Page 66 of Obeying the Owner

“Wonderful idea, Maeve. I don’t get to eat cheese very often, but any time I do, it's a great day,” Greg says.

“Help yourselves,” Lillith says, waving her hand at the food in the middle of the large table.

“Maeve, what would you like?” Trey asks, picking up my plate.

“A little of everything, please.” I watch as he dishes out lasagna, meatballs, and garlic bread. He sets the plate in front of me. “Thank you.”

Once everyone has taken their share, I dig in.

And it’s just as good as I anticipated.

“Lillith, everything is delicious,” I say.

“Thank you. I’m glad you think so.”

“Maeve, want to know who my favorite player on the Coyotes is?” Gwen asks.

“Of course I do. Who is it?”

“Niall O’Rourke. He’s an enforcer, which means he’s really good at checking other players.”

I laugh. “I’m also a big fan of Niall’s.” A small, secretive smile settles on my lips. I haven’t told Trey about my brother playing for his team yet, but it seems like it’s about to come out.

“Maeve, tell Gwen why you’re such a big fan of his,” Greg chimes in like I assumed he would.

A flash of annoyance hits me, but I dispel it just as quickly. This was bound to come out sooner or later. And if Trey and I were dating, I’d have told him long before now.

“Please tell me,” Gwen prods for a reply.

“He’s my older brother.”

Gwen beams at me. “Really?”

I nod. “Really. I also have a younger brother who plays football in college right now. But I think there’s a good chance he’ll end up in the NFL.”

Gwen’s eyes are as large as quarters. “Wow!”

Trey nudges his leg into mine. “Why didn’t you tell me who your brother was?”

Turning my head, I meet his curious gray stare. “At first, for obvious reasons. And then, I figured I’d tell you at some point, but I hadn’t worked out when.”

“Now that I know, I can see the resemblance between you,” he says.

“Yep, we all have blue eyes. But my little brother Rogan has dark brown hair.”

“You’re a wealth of secrets, Sunshine.” His voice goes soft as he whispers my nickname.

I laugh. “I’m really not. I’m an open book to most, but you’re my boss, so…” I shrug.

“Niall has been a great addition to the team,” Greg interjects.

“He loves playing for the Coyotes,” I say.

“I’d love for him to finish his career with us,” Greg adds.

“As the new owner, I’ll keep your opinion in mind, Dad,” Trey drolls.

Greg chuckles. “I’m sorry, son. I’m still adjusting to this retirement gig. That’s why the saying ‘old habits die hard’ exists.”

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