Page 57 of Lock 'em Down

“I’m Maisy.” Maisy hugs me back.

“Thank you so much for having us tonight,” I say, stepping aside so Stella and Leif can greet Maisy.

While they say hello, I’m intercepted by a giant of a man with dark eyes and a man-bun. I grin. “You must be Brawler.”

He smirks. “I like that my name precedes me.” Brawler pulls me into a hug.

“Thanks for inviting me.” I hand him the bottle of wine I picked up. Leif also has a few bottles but I wanted to bring something too. I wanted Leif to know that I’m making an effort to connect with his teammates.

“Thanks, Cami. You didn’t have to bring anything.” Brawler places the wine bottle on a countertop. “Let me introduce you to everyone.” He guides me deeper into his home. It’s an open-concept floor plan and I love how the spaces blend together.

When we enter the living room, two hulking men—obviously teammates of Leif’s—stand. Two women chatting by the fireplace turn toward us and come closer. “This is Damien?—”

“Team Captain,” I say.

Damien grins. “You got it. Good to meet you, Cami.” He holds out a hand and I shake it. “This is my fiancée, Harper.”

“I still love hearing that!” Harper singsongs, pulling me into a hug. “It’s so good to meet you. I’m in the midst of wedding planning so we can compare notes.”

I smile at her friendliness. “I’d like that.”

“This is my daughter, Lola,” Brawler continues.

“Hi, Cami!” Lola hugs me hello. Just then, a little cry rings out. “Oops, Mia’s awake. Excuse me.” She darts down a hallway.

“I’m River.” The tough-looking guy with tattoos stretching from his neck to his knuckles says, holding out a hand.

I exchange a handshake. “I’ve heard of you.”

“Uh-oh,” Harper teases.

I blush and shake my head. “No, nothing bad. Stella was just saying how nice it was to see you again since you used to play in the same circuit as Leif and Jensen.”

River nods. “It’s been a long time, but Stella is a trip.”

“She definitely is,” I agree.

Damien laughs. “What are you drinking?”

“I got it,” Brawler says, moving toward the kitchen to get drinks.

“Oh, thanks!” I call after him.

“I know Cole and Beau are going to be disappointed they missed meeting you,” Harper says, referencing two more of Leif’s teammates. “They’re practically brothers-in-law since Beau’s little sister Bea is dating Cole.”

“And they’re in Mexico at the moment for their Gran’s birthday.” River shakes his head, looking amused. “Gran’s turning ninety-three?—”

“Or ninety-four?” Damien asks.

River shrugs. “She’s in her nineties, man, and the fact that she can still rally and get all her grandkids to take a trip to Mexico is the biggest flex I’ve ever seen.”

We all laugh. “I hope I’m like that in my nineties,” I admit.

“You and me both,” Stella agrees, coming into our huddle.

Brawler hands me a glass of wine and I relax. Little pockets of conversation break out. When I look over my shoulder, Leif’s eyes are on me, watching. I give him a smile and he grins back, his blue eyes dancing.

We’re doing it. And it feels good. Right.

---