I’m teasing, of course, but not by much. I’ve never seen a hotel room appear so inadequate and small. Six of them are sitting on the empty bed, two have claimed the armchair and footstool, another is in the desk chair, and the rest are either standing around in whatever space is left or out in the hall. All of them are holding either a beer or soda bottle.
Clearly, the party has started.
Luke’s on the other bed with pillows behind him against the headboard and one under his injured leg. Ethan walks over with a bag of ice, which he places on the towel draped over Luke’s knee.
When he notices me, I lift my chin as a gesture toward his leg. “How’s the knee?”
Ethan answers for him. “He’s fine. Just needs to rest it for a few days.”
I pin him with a mild glare. “Thank you, Luke.”
The rest of the guys let out hoots and groans at my comment.
Mathéo says something in French, and when we look at him for the translation, he shrugs. “Translated simply, she burned him.”
That brings more laughter and ribbing around the room.
I bring my fingers to my mouth and reveal my one trick—I can whistle with the best of them. All of them stare at me with eyes as big as that puck they like to swat around. “Listen, guys, I have a deadline to meet. Enjoy your celebration, but leave my door out of it.” I finish with a short laugh so they know there are no hard feelings.
The rest of my article flows easily, and I manage to complete the rough draft about the same time I hear the guys leaving Luke’s room. I’m in need of a good stretch and a soda from down the hall, so I open the connecting door to check on Luke’s ice situation.
Ethan and Payton are sitting on the bed opposite Luke, but the rest of the guys are already gone. Ethan dons a smirk. “I swear I was being quiet.”
Payton’s expression turns sheepish. “Did you make your deadline?”
“Almost.” I shift my gaze to Luke. “I’m headed to the soda machine. Need anything?”
For some reason, this causes Ethan and Payton to glance at each other in silent communication. They jump up and express hurried goodbyes to Luke.
I wait until they leave. “What was that about?”
Luke smirks. “Just ignore them.”
“No, seriously, what are they up to?” I take a step closer tohis bed.
He rubs a hand over his mouth. “Nothing you need to know.”
And here I thought we were making progress in the trust department, especially after yesterday. He did let me fall asleep against his arm on the bus ride up. And the way he took my camera and took pictures of me felt like more than just two people hanging out.
Okay, maybe not. I lift my hands from my sides, then drop them. “Fine. Forget I asked. Do you need ice or a soda or something?”
He pins me with that penetrating stare of his again. “Ice would be appreciated.” He lifts the bag of ice that’s now melted off his leg and holds it out to me.
“No problem.” I step into the bathroom to empty the bag in the sink, stopping to notice his toiletries arranged around the sink. His spicy sandalwood scent lingers in the air. Before I’m tempted to do something stupid like touch the strands of hair in his brush or sniff his towel hanging over the shower, I grab the ice bucket and head back to my room to grab my key.
When I return, Luke appears to have dozed off. I can only imagine how exhausted these guys are after a game. I leave the bucket holding the bag of ice on his nightstand.
Sleep has relaxed his features, giving him a peaceful appearance. I follow the line of his jaw to his chin and up to those beautiful lips of his. Then up the sweep of his nose to the smooth arch of his dark brows.
He’s on top of the covers, so I tug the comforter off the neighboring bed and drape it over him. As I’m about to turn off the nightstand light, he reaches up and grabs my wrist. The warmth of his hand on my skin sends a thrill through me that’s exciting and comforting all at once.
His eyes open a crack, and his voice sounds sleepy. “Thanks.”
“No problem,” I whisper.
His hold loosens, and his hand slides down to rest on hisstomach. I wait a moment to see if he says anything else, but his breathing continues to slow. I turn out the light and head back to my room.
But I can’t bring myself to close the connecting doors and decide to leave them cracked in case Luke needs help during the night.
