Page 93 of The Keeper

“I do. You ran around the place like a puppy who just caught a scent. You touched everything in the room.”

Cade rolled his eyes. “Apologies for not being as refined and deluxe as you.”

“I didn’t grow up in Downton Abbey, Cade.” I poked Bennet in the arm. “He did.”

“I really can’t dispute that.” Bennet shrugged.

Cade and I laughed. We continued passing the bottle around until we were all well and truly buzzed.

“Have you thought more about New York?” Bennet asked me, walking to the cellarette for another bottle.

“Mate, you know I can’t go. I have training and several sponsorship meetings next week.”

“When did you become so responsible, Maddox?” Cade teased. “You’re turning down a guaranteed shag to beat the bishop?“

“Watch your mouth,” I snapped.

“Whoa.” Cade lifted his hands. “This girl really did you in, didn’t she?”

“Fuck off.” I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.

The room hushed for a few minutes. There’s only the sound of flames crackling and popping. Being here without a crowd of guests was actually nice. Quiet. Last time Bennet had one of his infamous parties, I’d found a corner to slink into and be alone. Sometimes I preferred that.

I’d rather have company now, though. Specific company. Company with an American accent, waves and waves of dark red hair, and the softest, silkiest mouth known to man.

The cushion next to me dipped. I opened my eyes to see Bennet sitting next to me with a wry smile.

“You’re going to want to see this,” he said.

“I’ve seen your cock already. Too many times.” My tone was dry and flippant. “Show Cade instead.”

“Arse,” Cade snickered.

“Not quite what I’d like to show you,” Bennet said in a tut-tutty way. “Look.”

He shoved his phone in my hands. A photo of Victoria and Hannah smiling together with a large group of people stared back at me. I sat up straight. According to the caption it was some league draft event. And who the fuck was Tre Gideon?

I scanned the photo. The guy standing next to Victoria had his arm around her. I recognized him. She’d been sitting in his lap in another photo. My body hummed with jealousy.

The dress she wore. Fuck. I wanted her here with me so badly it hurt. In my lap. With my arm around her.

Desire twisted tighter and tighter in my chest, squeezing around my heart in thorny vines.

Victoria

Draft week flew by. All the pre-parties were done and dusted. And now we were already on day two. Day one had been a huge success. The Legends drafted a linebacker to help shore up the defense. He’s set to arrive any minute.

I scanned through the bio I’d crafted about our newest addition.

Kevin Anderson….ran the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds….started games as linebacker, running back and safety for Montana State….made all-conference as an inside linebacker and an outside linebacker in separate seasons…recorded 156 tackles this past season, six sacks, and four interceptions….unanimous Defensive Player of the Year.

Glen and I went over the social media plan. Pictures of Kevin holding up his jersey with Ethan Caldwell and Coach Montgomery on the field. Record a few quick videos saying hey to the fans and telling them how excited he was to get to work for the team.

Glen actually sat with the social media team this week and had a whole week’s worth of posts for our newest first round pick all planned out.

“Have I told you lately you’re a lifesaver?” I asked.

“Yep. Don’t let it stop you from piling it on though,” he laughed.

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