Page 30 of Twin Babies for the Pucking Billionaires

I laugh. “What do you want, or did you just follow me out to troll me?”

“Coach has something for all of us to do tomorrow after practice,” he says.

“What is it?”

“The team’s partnering with some dog foundation. We’re doing shoots with the puppies.”

I burst out laughing. “Aren’t you afraid of dogs?”

“Not afraid, allergic,” Declan corrects.

“So?”

“So nothing. We have to do this. You heard Coach. Changes are coming and we need to keep the investors happy.”

I nod. “Should we go back inside and finish our drinks?”

“I’d rather go to bed,” Declan admits.

I think about going back in. I had a shot at getting Jess to leave with me, but after thinking I saw the girl who has been in my mind for years, I’m definitely feeling off my game. “Fine, I’ll order us an Uber home.”

The club is loud and alive with people, but I’m just not feeling it anymore. Jess is busy with other customers when I head back inside. I pull out my phone and order an Uber.

Declan stands next to me, his expression softening. “You okay, really?”

“Yeah, man. Just…memories, you know?”

He nods, understanding without needing to say more. That’s the thing about Declan—he gets it. Gets me.

The Uber arrives, and we hop in, the car warm compared to the biting cold outside. Declan leans back, closing his eyes. I know he’s worried about the team, the investors, everything. But tonight, I just want to forget about it all for a while.

“Thanks for coming out,” I say, breaking the silence.

“Thanks for dragging me out,” he replies, a hint of a smile on his lips.

As we ride back to our homes, the city lights blurring past, I think about tomorrow. The practice, the photoshoot, everything we need to do to get back on track. It’s a lot, but we’ll handle it. We always do.

When we reach Declan’s place, he turns to me. “Get some rest, Finn. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“You too, man. See you in the morning.”

I watch him go inside before directing the driver to my place. My head’s still spinning a bit from the drinks and the almost-panic attack. But I know I’ll get through this. I always do.

Back in my apartment, I collapse onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. The quiet is a stark contrast to the noise of Inferno. I close my eyes, trying to push away the memories ofher, of everything.

Tomorrow’s a new day.

Chapter Nine

Finn

“Axel, spit out the damn chewing gum,” Coach Nate snaps.

“Sorry, Coach,” Axel mumbles, spitting it into the trash. The room chuckles, knowing this is a daily routine.

Coach clears his throat, getting everyone’s attention.

“Listen up. There’s going to be cameras and a crew setting up. We’ve teamed up with a vet clinic that’s called Elite Paws and the local shelter. There’ll be photos and a few interviews,” Coach explains.

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