Page 154 of Sin Bin

“Not exactly,” Hunter said with a hint of wry humor. “She left in such a hurry, I was deprived of an introduction.”

“Hmm, well, maybe that’s for the best.” Santino smiled at Hunter, but there was no mistaking the edge of warning in his voice. “My daughter’s a very beautiful woman. As you can imagine, she’s had plenty of admirers. But she has exceptionally high standards that few men can meet. Many have tried. None have succeeded.”

“I see.” Hunter’s expression revealed nothing as he calmly drank from his glass.

Santino’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

“So,” Logan blurted into the tense silence, “what about that kid you wanted to ask us about?”

Chapter Twenty

MEADOW

On friday night meadow and the girls donned their men’s jerseys and set off for the T-Mobile Arena.

They got there in fifteen minutes, hopped in line and went through the security check. Nelson had arrived earlier to sit in the press box. Jenna had invited the girls to join her and the other WAGs in their family suite, but they’d declined out of respect for Scarlett, who insisted on sitting in the stands.

The arena was packed for the last game of the regular season. As the girls wound their way through the noisy crowd to locate their seating section, a deep voice spoke from behind them.

“Well, I’ll be damned. Look at our little Meadow all grown up and beautiful.”

She turned around to stare at the tall, broadly grinning man who’d spoken. Her face lit up with a delighted smile. “Mr. Tavárez!”

With a booming laugh, Santino Tavárez scooped her up and swung her around, making her giggle before he set her down and gave her a pleased once-over. “Baby girl, you are a sight for sore eyes.”

Meadow beamed at him. “It’s so good to see you again, Mr. Tavárez. How have you been?”

“Life’s good. Can’t complain.” He smiled and nodded to the others. “Good to see you ladies again.”

“Hiii, Mr. Tavárez,” they gushed, giggling like schoolgirls.

His eyes flickered with amusement before shifting back to Meadow. “Congratulations on your new job. Logan told me all about it. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you.”

“It is,” she enthused. “I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”

Mr. Tavárez smiled. “I hope they know how lucky they were to get you.”

She grinned. “They’ll find out soon enough.”

He laughed warmly. “They sure will. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Tavárez. I appreciate that.”

His eyes twinkled. “How about our boys winning their division? Pretty awesome, right?”

“Totally.” Meadow grinned. “I’m such a nervous wreck and the playoffs haven’t even started yet.”

“Tell me about it.” Mr. Tavárez chuckled. “My loyalties are divided between the Rebels and the team I scout for. My job is to bring talented players to the Washington Capitals so they can win championships. But Logan is my son and I want him to succeed more than anything. So if the Stanley Cup Final comes down to the Caps and Rebels, I’m gonna be rooting for the Rebels all the way.” He winked. “But don’t tell Caps management I said that.”

Everyone laughed.

Mr. Tavárez’s expression softened on Meadow’s face. “Have you seen him today?”

“Briefly,” she said quietly. “He said he had a lot of interviews and team stuff to do. I know how difficult this day is for him. I figured he just needed some space.”

Mr. Tavárez nodded. “I’m so glad you’re back in his life, Meadow. You’re good for him. You always have been, though you were too young to know it.”

Her heart gave a little squeeze.

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