Page 31 of Fierce Storm
“That came out wrong.”
“It did. But I promise. I’m happy. If and when I want a man, I’ll find one.”
“What about Coach or someone else on the staff?”
“You want me to date Pierce?” My eyes bulge though it’s not Pierce that popped into my head.
“God, no. I’m just trying to get a gauge on other people I know. Are coaches and staff off-limits? What about agents?”
I stiffen but Luke’s lost in thought, most likely trying to come up with more ideas, so he thankfully doesn’t notice.
“I think you’re going about this all wrong.” I try another tack, and Luke’s forehead creases as he glances back at me.
“How so?”
“Well, when the rest of you found love, you found it on our own. The group chat worked its magic without your help.”
Luke’s confusion deepens, and I internally curse myself until his eyes light up.
“You’re right.” He clicks his fingers and I breathe a sigh of relief. I should have mentioned that months ago. “But…” Luke’s voice cuts into my internal celebration and I pause.Damn buts. He always has them. “That will only work if you promise to get out more. You’re never going to meet someone if all you do is work. It’s the offseason, Keeley. You should be on vacation or joining a group of like-minded individuals to go… shit, I don’t know. Do you have any hobbies?”
“How do you know I’m not going on a vacation?”
“Amelia.”
Dammit.
“Well, rest assured, I’ll be spending plenty of time with ‘like-minded individuals.’ I don’t plan on spending all of my time here.”
“It’s seven p.m.” He points toward my window, and I turn to see it’s dark outside. Which is nothing new.
“So?”
“It’s the offseason,” he reminds me again, staring at me pointedly and…Jesus. When he says it like that, it sounds bad. I had no idea of the time. That meeting must have gone a lot longer than I thought. Time flies when you’re having fun.
“Okay.” Point made but what do I… Hang on… “You’re here.” I raise an eyebrow and he laughs.
“I am. Only I’m here because the big boss called me in to talk about the fundraiser I’m hosting with the D’Angelo Foundation, and no one says no to D’Angelo.”
Dammit again.
“Fine. I’ll try harder to meet someone. In fact, I’ll message Paige now and see if she wants to go out next weekend.”
“Great idea.” Satisfaction beams across his face, and my eyelids briefly drop.
“You’re like an annoying brother. You know that, right? More annoying than myactualbrother.”
“I’m giving you the full-sibling service since Easton’s so grumpy all the time. This is how it’s supposed to be.”
“Oh, so you set Lainey and Thomas up, did you? That was sweet.”
“Fuck, no. They kept that shit quiet.”
“I wonder why.”
“Maybe a brother is the wrong word. Think of me as a concerned friend.”
“How about an overbearing coworker?”
