
I quirked my brow at him. “I know that's the party line, but come on,” I challenged.
His grin was immediate, his slight flush from my earlier praise morphing to a darker shade of red. “It was fucking awesome. Did you see that three-pointer in the first ten?” He shook his head as if visualizing the play. “Lennox didn't know what hit him,” he all but gushed. “Hell, it was amazing.” The excitement I loved to hear filled his words and his features.
“The playoffs,” he continued. “I can hardly believe it.”
“I can. You and the team deserve to be there. You especially.” Before we'd first met, I'd paid enough attention when watching ESPN to sit up and take note of the new Eagles forward. Since becoming friends during the summer program where we helped coach players set for the League draft, my opinion of the man had grown exponentially.
Not only was Pearce an incredible player, but he was also fun to be around. Our conversations had been as easy and natural as if we'd known each other for years, and definitely not like there was a decade between us.
“You think you'll be able to make it to many games? Obviously depending how far in we get.”
I bobbed my head. “I'll make as many happen as possible. Lottie’s away at camp for one week when the finals are scheduled. It’ll make it easier. I'm not helping with the summer program scheduling at Montview this year.” This meant I’d freed myself up for the rest of the month from that additional task I usually had. I paused and took a drink before asking, “Is Montview still on the cards for you this season?” Despite my casual question, his answer mattered. Spending so much time with Pearce over the summer had become one of my favorite things to do.
A frown appeared between his brows. “Yeah, of course. Why'd you ask?”
