Page 48 of The Perfect Snipe

I roll my eyes, but a smile tugs at my lips. “Yeah, yeah. And one more thing. Let’s bring Rosa too. Might be good to talk to her in a neutral environment.”

Cat's eyes widen, then her smile softens, becomes something warmer.

My eyes narrow slightly. “Did you think I wouldn’t keep my word about helping you?”

She chews on her bottom lip and shrugs.

“Cat, I gave you my word. I’m going to help.”

She pushes a strand of hair behind her ear. “Just used to people not following through. But thank you. Now, you have any idea what you want to do?”

“Not a clue.”

She snorts and shakes her head. “Wow, never thought I’d see the day you were at a loss.”

“You’re pushing it, Hellcat.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll come up with a few ideas we can go over. But Mason and I need to get going. I still need to grab Stella from dance practice.”

Mason comes out of the locker room, and I give him a big hug before he heads off with Cat. Not sure what I’d do without her.

And that’s a problem because with each passing day she’s becoming more integral to my family. So what happens when the school year’s over and she moves out?

My chest tightens at the thought, and I push the unsettling feelings down deep.

Chapter 20

Cat

The wind howls around us as Leo and I burst out of yet another restaurant, the fifth we've toured today. Cold raindrops pelt my face, and I yank the collar of my jacket up higher. “Mierda! What happened to spring in Connecticut? This is some bullshit.”

Leo, his normally perfectly-styled hair now plastered to his forehead, looks like a drowned rat. I can't help but snort at the sight.

“Something funny?”

“Oh, nothing. Just enjoying the view of the great Leo Hartman looking less than perfect for once.”

He rolls his eyes, but I catch the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “You're one to talk. You look like a drowned kitten.”

“At least I can pull off the wet look.”

We make a mad dash for his car, splashing through puddles that have already formed on the sidewalk. The sky above is an ominous gray, promising more misery to come. As we reachthe vehicle, my foot lands in a pothole in the parking lot and I stumble.

Leo's hand shoots out, steadying me.

“Easy there,” he says, his hand lingering on my arm.

“Not my fault my little legs have to work extra hard to keep up with those monsters.” I point at those thick thighs of his.

Fuck, hockey players have the best asses and legs.

Leo unlocks the car, and we both dive in, slamming the doors against the wind. The interior smells of leather and his cologne. He cranks up the heat, and I hold my hands in front of the vents, trying to warm up.

“You know,” I say, breaking the silence that's fallen between us, “I'm starting to think a formal dinner might not be the best idea for team bonding.”

Leo raises an eyebrow, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. “Oh? And here I thought watching Mykyta try to use a salad fork would be prime entertainment.”

I snort, picturing the scene. “Yeah, because nothing says team bonding like collective confusion over cutlery.”

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