Chapter
Twenty-Six
LEXIE
"Ican't believe we're actually here," Jessica whispers, gripping my arm so tightly I'll probably have finger-shaped bruises tomorrow. "Like, actually here. In the VIP box. At a Grizzlies game!"
I laugh, gently prying her fingers loose. "You've mentioned that. About twelve times now."
"Because it bears repeating!" She bounces on her toes, peering over the railing at the ice below where players are warming up. "Luke is going to lose his mind when he gets back from the bathroom. He's probably texting everyone he's ever met."
"Probably," I agree, adjusting the hem of my sweater. It's a deep navy blue with the Grizzlies logo emblazoned across the front, except I couldn't leave well enough alone. I bought a standard sweater from the team store, then spent two nights carefully deconstructing and rebuilding it with better materials, adding subtle gold accents and reshaping it to actually fit a woman's body instead of hanging like a potato sack.
The result is pretty great, if I do say so myself. Professional enough to pass for official merchandise at first glance, but with enough personal touches that it's uniquely mine.
My life has gotten weird.
And when life gets weird, I do the one thing that makes me feel in control. I craft. Pretty sure I could knit my way out of a nervous breakdown at this point, or at least have comfy grippy socks to wear to the hospital.
"There he is!" Jessica points excitedly at the ice. "Number forty-seven. That's your man!"
I follow her finger to where Darren is skating powerful laps around the rink, his movements fluid and perfectly executed despite his size. Even from this distance, he's magnetic. The way he carries himself, the confidence in every stride.
"He's not 'my man,'" I protest weakly, though my heart does a little flip when he glances up toward the VIP boxes. Can he see me from down there? Does he know I came?
“Please,” Jessica scoffs. “He spent half an hour pretending to be interested in Taylor's rock collection and then took you home and rocked your world. He's your man.”
"Jessica!" I hiss, heat rushing to my face as I glance around to make sure no one overheard. The VIP box is relatively private, but there are still other guests mingling around the catered buffet and open bar nearby.
"What? I'm just stating facts." She grins, unrepentant. "Besides, you're literally wearing his number."
I glance down at my sweater, where I've subtly incorporated the number 47 into the design. It's not obvious unless you're looking for it, but it's there.
"It's just a show of support," I mutter, though we both know it's more than that. "And I'm pretty sure he was genuinelyinterested in the rock collection."
“Uh-huh. Sure.” Jessica's knowing smirk is interrupted by Luke's return, his face flushed with excitement.
"You willnotbelieve who I just met in the bathroom," he announces, practically vibrating. "Jax Lawson. The captain. In the flesh. Washing his hands right next to me!"
Jessica laughs, patting his arm. "Breathe, honey. Did you actually speak to him?"
"I tried," Luke admits sheepishly. "But all that came out was 'good luck tonight' and then I think I made a weird noise."
"Smooth," Jessica teases.
"He said thanks and that he hoped we enjoyed the game," Luke continues, undeterred by his wife's teasing. "And then he asked if I was with Lexie Goodwin's party, and when I said yes, he smiled and said they were glad we could make it."
I blink, surprised. "He asked about me specifically?"
"By name," Luke confirms, looking at me like I just became a rockstar. "Just how well do you know these guys?"
Before I can formulate a response that doesn't involve the phrases "scent match" or "dining table sex," a staff member appears with a tray of champagne flutes.
"Compliments of the team," she says with a professional smile. "The game will begin in about ten minutes. Please enjoy the refreshments, and let me know if you need anything else."
We each take a glass, and I use the moment to gather my thoughts. How do I explain my relationship with the Grizzlies to my brother-in-law without sounding completely insane?
"Lexie's officially dating Darren Malloy," Jessica supplies helpfully, ignoring my glare. "And by extension, sort of the whole team."
