Page 82 of Obeying the Owner

“Maeve, are you okay?” Niall calls out as he walks toward us.

“Yeah, I’m just embarrassed and humiliated.”

“You two are together?” Niall asks.

Trey nods. “I’m in love with your sister.”

“You love him?” Niall asks.

I nod. “I do.”

“I hope you’re both happy together. But, Trey. I know you’re my boss, but if you ever hurt my sister, I’ll make you regret it.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Trey says.

“Maeve, march back in there with your head held high,” Niall says.

“I don’t want to,” I whine. “Can’t we go home?” I ask Trey.

“No, your brother’s right. There’s no reason for you and me to feel ashamed. We’re going to return, listen to my dad give his speech, and eat some cake.”

“Ugh. Fine,” I relent.

“I’ll be with you the whole way.” Raising our joined hands, he kisses mine, and we start retracing our steps.

“Walk in with a smile on your face, sis. Act like nothing’s wrong.”

“I’ll try.”

“Think about Rogan and what he’d do in your position,” Niall suggests.

I laugh. “He’d be happy to have all the attention on him.”

Niall nods. “He would. So pretend you like it.”

We’re almost to the tent. I drag in a deep breath and exhale slowly.

“Ready?” Trey asks.

“Yeah.”

“Come on, sis. You’ve got this,” Niall says.

I relax the crease between my brows right before we step inside. All the guests don’t fall silent like I imagined they would. In fact, as I glance around, I notice hardly anyone is looking our way. My smile is genuine as we cross the floor. “Thanks, Niall,” I say. He squeezes my arm before he returns to his table, and Trey and I take our seats once more.

“You good?” Sheryl asks.

“Yeah.” My head swivels to the man I love, and I smile. “Actually, I’m great.”

CHAPTER 20

TREY

“Are my girls excited for the first game of the season?” I ask, pulling into my designated parking spot.

“Yes!” Gwen yells. “I don’t think I could have more Coyotes gear on if I tried. I’ve got my socks, my leggings, and my sweatshirt.”

“Don’t forget the logo on your cheek,” Maeve reminds her.

---