Page 228 of Cross Check

Hopefully I don’t get drafted last for the game on Saturday!

AG

There’s no way you will. You’re one of the best players out there this year.

Me

Talk about an ego boost. Thanks, Lia.

Are YOU going to the welcome party tonight?

AG

I’m going to stop by!

Me

Best news I’ve heard all day. Can’t wait to see you!

“Grant Everett.” The blond next to me at the bar sticks out his hand with a smile. “I’m Tommy Deplasis. I drafted you for the game on Saturday.”

“Hey, man. Thanks for doing that.” I shake his hand and return his grin. “You’re in New York, right? Congratulations on all the fan votes.”

“The Big Apple loves sports.” He laughs and gets the attention of the bartender, ordering a seltzer water with lime. “You want anything?”

“I’m fine.” I hold up my glass and show off the whiskey I’ve been nursing for the last hour. “Thanks for the offer.”

“Pretty sure buying drinks is part of the captain role, right?” He takes his glass from the bartender and drops a twenty in the tip jar. “How’s the season going so far?”

“Can’t complain.” I take a sip of my drink and lean against the bar. “We’re in a solid position before the playoffs start.”

“Better than us. Our coach is on the way out, and I say good riddance.” Tommy snorts. “Are you watching the Skills event tomorrow night?”

“I’m going to try. I have some sponsorship obligations I need to fulfill, and I thought I’d have more time to relax this weekend.” I chuckle. My attention catches on the bar entrance, and I stand up straight when Amelia walks inside. I throw back the rest of my drink and set it on the counter. “Nice chatting with you, dude. I’m going to do a lap.”

“No worries.” Tommy clasps my shoulder. “See you at practice tomorrow.”

Amelia stops to talk with different people, smiling and laughing and being effortlessly charismatic. I watch her, my eyes sweeping over the black dress she’s wearing, and I can’t help but stare at the thin straps that show off her shoulders. The fabric hugs her torso before fanning out at her waist, and the wind gets knocked out of me when she tosses her hair over her shoulder to show off her neck and the jewelry she has on tonight. I wait my turn, lingering near a corner and pretending to check my phone while she finishes a conversation.

“Am I interrupting?” she asks, sliding next to me with a wine glass in her hand.

“Never.” I smile, aware of the lack of privacy we have. “Nice to see you, Amelia.”

“And you, Everett.” She takes a long sip of her drink. “You clean up well.”

“Look who’s talking. You’re so goddamn beautiful, I’m about to go into cardiac arrest.” I drop my voice until it’s barely above a whisper. “My palms are sweating.”

“Guess that means the dress was worth it.” Amelia steps closer. “Are you having a good night?”

“Better now. How about you? Seems like everyone is vying for your attention.”

“And you’re the only person I want to give it to.” She cranes her neck, waving to someone across the bar. “But I’m going to leave and make you watch my ass when I walk away. Think you’re going to survive?”

“Not a chance. I’m too busy daydreaming about bending you over a hotel bed and fucking you from behind.” My hand skims along the small of her back. The touch is barely there, but she still shivers. “Your curves might be the thing that does me in.”

“You’re funny.” Amelia moves forward and glances at me over her shoulder. She lifts an eyebrow then licks away the drop of wine caught on her bottom lip. “Don’t miss me too much, Everett.”

I put a hand over my chest and hold back a groan.