Page 78 of Obeying the Owner

“Trey, you know what I mean.”

He laughs. “I do. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“I don’t need to promise. You know what a rule follower I am.”

“I prefer to think of it as a need to please me.”

“There’s that too.” I glance at him from the corner of my eye. His chest is puffed up with pride.

“Maeve.” Lucy calls my name from up ahead, where she and Niall wait.

I wave, and we make our way to them. “Hey, fancy meeting you two here.”

“Hi,” Lucy says, pulling me into a quick hug. Then she looks me over. “Look at you. You’re gorgeous.”

“So are you,” I say. Lucy is stunning in her strapless black gown. My gaze moves over to Niall. “Big brother, you clean up nicely.”

He shrugs. “You look beautiful.”

“Aww, thanks. Niall, you must know my boss, Trey.”

“Yes, we’ve met. How are you?”

Trey shakes his hand. “I’m great, thanks. How’s everything been?”

“Practices have been going well and we retained all of our team, so I think we could have another great year.”

“That’s the plan,” Trey says.

“I think I need some alcohol to make it through this party,” I say.

Trey nods. “That sounds like a good idea.”

“We’ll catch up with you two later on,” I say.

Lucy nods. “Sounds good.”

Trey and I walk toward the bar set up along one side of the large white tent. We exchange greetings along the way with some of his parents’ friends. Each time, he introduces me as his employee, making me regret my reluctance to be open about our relationship. But I really think it’s best to keep it private for now.

We finally make it to the bar. “What would you like?” Trey asks.

“I’ll take a mojito, please.”

While he orders our drinks, Sheryl sidles up beside me. “Hi.” She flashes a toothy grin.

“Hey, you,” I say, giving her a brief hug. “Did you just arrive?”

“Yes. I can’t believe I’m here.”

“Well, you helped me put the slideshow together. It’s only fair you get to be here and see the fruits of our labor.”

“There are so many famous hockey players all over the place. I might lose my mind.”

“I put you at the same table with me and Trey.”

Her eyes flash wider. “Does that mean it’s Greg’s table?”

“Yes, it does.”

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